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High Protein Vanilla Bean Chia Pudding - Creamy, Simple, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened milk of choice (almond, cashew, oat, or dairy)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt (for creaminess and protein)
  • 1/2 cup chia seeds
  • 1–2 scoops vanilla protein powder (whey, pea, or your favorite), about 25–40 g protein total
  • 1 1/2–2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or seeds scraped from 1/2 vanilla bean (plus optional 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra aroma)
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • Optional toppers: sliced strawberries, blueberries, toasted coconut, cacao nibs, almonds, or a spoonful of peanut or almond butter

Method
 

  1. Whisk the base: In a medium bowl or large jar, whisk the milk, yogurt, protein powder, vanilla bean paste, sweetener, and salt until smooth. Make sure no protein clumps remain.
  2. Add chia seeds: Stir in the chia seeds, mixing well so they’re evenly dispersed. Let the mixture sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir again to break up any settling.
  3. Chill to set: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. The chia will swell and thicken the mixture into a creamy pudding.
  4. Adjust texture: After chilling, give it a good stir. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk and whisk until silky. If it’s too thin, stir in 1–2 teaspoons more chia and chill 10–15 minutes.
  5. Serve and top: Spoon into bowls or jars. Add fresh berries, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of nut butter for crunch and extra flavor.