Sometimes as a mom, I get stuck in a rut making the same things for my family. You may think, “you’re a food blogger, you must make amazing meals all the time.” To which I would reply is exactly why I don’t always feel like getting creative in the kitchen. I exhaust my mental capacities brainstorming ideas for the blog that when it comes down to cooking dinner, it’s easier just go with what I know!
I came to the conclusion that I don’t necessarily have to reinvent the wheel each time I make something for my family, I can easily change it up by modifying what I already do. I’m impressed my tired brain thought of that, haha!
Chia pudding has always been a great go-to snack to keep in the fridge. Instead of the typical chocolate and vanilla variations that usually grace the refrigerator shelf, I created this fun and healthy rainbow version to surprise the kids!
Little do they know each pudding is full of wholesome, antioxidant-rich ingredients! We know chia seeds are rich in fiber, protein, omega-3’s, and more, but each color also contains nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, like blueberries, raspberries, mango, spinach, and kiwi.
It really doesn’t take long to blend each color up either. If you stick to basic color theory (thank you fine arts degree!) you can blend each color up from light to dark and not even have to rinse out the blender! It literally took less than 20 minutes to blend up each color, stir in the chia seeds and pop them in the fridge. Then the chia seeds expand and do the rest of the work. 🙂
This parfait is really the perfect treat to brighten up your day! Please tag me in your pics on social media too! I love seeing your creations!
- ½ cup dairy-free milk (I used almond and coconut milks, but any milk will do)
- fruit blend (see color options below)
- sweetener of choice (amount will depend on how sweet your fruit is) 1–3 teaspoons of maple syrup, coconut nectar, honey, or a couple of dates. Use more or less to taste.
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
per recipe/color (use 4 tablespoons chia seeds if your mixture blended measures over 1 cup)
- splash of vanilla
, optional
- extra cut up fresh fruit, optional, for topping
per recipe/color (use 4 tablespoons chia seeds if your mixture blended measures over 1 cup)
, optional- Yellow— ¼ cup ripe mango + ¼ cup pineapple (can substitute extra mango or ½ banana for pineapple)
- Orange— ⅓ cup ripe mango + a few strawberries + 1 small cube of a peeled beet
- Red— ⅓ cup strawberries + a few raspberries + 1 small cube of a peeled beet
- Purple— ⅓ cup blueberries and/or blackberries plus a few raspberries
- Blue— ½ cup blueberries and/or blackberries
- Green— ½ small banana, 1 kiwi (peeled), small handful baby spinach
- Each color will need to be blended separately. You can give a quick rinse to the blender in between each color, but if you start with the lightest color, it may not be necessary every time.
- Place your milk and fruit into the blender and blend, but DON'T add chia seeds just yet. Stop and sweeten to taste. Continue to blend until smooth.
- Pour colored milk mixture into a container and whisk in chia seeds and optional vanilla. Cover and refrigerate until pudding has thickened. If possible, mix it again later to break up any chia clumps.
- Repeat steps for each color storing them each in separate containers.
- To assemble parfaits, layer a tall glass with alternating colors and top with additional fresh fruit. Makes 4-6 servings. Store leftover chia pudding in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
- The colors tend to become more muted after the liquid is absorbed by the chia seeds, so make it as vibrant as possible when blending in the fruits & veggies.
- Most of you may already know that yellow + red = orange, blue + red = purple, and yellow + blue = green (but green is easier because there are a lot of green fruits and veggies!) so if you're having trouble achieving a particular color, for example your orange is too yellow, add a bit more of a red fruit to achieve a more vibrant orange color, and so on.
You may also enjoy these similar recipes:
Chocolate & Raspberry Chia Pudding Parfait
Chocolate Chia Pudding Pops with Bananas
Pomegranate Green Tea with Chia
This is by far the prettiest chia pudding I have ever seen! Love it!
I’ve never tried chia, but I think this recipe would change my mind about that!
Thanks Jennifer! Have a lovely weekend!
Those rainbow layers are the prettiest! 🙂
Thank you friend!
If these taste even half as goos as they look.. then wow!! This is such a fun recipe that I will need to try!!
Thank you for the kind words Taylor!
If these taste even half as good as they look, then wow!! This is such a fun recipe that I will need to try!
All of these look so tasty and pretty! I love chia seeds and there are so many benefits of eating them.
Yes me too! Thank you Sondra! Have a great night!
This is so gorgeous–I’ve never thought of this before! Must try!
Thank you! Please let me know if you try it out.
This is so pretty! I’ve been planning to search out some recipes with chia seeds and this looks really good. I’ll have to check out some of your other recipes too!
Thank you Crystal. Please let me know if I can help you find something!
These look almost too pretty to eat! What a creative, and lovely dessert, and so perfect for Spring! I can’t wait to try making these!
Thank you Cait! I hope you have a lovely evening!
I am SO with you Joscelyn! There are days I make & shoot dessert, breakfast, etc. and then have zero idea what to cook for dinner…and I’m too spent to make something great {cue: time to whip out the Dino nuggets and plan better tomorrow LOL}! These parfaits are the prettiest dish I have seen all week long! I just know my kids would adore them!
Aw thanks Laura! This was so much fun to make!
#SnackGoals
I love that hashtag Bianca 🙂
This is such a beauiiful post!The colours of this parfait is wonderful I must try and make it also. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the kind words, Liv!
This looks beautiful and yummy. I’m going to try it this weekend.
Thank you Jewels! Please let me know how you like it. Have a great weekend xoxo
Omg! I can’t believe I haven’t found this before! I love chia seeds and I just might get my kids to eat this with all of the awesome colors!
Yes! I think they’d love it! I hope you’re having a great day, Tarryn!
While I love this post I would also love to talk about your food photography!! Amazing shots!!
Thank you for the encouragement, Meghan! I really tried to capture the deliciousness of this recipe. Have a lovely weekend!
These look amazing and perfect for any springtime get together! Pinning!
Thank you for pinning, Summer! Have a lovely weekend!
Yum! These look awesome! I love chia seed pudding, especially when it’s blended with matcha but the mango one sounds incredible. Will definitely be pinning!
Thank you, Lauren. I really appreciate you helping me get the word out there. Your kindness is much appreciated xoxo