No-Bake Strawberry and Coconut Chia Pudding

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A cooling, naturally sweetened chia pudding featuring fresh summer strawberries and creamy coconut milk. This summer cookout (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 10 minutes pairs chia seeds, unsweetened coconut milk, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 4 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup chia seeds, 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully combined.
  2. Step 2: Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then whisk again to break up any clumps of chia seeds. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until it thickens to a pudding consistency.
  3. Step 3: Before serving, stir the pudding well and divide into 4 serving glasses or bowls. Top each serving with 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries and sprinkle evenly with 2 tbsp toasted shredded coconut.
  4. Step 4: Serve chilled as a light and refreshing summer dessert or breakfast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Bake Strawberry and Coconut Chia Pudding take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover No-Bake Strawberry and Coconut Chia Pudding?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chia seeds from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Strawberry and Coconut Chia Pudding?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale No-Bake Strawberry and Coconut Chia Pudding for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is No-Bake Strawberry and Coconut Chia Pudding vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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