Coconut Lime Chia Pudding

Rich and creamy, fresh and bright, this coconut lime chia pudding makes an awesome meal prep breakfast or healthy snack. (Paleo & Vegan)

I feel like I’m in training for summer.

It occurred to me that we only have a single-digit number of weeks of school left, which not only means our mornings can get a little slower soon (yay!), but also means this glorious spring weather is soon going to be replaced by sweltering summer heat. (less yay!)

I tend to do my morning routine early, but even in the early morning, the summer heat can sometimes get to me, so I’ve started keeping a little list of easy breakfasts that are great cold or room temperature. Things like soft-boiled eggs, avocado, fruit, etc.

Chia pudding is one of my favorite easy breakfasts, ESPECIALLY when the weather warms up, and this coconut lime chia pudding is one of my go-to’s during the spring and summer.

Enjoyed plain or topped with a few goodies, creamy chia pudding makes an awesome EASY cold breakfast. You can also prep it the night before for a speedy grab-and-go lunch option or make them in the morning for a great after school snack.

Simple, easy, and delicious. What else could I want?

Here’s what goes into this delicious coconut lime chia pudding…(the ingredient list is so straightforward and simple!)

HERE’S WHAT GOES INTO MY COCONUT LIME CHIA PUDDING:

CHIA SEEDS. The base of this coconut lime chia pudding is (you guessed it!) chia seeds! These little beauties add lots of good-for-you components like fiber, protein, vitamins & minerals, antioxidants, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds also absorb lots of liquid, so soaking them in milk (as we do here) helps hydrate them and causes the gelling effect that turns this from just seeds + milk to a creamy pudding texture. (I can buy them at all my local grocery stores + Target + Walmart)

FRESH LIME ZEST + JUICE. This coconut lime chia pudding has plenty of fresh lime flavor, thanks to a combination of fresh lime zest and lime juice. (These little graters do an amazing job zesting fruit!)

VANILLA + SALT. A little vanilla extract (or powder), plus a tiny pinch of salt really helps balance out the flavors. Vanilla plays a great trick with your tastebuds, helping things taste sweeter without adding extra sugar.

PURE MAPLE SYRUP (OR HONEY OR AGAVE). Adding sweetener to this lime chia pudding recipe is technically optional, but I think adding a small amount of pure maple syrup really does a lot for the overall flavor and keeps the lime from being too sour. (Note: it won’t taste like maple!)

COCONUT MILK. For the richest, creamiest coconut lime chia pudding, you can use full-fat canned coconut milk. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use light canned coconut milk, or go halvsies with coconut milk (full-fat or light) and another kind of milk (like almond, cashew, etc.). See the FAQ for more ideas!

IDEAS FOR TOPPING THIS COCONUT LIME CHIA PUDDING

For me, good chia pudding is basically a blank canvas for a bunch of goodies (kind of like yogurt or a smoothie or acai bowl). You can top it with as many or as few goodies as you like, but some of our favorite ideas are…

• GRANOLA. Basically any kind will do! I’ve got lots of homemade recipes (Tropical Coconut Granola, Trail Mix Granola, Maple Pecan, and even a grain-free granola recipe for my paleo friends!)
• SHREDDED COCONUT. I like the big, unsweetened coconut chips, but you can also do the finely shredded kind! (Toast it ahead of time for even more flavor!)
• FRESH BERRIES. I love adding fresh berries to chia pudding. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are all extra yummy with this lime chia pudding.
• PEACHES OR NECTARINES. In the summer, I love sliced or diced nectarines or peaches. The creamy coconut chia pudding gives it major peaches-and-cream vibes!
• MACADAMIA NUTS. Playing off the tropical-inspired coconut lime chia pudding, I love adding macadamia nuts for some crunch!
• TOASTED ALMONDS. Or, some almonds. Sliced, slivered, chopped… whatever you like!

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment! Why not add a little diced pineapple, some sliced bananas, etc.?!

FAQ + TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST COCONUT LIME CHIA PUDDING

HOW LONG DOES CHIA PUDDING STAY FRESH IN THE FRIDGE? Chia pudding will keep covered in the refrigerator at least 3-4 days. It does often thicken with time, as the seeds continue to absorb liquid, so if you need to, feel free to loosen it back up with a drizzle of milk before eating.

CAN I MAKE THIS WITH LEMON INSTEAD OF LIME? You bet! Lemon is great here in place of the lime. You’ll want 2-3 tsp. of lemon zest and 1 Tbsp. lemon juice.

MY CHIA PUDDING IS REALLY THICK…ANY SUGGESTIONS? Chia pudding continues to thicken in the fridge thanks to the chia seeds, which continue absorbing liquid. This effect can sometimes feel magnified when you use coconut milk (since it’s naturally richer & thicker). If you find your coconut lime pudding has gotten thicker than you like, just thin it out with a drizzle of milk before enjoying it!

CAN I MAKE THIS WITH ANOTHER KIND OF MILK? Yes. If you don’t like or can’t tolerate coconut, you can make it as lime chia pudding using other kinds of milk. Or, you can use 1/2 coconut milk + 1/2 another kind of milk for a less prominent coconut flavor.

CAN I MAKE THIS LOWER IN FAT? Sure! You can make this with lite canned coconut milk (vs. full-fat), use 1/2 coconut milk + 1/2 another kind of milk (almond, dairy, cashew, whatever you drink!), or even try it with the refrigerated coconut beverage. (I personally don’t love the refrigerated coconut milk beverage because it’s so much thinner)

LIKE THIS COCONUT LIME CHIA PUDDING? YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE…

• Fruit on the Bottom Chia Pudding
• Chocolate Chia Pudding
• Pineapple Coconut Lime Smoothie
• Creamy Coconut Lime Popsicles

HELPFUL TOOLS + INGREDIENTS FOR THIS CHIA PUDDING:

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