Chia pudding is always a hit, in my books. So versatile in it’s ability to take on many different flavors and textures, chia seeds are a go to for a lot of my dishes. Full of fiber, omega 3s and tons of other nutrients, chia seeds are the perfect way to turn any pudding or jam dish into a healthier alternative. Also effortless in preparation, all it takes is combining the seeds with some liquid and they absorb the liquid and expand on their own. The end result is a gooey-like texture, delicious and healthy. 
Enter St. Patrick’s Day. A day full of everything green! Green beer, green food, green clothing – you name it! I speak from experience when I say that generally St. Patty’s day is a day full of unhealthy habits. Although fun and enjoyable, my typical St. Patty’s Day celebrations as a young adult, and the typical celebrations for most people, can be pretty detrimental to your health. Ever year, the celebration is even bigger than the last. Irish or not, the world unites in its love for all things green!
Today, I do St. Patrick’s Day is a little different. Without compromising any of the fun, I’ve adapted a healthier approach to the celebrations. I’ve come to believe that there’s no reason to sacrifice the enjoyment, that you can still celebrate the day equally as much, without the dreaded hangover and food abuse. With that said, one of my favorite ways to get St.Patrick’s Day started is with some healthy, green breakfasts.
These Mint Chocolate Chip Chia Puddings are a great breakfast, snack, or dessert. They are so easy to make – you can prepare them any time and let them sit for a few hours to gel. Come back to them in the morning, or whenever you’re ready and enjoy!! You may top them with any toppings you love, but some of my favourites are granola, kiwi, vegan chocolate chips and blueberries. These last for a couple days in the fridge, but they definitely taste best eaten within the first day. You can also substitute the cacao nibs with some vegan chocolate chips, if you like those more. I prefer the added nutritional benefits to cacao nibs, but either or will taste amazing.
If you decide to make this recipe, I’d love to see how it turns out! Please tag me in your photos and use #theveganjetsetter.
- 1 cup packed spinach
- 3 cups unsweetened cashew milk (or other milk alternative)
- 1/2 tsp mint extract
- 12-15 stevia drops
- 12 small pitted dates
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cacao nibs
- 12 tbsp chia seeds
- In a high speed blender, blend the spinach, cashew milk, mint extract, stevia, dates, vanilla and cacao nibs.
- Pour into 3 cups (there will be a little leftover).
- In each cup, add 4 tbsp of chia seeds and stir well.
- Cover the cups and place in the fridge to gel. Leave approximately 4 hours, or until chia seeds have absorbed all the liquid.
- Top with your favorite toppings (I recommend kiwi, blueberries, granola and chocolate chips!) and enjoy!
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