Vanilla Bean Chia Pudding with Fresh Mint and Mango.
I’ve kinda been keeping a secret from you.
A secret in pudding form.
While everyone else is talking about lunges (I’m doing them) and year words (I have one) and kale (it’s coming) and organizing (I’m trying), I’m just going to talk about how I can’t stop shoving pudding in my face. Not real pudding though. I mean, well, sort of real pudding. But not.
You know what I mean.
I’ve been downright crazy over this combination of mango, dark chocolate, pistachios and mint for months now. I first had it in Utah in early October with yogurt and have been hooked ever since. Originally the snack consisted of oranges instead of mangos, but I don’t know. Oranges can be… meh. So much pith sometimes. I will say though that I ate this with a few satsumas over the last two weeks and that was to die for. So good.
I’m freaking over the combo with mangos now too though – especially the perfect ripe and juicy ones. They can be tough to find but when you do find one? Do this with it. It’s unreal.
Some of you spaz out over chia seeds and I think it’s understandable. Coming from a major “texture person,” chia seeds CAN be weird. They just happen to be the sort of weird that I like. Pretty sure it has to do with my obsession with dried figs – you know, the snap, crackle, pop of those little seeds? That’s why I love chias too. I’ve heard others compare this to tapioca pudding which is probably correct, but guess what? I’ve only eaten tapioca pudding like twice in my life. And at least one of those was straight out of a jello pudding cup. Damn those things are good.
Anyhoo: you know I’ve used chia for years in smoothies and granola bars and stuff like that. It was only in the last few months that I really started loving chia in faux pudding form, after browsing through Giada’s book in Barnes and Noble, aka my happy place. Can I just live inside of a book store forever and ever and ever?
My own little spin here includes a base with vanilla bean paste (ps -> I found some at homegoods last week for like $5) that is more versatile than, well… anything else I can think of right now. It just goes with the all the things.
Am I too old to be saying all the things now?
I recently saw an article that gave rules for things you should stop saying in your 30s. Luckily, I think I was only saying about five out of eight. Perhaps 2014 shall be the year of growing up.
So yeah. While this would make a fab breakfast or maybe a dessert for some, it’s an ideal afternoon snack for me. It gives me that little bit of chocolate that I crave but it holds me over through yoga, also giving me enough energy until dinnertime. For a while, you may remember that I was eating avocado pudding for my afternoon snack, and while I still love it, I can’t find a good avocado ‘round here to save my life. Thankfully I have a friend who sent me a box full of avocados from their tree, so you can be sure to see some avocado on my chia pudding next. Eh.
In the meantime, I just love this little flavor burst and the best part… obviously… is that you can add whatever you like. I’ve done blueberries and coconut, warm strawberries and those honey roasted almonds from Trader Joes that I lose my mind over and even just bananas and cinnamon.
I think we can say that I’m a massive chia pudding junkie. If you’re not fearful of weird little poppy things in your faux pudding, you should definitely maybe give it a shot. Probably. For sure.
Vanilla Bean Chia Pudding with Fresh Mint, Mango, Pistachios + Dark Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 mango, chopped
- 2 to 3 ounces of dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons roasted pistachios, chopped
- 1 handful of fresh mint, torn
- a drizzle of honey, if desired
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, chia seeds, vanilla bean paste and salt until combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to chill and thicken, for about 2 hours or even overnight.
- When you’re ready to eat the pudding, spoon it into 4 or 6 glasses or jars of your choice. Cover the top with mango, a sprinkle of dark chocolate, a sprinkle of pistachios and fresh mint. Drizzle with a bit of honey and eat.
- Note: if you want your pudding sweeter, you can use a sweetened almond milk or add honey to the actual pudding when mixing it up. When I make the pudding, I portion it into jars and cover with plastic wrap, keeping them in the fridge, I add the toppings each time before eating one.
Notes
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I appreciate you so much!
I mean, who doesn’t want to eat chocolate with little hearts on it? Speaking of growing up.
89 Comments on “Vanilla Bean Chia Pudding with Fresh Mint and Mango.”
Awesome way to start the year!! And clearly I need to get myself to Home Goods to hunt for $5 vanilla bean paste :)
Oh yum! I can see why you would be obsessed with this combination, it looks wonderful!!! I so need some of this pudding in my life! Yum!!
I have been wondering about this whole “chia seed pudding” craze that I have been seeing on Pinterest. I can only image how good this would be with mangoes….chocolate…pistachios! Need this pudding STAT. Plus, it’s healthy so I don’t have to do 1 million lunges to justify. Yesssss.
I need more pudding in my face too! This is such a neat idea!
Do you think I could use regular milk instead?
yes for sure – you may just want to add some extra vanilla paste or extract and sweetened – you can add it after it sets and you taste it though. :)
Loving this flavor combo! I have always been a chia seed fan, but never tries chia pudding. The mangos and dark chocolate sound so good!
You’ve got some great flavor combinations going on here! I actually thought I wouldn’t like chia seed pudding but I love tapioca and found it to be pretty similar in texture – and it doesn’t really have a taste to it – but the health benefits are awesome.
Definitely need to try this…and I love those little chocolate hearts! ♥
I really love mangos right now, maybe i am bias because I have fully growing tree in my back yard. this is serious hang over helper; at least i can feel good about eating chocolate for breakfast again.
Have you seen the seed and nut “risotto”? I am curious to see if you would like it too. In Australia hatted restaurant does it and it is delicious; if you are fan of this chia pudding you would love this meal.
I used to be all over the chia pudding, but it’s fallen off my radar…can’t wait to try this!
This looks amazing! I’ve never had chia pudding before but I am willing to give this a try. I’m new to your blog and this was a great first recipe to see. Check out my boarding together at http://www.boardingtogether.blogspot.com
I’ve never been into the whole chi pudding thing (yeah…texture), but the way you describe this totally makes me want to try it again.
This looks divine!
I still haven’t tried chia pudding! Only chia water and using it to sprinkle on stuff. But this one sounds amazing–love the combination of the mango and mint and chocolate!
I need more organization in my life too! Ugh. I’m so tempted by those organizers you mentioned the other day…
Seeing as I’m attempting veganism (for about 80% of my diet) this is absolutely insanely incredibly perfect. You really have no idea how happy this recipe makes me.
How long does this last in the refrigerator? If it makes 4 serving would you eat in for 4 straight days or would it be better to just divide the recipe in half?
thanks!
i usually eat mine over a week or so. i haven’t had it much longer than that, so i can’t say for sure if it lasts longer. just keep it sealed well!
I am alllll about the weird poppy things in my snacks, and I say this as I eat a big ole bowl full of pomegranate arils, which I would say definitely fall into that category. Love the mint with the chocolate in here. Just bought a huge bag of chia seeds and have been looking for new stuff to use them with!
This looks so good!! Is the “pudding” seriously just almond milk, chia seeds and vanilla paste? No yogurt or anything?? It just looks so thick and creamy! Excited to try
yep! when chias are mixed with a liquid, they “gel” up. that’s why you have to let the puddings sit for a bit. it sounds gross, but if you don’t mind the texture, it’s really good.
I just bought chia seeds, and I am so excited to try chia pudding. This looks fantastic!
I’ve been pretty obsessed with chia pudding for the past few months. It’s so easy, adaptable AND healthy. Crazy!
I’ve been so apprehensive about chia seeds because I’m a texture person too. This recipe is giving me hope!
So, while that pudding is not my thing, I did want to congratulate you on making PBS’s 10 Best Food Blogs of 2013! Great job!
I’ve been eating something similar for breakfast lately: 1 cup almond milk, vanilla extract, 1 Tbs chia, 1/2 cup oats, frozen wild blueberries, and some honey (less if the milk is sweetened. Shake it up in a jar the night before and grab before work. The oats soften and chia plumps up overnight.
I’m freaked out by a lot of texture things (hate jello, scallops, and tapioca), but I love chia seeds.
How much vanilla extract would you use if you didn’t have paste??
probably 1 to 2 teaspoons!
Yum! Lol so ok, I’m kinda confused about one thing. Why can’t you say “all the things”?
haha i just meant because of the article i read saying many expressions were too immature for 30 year olds to say. ;) i will for sure still be saying it!
YUM! That looks amazing Jessica! I love chia!
You had me at chocolate. This sounds amazing. I may be the ultimate n00b here, but any idea where else to get vanialla bean paste besides home goods?
you should be able to find it at kitchen stores like sur la table, williams sonoma, maybe a tj maxx or world market if you have one. definitely on amazon!
I love seeing this recipe because one of my VERY first blog recipes from early 2009 was mango and vanilla chia seed pudding. The photography. Oh boy. I don’t even want to see it but yeah, I love chia seeds and love them paired with vanilla and coconut or almond milk. The mint I bet is awesome here! Pinned!
I love chia, and this pudding looks so insanely delicious!
I love the combination of mango and dark chocolate, so good.
{Teffy’s Perks} X
Dark chocolate and kale? I would have never thought to combine the two. It looks delicious! If we’re not a fan of pistachios, then what would you recommend?
I am obsessed with chia pudding and I can’t believe I have never added mint and pistachios to mine. I am making this tomorrow…maybe tonight…
Gorgeous photos (as always).
Reminds me of a Chobani SoHo combo.
Happy New Year!
I’ve been adding chia seeds to my yogurt for a while now, but I’ll have to give this pudding a try. The texture might be a problem for me, but I’ll give it a shot! Love the flavor combo you’ve got going on here.
First of all let me tell you that mango, mint, pistachios and dark chocolate combination sounds awesome to me… Can’t wait to actually giving it a try. I’m lucky to live in a Parisian neighborhood where we find delicious and cheap exotic fruits… Ripe mango, I’m coming for you ;) And you picked my curiosity with chia seeds, I had never heard of them… I definitely need to investigate on that! Happy new year :D
Oh my lands! I’m so looking forward to making this!
I’m always trying to find healthy snack-type food that’s also tasty and, like you said, satisfies your sweet craving … this sounds great for that! Or for a different kind of breakfast. It’s amazing how the chia seeds thicken it up! Really love the idea of pairing fruit with chocolate and pistachios, too. Thanks for sharing this!
You know that five out of eight is more than 50% right? But it’s okay. I still say things I probably shouldn’t. I still say bomb sometimes, as in “these brownies are so bomb” and my brother tells me I need to die. Whatev. I’m a huge chia fan. I drink them straight up in water sometimes. Can’t wait to try this! I love dark chocolate with fruit.
ok, I think you just sold me on the chia pudding thing. I admit – I have been scared of it….
You said the magic word…mango!!! OOo this is easy enough that i have to try it!! =)
I’ve actually been craving a vanilla chia pudding, but never thought of mint, mango, and pistachios AND dark chocolate as toppings! I’m definitely down to try it :)
Looks so interesting and amazing. As always.
I put chia seeds in my water bottle EVERY DAY. I LOVE that weirdo texture they take on. But every day I get people asking “whats in your water!?!?! ew!?” or something like that hahaha Oh MAN i can’t wait to try this
I love chia pudding too. Lately i’ve been adding coconut milk and shredded coconut in the mix. This looks great, I can imagine all the flavors being perfect together!
I wish I could send you an entire tree. But then again, the Ed-meister would probably end up having to water it, ha! But seriously, we have so many avocados. Either take some more, or I’ll be that guy selling them for $5 a box on the side of the road.
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Looks yummy! I am so doing this with coconut milk instead or cashew milk. YUM! Oh, about the grown up word thing, don’t worry. Technically, a new decade starts on a one and not a zero, so you have another year to go before you have to even consider using “grown up” words. I know. The pressure!!!!
Yummy!
Dear lord, this looks like the most wonderful combination of flavors! Chia pudding has definitely been on my list of things to experiment with. And vanilla bean paste? Heck yes, I feel like that could be used to make every single dessert dish tastier.
I am loving everything about this except the mint. For whatever reason I don’t like mint and chocolate. But otherwise I like it!
I hated chia pudding for the longest time…then I decided to make it again after a LONG break from it…um, love. What?? I loved it! Gah! So confused! But I’m glad I tried it again! I want all those toppings!! I wish I didn’t have to go out and buy them all to have that right now!