Overnight Chia Yogurt ~ this easy healthy breakfast can be jazzed up with all sorts of fruits and nuts, or just enjoyed with a drizzle of honey.
So what are chia seeds, and why should you care about them? Don’t feel bad if you haven’t tried them yet. I’m only just getting around to it myself. Chia are the little black seeds of a plant that grows in Mexico and Central America. They’ve been cultivated as a food crop for centuries, and for some reason that’s really important to me, like, this isn’t just a crazy fly by night fad, this is one of those superfoods, like quinoa, that’s being rediscovered. And like so many seeds, they pack a ton of nutrition in that teensy tiny package. But probably the most interesting thing about chia seeds is that they absorb 12 times their weight in liquid! So when you add them to, say, milk, you will get a kind of ‘pudding’, thickened by the seeds themselves as they expand and take on a sort of gelatinous texture.
You’ll see them added to smoothies and energy drinks a lot, but I thought it would be especially great in my morning yogurt. When you serve it like I do with citrus sections and wheat germ, you’re looking at possibly the healthiest breakfast on the planet.
Just stir the seeds into your yogurt, add a little honey or vanilla if you like, and then cover it tightly and let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours, or overnight. The seeds will expand and give it an almost tapioca like effect.
You can expect to feel fuller, and get an energy boost, along with a dose of protein, omega 3s, and vitamins. There is no taste that I can detect, it’s all about the texture with this overnight chia yogurt.
You should be able to find chia seeds in your regular grocery story, check in the health food section, or with the grains. You can always find them on Amazon, as well, here. And if you discover you love these little guys, try my CHIA COCONUT PUDDING POPSICLES, you can have them for breakfast too!
TIP: Be careful not to add too many seeds to the yogurt because it will become overly thick. This is especially true if you are using Greek yogurt, which is already thick.
Minimal Monday: Overnight Chia Yogurt
Ingredients
- Plain or Greek yogurt, one cup per serving (or coconut, soy, or almond milk yogurt)
- chia seeds, 2 Tbsp per serving
- honey or vanilla extract, if desired
toppings
- orange sections
- wheat germ
- honey
Instructions
- Stir the seeds into the yogurt. Add the honey and vanilla, if using.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap, or mix it in a mason jar.
- Store in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Serve topped with orange sections, a sprinkling of wheat germ, and a drizzle of honey.
Make it your own ~
- Use any type of yogurt for this, including almond or coconut.
- Use your chia seed yogurt to make a smoothie
Don’t forget to pin this Overnight Chia Yogurt!
Very clever, Sue! Would never have occurred to me. I know about chia seeds, can get them easily, see recipes on Pinterest, but am ashamed to say I’ve never tried them. This is a winner for breakfast!
Thanks Barbara— I will say, it makes yogurt a little more interesting!
I am doing this right now, so I can have it in the morning. Ok. Gotta go so I can go do this. Thanks, Sue!
I’ve always been hesitant to try chia seeds but I think you’ve convinced me. Beautiful action shot by the way!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who isn’t chia savvy….but if they are as healthy as they are supposed to be, then I’m glad I’ve discovered a delicious way to use them.
My mum just showed me a huge bag of chia seeds she picked up somewhere. She was a little vague as to how she uses them, and all I could think of were those cute little chia pets that used to be so popular. The ones that grew green hair or wool, lol.
Your recipe is nice and easy. I will definitely give it a try. 🙂
Oh I absolutely have owned a chia pet or two myself… andI can tell you, this is a MUCH better use for them!
What a healthy breakfast idea, love your choice of toppings!
HI Sue, love your topping for this…sounds delicious!
Oh yum! I made chia pudding with almond milk, but never thought to let them sit over night in yogurt. I bet it’s so thick and creamy! Can’t wait to try it!
Looks great and healthy too. Catherine
Mmmmm, I love chia seeds in drinks and breakfasty things. I make my own chia goodness blend with chia, buckwheat, pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries plus a touch of coconut sugar. But the overnight, ready to go in the morning I simply must try!
Your chia blend sounds great!
I use 1/2c organic vanilla yogurt, 1 tbls chia seeds, 1/4 tsp each of cinnamon & turmeric, 1/4c old fashioned oats (not the quick kind) dried fruits with granola. I mix it all together at night and just grab one on my out the door in the morning. Yum yum!!! The turmeric gives it a wonderful golden color and is anti-inflammatory.
I’ll be trying this Sue! I’ve tried chia seed in my granola but have never used it in yogurt. I love variations for our morning yogurt so can’t wait to make this! Al these pictures are wonderful but I love the first one with the honey!
I first had homemade yogurt with oranges, wheat germ and honey when I was in college and I’ve been eating my yogurt that way ever since, it’s a winning combo! The chia seeds just add another dimension.