Quick Description
This Instant Strawberry Chia Pudding is creamy, fruity, refreshing, and packed with protein — no overnight soaking required. Blending the chia seeds with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt and fresh strawberries creates a silky, pudding-like texture in minutes. It tastes like strawberry cheesecake pudding while keeping your macros high-protein, low-sugar, and nutrient-dense.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 1–2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 5–20 minutes
Ingredients List
Base Pudding
- ½ cup cottage cheese (blended smooth) or Greek yogurt
- 1 scoop vanilla or strawberry whey protein
- ½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1–2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1–2 tbsp powdered sweetener (monk fruit/erythritol)
- 1–2 tbsp almond milk (as needed for texture)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Extra strawberries
- Sugar-free whipped topping
- Coconut flakes
- Crushed nuts
- Sugar-free strawberry sauce
Instructions
1. Blend the Base
- Add cottage cheese, strawberries, protein powder, sweetener, almond milk, and vanilla to a blender.
- Blend until completely smooth and pink.
2. Add the Chia Seeds
Choose texture:
- Silky pudding: Add chia seeds into the blender and pulse briefly.
- Classic chia texture: Stir chia seeds into blended mixture by hand.
3. Adjust Consistency
- Too thick → add 1 tbsp almond milk.
- Too thin → add ½–1 tsp chia seeds.
4. Serve or Chill
- Eat immediately for a creamy pudding.
- Chill 10–15 minutes for a thicker, more traditional pudding consistency.
Nutrition (per serving)
(Based on cottage cheese version)
- Calories: 220–300
- Protein: 25–35g
- Carbs: 10–15g
- Fat: 5–8g
- Fiber: 6–8g
Benefits
- High-Protein: Builds fullness and supports muscle recovery.
- Instant (No Overnight Soaking): Blending creates fast pudding texture.
- Fiber-Rich: Chia seeds support digestion and satiety.
- Low-Sugar: Naturally sweetened with strawberries and sugar-free options.
- Creamy Strawberry Flavor: Tastes like strawberry cheesecake pudding.
Additional Notes
- Use frozen strawberries for a thicker, ice-cream-like pudding.
- Blend cottage cheese thoroughly for the smoothest texture.
- Chia seeds will continue to thicken as pudding sits.
Dietary Info
- High-Protein: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- Low-Sugar: Yes
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut yogurt + vegan protein
- Vegetarian: Yes
Brief Introduction
This Instant Strawberry Chia Pudding is perfect for anyone who loves fruity, creamy, refreshing desserts that still support their high-protein goals. With blended chia seeds, cottage cheese, and juicy strawberries, you get a silky pudding texture without waiting overnight — ideal for breakfast, snacks, or nighttime sweet cravings.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Blend Strawberries & Protein: Creates sweet fruity base.
- Add Cottage Cheese: Makes texture thick, creamy, and high-protein.
- Add Chia Seeds: Thickens naturally within minutes.
- Chill (Optional): Gets thicker and more pudding-like.
- Top & Enjoy: Berries, coconut, nuts — your choice.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Cottage Cheese: Highest protein and creamiest when blended.
- Greek Yogurt: Softer, tangier pudding flavor.
- Vanilla/Strawberry Whey: Enhances flavor and thickness.
- Chia Seeds: Give natural gelled pudding texture.
- Strawberries: Fresh or frozen both work beautifully.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Strawberry Cheesecake Pudding
- Add 1 tbsp sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix.
Strawberry Coconut Chia Pudding
- Add 1 tbsp shredded coconut.
Strawberries & Cream Bowl
- Swirl sugar-free whipped topping into the pudding.
Serving Ideas
- Breakfast bowl
- Dessert cup
- Post-workout snack
- Layered parfait
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: 2 days (thickens more over time)
- Freeze: Not recommended (chia becomes gummy)
- Meal Prep Tip: Store in single-serve jars for grab-and-go snacks.
