If you enjoy layered textures in your smoothies and love the subtle crunch of chia seeds, this recipe will be your new favourite. The strawberry chia pudding smoothie is a spoonable, chilled jar of goodness that brings together the natural sweetness of strawberries with the richness of yoghurt and the gentle energy of soaked chia. It works well as a make ahead breakfast, a midmorning snack or even a healthy dessert that feels indulgent but stays light. The trick is to use ripe, sweet strawberries and let the chia seeds soak long enough for that jelly like pudding texture to form. Look for strawberries that are firm, bright red and have a strong fruity aroma when you lift the box. The greener the top, the fresher the fruit.
Step 1: Soak the chia seeds for pudding base
In a small bowl or jar, mix three tablespoons of chia seeds with one cup of your choice of milk. You can use regular milk, almond milk or oat milk depending on your preference. Stir well and let it rest for five minutes. Stir again to prevent clumps, then cover and refrigerate for at least three to four hours or overnight. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and form a thick, pudding like base. This will be the bottom layer of your smoothie and gives the final jar a creamy spoonable texture.
Step 2: Prepare the strawberry smoothie layer
In a blender, combine one cup of chopped ripe strawberries with half a cup of thick yoghurt. Add a splash of cold water or milk if needed for blending. Blend until completely smooth. Taste the smoothie if your strawberries are sweet enough, you may not need anything extra. If not, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance it. The blended mixture should be light pink, thick and slightly creamy. This layer will sit over the chia pudding and bring most of the fruity flavour to the jar.
Step 3: Chill and thicken the smoothie if needed
If the strawberry blend feels too thin to layer over the chia, place it in the fridge for ten to fifteen minutes to firm up. You can also blend in a spoon of oats or half a small banana to make it thicker and more filling. The goal is to have two layers with a noticeable texture difference the jelly like chia pudding at the base and the creamy fruit smoothie on top. Chilling both layers also helps the smoothie stay thick when served.
Step 4: Assemble in layers and add toppings
Take a clean glass or jar and spoon in the chia pudding first. Tap gently to level it. Then pour or spoon the strawberry smoothie over the top. You can also swirl the two together slightly for a marbled look or keep them neat and layered. Add your favourite toppings sliced strawberries, almond slivers, toasted coconut or a sprinkle of granola. These add texture and make the smoothie more fun to eat with a spoon. Keep the jar chilled if you are not serving immediately.
Step 5: Serve cold and enjoy slowly
This smoothie is best served cold and can be stored in the fridge for up to twenty four hours. Enjoy it slowly with a spoon, letting the soft chia layer and creamy strawberry blend come together with every bite. It is satisfying without being heavy and keeps you full for hours. Perfect for mornings when you want to start light or afternoons when you need a sweet but healthy pause.
The strawberry chia pudding smoothie is more than just a layered drink, it is a calming, refreshing bowl in a jar that brings together nourishment and flavour in every spoonful. With its chilled texture, natural sweetness and wholesome ingredients, this five step recipe is a beautiful reminder that healthy eating can be both simple and deeply satisfying. Make it once and it might just become your favourite way to start the day.