Name: Protein Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 scoop (25 grams) vanilla protein powder; 1 ½ cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk, plus more as needed; 4 tablespoons chia seeds; ½ tablespoon maple syrup, honey or sweetener of choice; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional; ½ cup Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt); Granola, for topping; Fresh berries, for topping; Nut butter, for topping

Jump to Recipe·5 from 8 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a breakfast or snack that’s easy, packed with protein, and totally delicious, I’ve got you covered with my Protein Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt Recipe. This pudding feels indulgent but fuels your day with wholesome ingredients—and trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation. Let me walk you through how simple it is to whip up and why it’s so darn good.

Protein Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt Recipe - Recipe Image

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Protein-Powered: The combination of protein powder and Greek yogurt gives you a muscle-friendly boost to start your day energized.
Super Simple Prep: Just a few basic ingredients and minimal hands-on time, making meal prep a breeze even on busy mornings.
Versatile and Customizable: You can swap flavors and toppings easily to match your mood or pantry staples.
Thick and Creamy Texture: Thanks to that blend of chia seeds and Greek yogurt, it’s a satisfyingly rich pudding without any guilt.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here pulls double duty — taste, nutrition, or texture — making this recipe both nourishing and delicious. Plus, they’re pantry-friendly staples you can count on anytime.

Protein Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt Recipe - Ingredients

Vanilla Protein Powder: I love using vanilla flavored to add sweetness and a creamy touch without extra sugar.
Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk: This keeps the pudding light and dairy-free if you choose, while adding smoothness.
Chia Seeds: The magic thickener and fiber superstar that forms that classic pudding texture overnight.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Just enough natural sweetness to balance the flavors — feel free to adjust based on your palate.
Vanilla Extract (Optional): A little boost of aroma that really makes the vanilla notes pop.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and an extra protein punch; I’ve found it makes the pudding more indulgent without guilt.
Granola and Fresh Berries (Toppings): Crunch and freshness that take your pudding game to the next level—totally personalizable.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Protein Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt Recipe is how much you can personalize it. I often mix up the protein powder flavor, swap almond milk for oat milk, or play around with different toppings depending on what’s in season or what snacks I’m craving.

Flavor Variations: Vanilla is classic, but chocolate or berry-flavored protein powders add a new twist I often enjoy for dessert-style pudding.
Dairy-Free Option: I’ve made this using coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt and it still comes out creamy and satisfying.
Sweetness Level: Feel free to dial back the maple syrup or skip it altogether if your protein powder is sweetened enough already.
Seasonal Toppings: In summer, fresh peaches or mangoes shine as toppings; in fall, I love chopped apples with cinnamon.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Protein Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt Recipe

Protein Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt Recipe - Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix Protein Powder and Almond Milk

Start by whisking the protein powder into your unsweetened vanilla almond milk until it’s completely dissolved. If you’re using a mason jar (which I love for easy storage), just put on the lid tight and shake like crazy until smooth. Smoothness here prevents clumps in your pudding—trust me, you want a silky base.

Step 2: Add Chia Seeds, Sweetener, and Vanilla

Next, stir or shake in the chia seeds, maple syrup (or your choice of sweetener), and vanilla extract if you’re using it. The chia seeds start soaking up liquid immediately, but letting it sit for 5 minutes then giving it another stir breaks up any stubborn clumps before chilling — don’t skip this little step!

Step 3: Chill and Let it Set

Cover your mixture and pop it in the fridge for 1-2 hours or overnight. Overnight is my go-to when I prep this the night before—a travel-safe breakfast magic. You want that pudding consistency thick enough to spoon but still incredibly creamy.

Step 4: Layer and Add Greek Yogurt & Toppings

When you’re ready to eat, portion the pudding into serving glasses or bowls. Layer with crunchy granola and a generous dollop of Greek yogurt. Fresh berries, a drizzle of nut butter, or extra granola are fantastic finishing touches. Each bite feels like a little celebration.

Pro Tips for Making Protein Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt Recipe

Use a Mason Jar: It’s my secret weapon for quick mixing and minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast.
Break Up Clumps Early: Don’t forget to stir the mixture after 5 minutes once the chia seeds start expanding. It prevents gummy pockets in your pudding.
Adjust Thickness with Almond Milk: If too thick after chilling, scoop a little extra almond milk and stir before serving to loosen the texture without watering it down.
Don’t Skip Greek Yogurt: It adds creaminess and an extra protein bump that makes this pudding more filling than standard chia recipes.

How to Serve Protein Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt Recipe

Protein Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually go for my trusty favorites—fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) for natural sweetness and a pop of color. A sprinkle of crunchy granola adds texture contrast, and if I’m feeling indulgent, a swirl of almond or peanut butter is the ultimate creamy finish.

Side Dishes

Because this pudding is pretty filling on its own, I like to pair it with something light like a green smoothie or a handful of nuts. On weekends, it’s wonderful alongside a slice of whole-grain toast with avocado for a balanced brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served this layered in clear shot glasses at brunch parties—everyone loves how pretty the layers look. You can also prepare individual jars the night before for a crowd. A sprinkle of edible flowers or a dusting of cinnamon makes it feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftovers in an airtight container or the original mason jar in the fridge. The pudding actually often tastes better the next day once the flavors meld, but I recommend consuming it within 2 days to keep the texture perfect.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing this pudding often because the chia seeds can alter their texture a bit upon thawing, getting a little too gel-like. I prefer making fresh batches or prepping a few days ahead in the fridge.

Reheating

This pudding is best enjoyed cold, so I don’t heat leftovers. If you prefer a warmer breakfast, try adding a scoop of the pudding to warm oatmeal or smoothie bowls fresh from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use other types of milk for this Protein Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt Recipe?

Absolutely! Unsweetened almond milk is my favorite to keep it light and not overpower the flavor, but you can use oat milk, coconut milk, or even dairy milk if that’s your preference. Just pick whatever suits your taste and dietary needs.
What if I don’t have protein powder? Can I still make chia pudding?

Yes! Without protein powder, your pudding will still be tasty and nutritious thanks to the chia seeds and Greek yogurt, but it won’t have that extra protein boost. If you want to keep it high-protein, you might add nut butters or more Greek yogurt as alternatives.
How thick should the chia pudding be before serving?

After chilling, it should be thick enough to hold its shape when spooned or scooped—more like a creamy gel than liquid. If it’s too runny, just give it more time to set or add a bit more chia seeds next time.
Can I prepare this pudding the night before?

Definitely! It actually tastes better after sitting overnight; the chia seeds absorb all the flavors and get that perfect pudding texture. Just remember to give it a quick stir before serving.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Protein Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt Recipe has become one of my favorite quick fixes when I want something nutritious without sacrificing flavor. It’s that perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and protein-packed that honestly feels like a treat. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is and just how satisfying a little jar of goodness can be at any time of the day.