Protein Vanilla Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt – Healthy High Protein Breakfast

Kickstart your day with a truly satisfying and wholesome breakfast that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare.

This Protein Vanilla Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt is a game-changer for busy mornings, offering a delightful blend of creamy texture and rich vanilla flavor. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, grab-and-go option that can be prepped in advance, ensuring you never skip the most important meal of the day. Each serving provides about 20 grams of protein.

This high-protein chia seed pudding combines the goodness of chia seeds and the extra protein boost from Greek yogurt, making it an excellent choice for sustained energy. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or simply seeking a more nutritious start, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience.

Protein Vanilla Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt

---

• Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes (or overnight)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Kickstart your day with a truly satisfying and wholesome breakfast that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare. This Protein Vanilla Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt is a game-changer for busy mornings, offering a delightful blend of creamy texture and rich vanilla flavor. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, grab-and-go option that can be prepped in advance, ensuring you never skip the most important meal of the day. Each serving provides about 20 grams of protein. This high-protein chia seed pudding combines the goodness of chia seeds and the extra protein boost from Greek yogurt, making it an excellent choice for sustained energy. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or simply seeking a more nutritious start, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1/2 cup chia seeds

2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)

1/4 cup vanilla protein powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)

1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 0% fat)

---

Instructions

1. 1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the chia seeds and vanilla protein powder. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure the protein powder is evenly distributed and there are no lumps. This step is important for a smooth final texture.

2. 2. Add the Liquids and Sweetener: Pour in the unsweetened almond milk and vanilla extract. Add the maple syrup (or honey) to the bowl.

3. 3. Whisk Until Smooth: Using a whisk, stir all the ingredients together vigorously for about 1-2 minutes. Make sure there are no clumps of chia seeds or protein powder sticking to the bottom or sides of the bowl. The mixture should look well combined, though still liquid.

4. 4. Incorporate the Greek Yogurt: Add the plain Greek yogurt to the mixture. Gently fold it in until it’s fully incorporated. The yogurt will add a lovely creaminess and thickness right from the start.

5. 5. Chill for Setting: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture into individual serving jars with lids. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the chia seeds to fully expand and absorb the liquid, creating the pudding consistency.

6. 6. Stir Before Serving: Before serving, give the pudding a good stir. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash more almond milk to reach your desired consistency.

7. 7. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the pudding into bowls or glasses. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy your healthy, protein-packed breakfast!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: breakfast
• Cuisine: healthy

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Protein: 20

Keywords: chia pudding, protein, vanilla, greek yogurt, healthy breakfast, meal prep, easy, no cook, high protein, vegetarian

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This protein vanilla chia pudding is a fantastic choice for so many reasons. It’s incredibly simple to put together, requiring minimal effort and no cooking, which makes it perfect for hectic weekdays. The combination of chia seeds and Greek yogurt creates a wonderfully thick and creamy texture that feels indulgent, yet it’s packed with nutrients. This recipe is ideal for individuals and families who want a healthy breakfast that can be made ahead of time, ensuring a stress-free morning routine. It’s also great for meal prepping on a Sunday, providing several days of ready-to-eat breakfasts. Anyone looking to increase their protein intake without sacrificing flavor will find this recipe particularly appealing. Serve it as a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a light dessert.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this protein-packed chia pudding is straightforward, as most items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the wholesome nature of its components.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup chia seeds
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 0% fat)

For the milk, unsweetened almond milk is a great choice for a lower-calorie option, but feel free to use any milk you prefer, such as dairy milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Each will slightly alter the final flavor and nutritional profile. When selecting protein powder, ensure it’s a vanilla flavor you enjoy, as it will be prominent in the pudding. Whey, casein, or plant-based protein powders all work well here. For sweeteners, maple syrup offers a lovely depth of flavor, but honey is a fantastic alternative if you prefer. The Greek yogurt can be full-fat for extra creaminess and richness, or 0% fat for a lighter option; both will provide that essential protein boost and tangy flavor.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for maximum convenience, with most of the time being hands-off.

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Chilling Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes (or overnight)

The active preparation time is incredibly short, making it a perfect recipe to whip up the night before. The chilling time is crucial for the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and create that characteristic pudding-like texture.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this protein vanilla chia pudding is incredibly simple, with just a few steps to follow. The key is to ensure everything is well combined before chilling.

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the chia seeds and vanilla protein powder. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure the protein powder is evenly distributed and there are no lumps. This step is important for a smooth final texture.
2. Add the Liquids and Sweetener: Pour in the unsweetened almond milk and vanilla extract. Add the maple syrup (or honey) to the bowl.
3. Whisk Until Smooth: Using a whisk, stir all the ingredients together vigorously for about 1-2 minutes. Make sure there are no clumps of chia seeds or protein powder sticking to the bottom or sides of the bowl. The mixture should look well combined, though still liquid.
4. Incorporate the Greek Yogurt: Add the plain Greek yogurt to the mixture. Gently fold it in until it’s fully incorporated. The yogurt will add a lovely creaminess and thickness right from the start.
5. Chill for Setting: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture into individual serving jars with lids. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the chia seeds to fully expand and absorb the liquid, creating the pudding consistency.
6. Stir Before Serving: Before serving, give the pudding a good stir. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash more almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the pudding into bowls or glasses. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy your healthy, protein-packed breakfast!

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This protein vanilla chia pudding is incredibly versatile, making it easy to customize for different tastes and occasions.

• Fruity Boost: Swirl in fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries just before serving. Sliced banana or mango also makes a delicious addition.
• Nutty Crunch: Top with a sprinkle of chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added texture and healthy fats. A spoonful of your favorite nut butter, like almond or peanut butter, can also be swirled in.
• Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut and a few pineapple chunks for a tropical flavor profile.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Stir in a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder along with the protein powder for a chocolate version, or sprinkle with mini chocolate chips before serving.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, comforting flavor to the vanilla base.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Let kids choose their own toppings! Colorful sprinkles, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or their favorite fruit can make this a fun and appealing breakfast for younger eaters.
• Layered Parfait: For an attractive presentation, layer the chia pudding with fresh fruit and extra Greek yogurt in a clear glass. This is perfect for a brunch spread or a special breakfast.
• On-the-Go Jars: Prepare individual servings in small mason jars. This makes it incredibly convenient to grab from the fridge on your way out the door.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even with a simple recipe like chia pudding, a few common mistakes can impact the final result. Knowing how to avoid them will ensure a perfect batch every time.

• Lumpy Protein Powder: If you don’t whisk the protein powder thoroughly with the chia seeds before adding liquids, you might end up with dry, chalky lumps in your pudding. Always make sure to combine the dry ingredients well first.
• Uneven Chia Seed Hydration: Not stirring the mixture enough when you first combine everything can lead to some chia seeds clumping together or sticking to the bottom of the bowl, resulting in an unevenly set pudding. Stir vigorously for at least a minute to ensure all seeds are coated.
• Pudding That’s Too Thin or Too Thick: The liquid-to-chia seed ratio is important. If your pudding is too runny after chilling, it might be due to too much liquid or not enough chilling time. If it’s too thick, you can easily remedy this by stirring in a splash more almond milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Not Enough Chilling Time: Chia seeds need time to absorb liquid and expand. Rushing the chilling process will result in a watery, un-pudding-like texture. Allow at least 4 hours, but overnight is always best for optimal consistency.
• Flavor Imbalance: Make sure to use a vanilla protein powder you genuinely enjoy, as its flavor will be prominent. Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey to your taste preference; some may prefer it sweeter, others less so.
• Forgetting to Stir Before Serving: Chia pudding can sometimes settle or become very firm at the top. A quick stir before serving helps to redistribute the flavors and achieve a consistent texture.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This protein vanilla chia pudding is an excellent meal-prep option, designed to be made ahead of time. Proper storage ensures it maintains its delicious texture and flavor.

• Refrigeration: Once prepared, store the chia pudding in airtight containers or individual jars with lids in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days.
• Make-Ahead Tips: For the best results, prepare the pudding the night before you plan to eat it. This allows ample time for the chia seeds to fully hydrate and for the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Preventing Texture Issues: If you’re adding fresh fruit, especially softer fruits like berries or bananas, it’s best to add them just before serving. This prevents them from becoming mushy or discolored during storage. Nuts and granola can also be added right before eating to maintain their crunch.

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.