Layers of coconut chia pudding and strawberry chia jam come together in one perfect bite! These easy to make and healthy Strawberry Coconut Chia Pudding Parfaits are a delightful protein filled breakfast, snack or dessert!
Chia seeds aren’t something that I’ve really gotten into. For some reason the idea of eating something that I sprouted into a chia pet (I think mine was a dog) as a kid didn’t seem all that appetizing. I mean seriously who got the idea that we should start eating these seeds? Did someone one day just decide to snack on their chia pet and decide that this is something we should all be eating? It’s strange things like this that I find myself thinking about during a long run.
Anywho, these little slippery, some might describe as slimy seeds are all the rage and turns out quite healthy for you too. My first experience eating them was not a good one which is probably why I’ve steered clear of them in my recipes. I literally just ate some straight up and was not impressed with how the texture changed when they were in my mouth and that I continued to find a stray one stuck to my teeth throughout the day.
However, because these little seeds are packed with protein, fiber, Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and are high in antioxidants I was determined to find a way that I could enjoy them. Making these Strawberry Coconut Chia Pudding Parfaits was the clear winner. I’m about a year late to the chia pudding and chia jam game, but hey at least I finally got here! These parfaits are perfect for breakfast, snack or a healthy dessert. They totally satisfied my sweet tooth cravings and did it all without using refined sugars!
I will note that chia pudding is very reminiscent of tapioca pudding, so if you’re not a fan this might not be something you’ll enjoy. The strawberry chia jam however, I found to be very similar to regular jam but a little more seedy. This recipe makes enough pudding and jam for four parfaits which can be assembled all at once then stored in the refrigerator so you can have a healthy treat all week. The pudding and jam are best if you let them set up for at least four hours and overnight is even better. The next time you get a craving for something sweet skip the store bought sugary pudding and make these Strawberry Coconut Chia Pudding Parfaits instead!
More Parfait Recipes
Banana Coconut Cream Pie Parfaits
Strawberries and Cream Yogurt Quinoa Parfaits
Grapefruit Curd and Honeyed Yogurt Parfaits
Berry Vanilla Cheesecake Parfaits
Strawberry Coconut Chia Pudding Parfaits
Ingredients
Strawberry Chia Jam
- 1/2 pound strawberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon honey, use more or less depending on the sweetness of the berries
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coconut Chia Pudding
- 6 ounces plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup low fat milk or milk of choice (I used unsweetened almond milk)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract or vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- Unsweetened toasted coconut flakes for topping the parfaits (optional)
Instructions
Strawberry Chia Jam
- Place the strawberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook the berries for about 5-7 minutes until they break down and become syrupy. Use a potato masher to mash the berries into your desired consistency.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the honey, lemon juice, salt and vanilla. Stir in the chia seeds then let it stand for 5-10 minutes. Refrigerate and store in an airtight container or jar until chilled.
Coconut Chia Pudding
- In a large bowl whisk together the yogurt, milk, honey, coconut extract and pinch of salt until smooth. Add in the chia seeds and stir until evenly incorporated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight until the pudding is thick.
Assembling the Parfaits
- Divide the pudding and jam into 4 glasses, bowls or jars. Top with unsweetened toasted coconut flakes if desired. Serve immediately or cover and store in the fridge to eat throughout the week (they should keep for approximately 4-5 days).
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 171Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 72mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 6gSugar: 18gProtein: 9g
Chia seeds remind me of tapioca as well! And this flavor profile you achieved is perfect. Love the photos too!
Thanks Kristen! I love how similar it is to tapioca, only healthier!
Such a gorgeous layered dessert! And I’m a sucker for strawberries so I know I’d love this!
Thanks Rachel!
I’ve been eating chia pudding all week and you know that I can’t wait to try this combination! How can I resist the strawberry and coconut? Not only does it look pretty but I am sure it tastes amazing too.
I know you would love this recipe Ashley! Strawberries and coconut are right up your alley!
Dear Danae, your pudding sounds wonderful…I would love this for breakfast or dessert…or any time of day! xo, Catherine
Danae – how could you not love chia seeds when they come in this delicious layered pudding! BTW – Your photos are fantastic!
Thanks Shashi!
Chia seeds half weird me out/half love them. I think it’s interesting how much they change when they are added to liquid. Also I agree – who thought about eating these thing? Oh I’ll water my chia pet and have a snack? Who does that? Oh and hoooooray for strawberry season!
I was the same way Brandy and then I made these parfaits and have converted to the love side…as long as they’re in pudding or jam! ;-)
Looks great!! Excited to try the chia seed jam :)
Thanks Samantha! The jam is awesome and so easy to make!
This looks so delish! Lovely photos too!
Thank you!
I’d love to have one of these after a long run! Can’t wait to give these a try!
They taste so good after a run! Plus I don’t feel like I undid all the work I just put into the run after eating one!
It’s so funny, I was just thinking about making chia pudding the other day. I’ve wondered how people decided that they could eat these seeds, too! Anyway, this chia pudding looks delicious!
Thanks Lisa, you totally need to make yourself some chia pudding!
Prepped this last night and assembled today for a snack for my 15 month old granddaughter and myself. Oh my! This was amazing!! I layered it in small glass bowls and while it didn’t layer up like the pictures it didn’t matter. The taste is just incredible and I’ll definitely make this frequently as my granddaughter has a very good appetite and LOVES good wholesome, real food. Try this. You will love it!
I’m so glad you and your granddaughter enjoyed the parfaits Maureen! They’re one of my favorite healthy treats!