This High-Protein Key Lime Pie Chia Pudding has all the tangy, creamy flavor of the classic dessert—minus the guilt.
Made with chia seeds, Greek yogurt (or a plant-based swap), and fresh lime juice, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Naturally sweetened and easy to prep ahead, it’s a refreshing, energizing way to start your day or satisfy a sweet craving.
Dessert Meets Nutrition
What makes this chia pudding shine is how closely it mimics a real key lime pie—minus the refined sugar, heavy cream, or processed crust.
Instead, we lean into whole-food ingredients like lime juice and zest, creamy yogurt, almond milk, and chia seeds, which swell up into a thick, pudding-like consistency overnight.
The tartness of the lime perfectly balances the natural sweetness from maple syrup or honey, and the yogurt adds a luscious, creamy base with a boost of protein.
Topped with crushed graham crackers or toasted coconut (if desired), it feels like you’re digging into dessert with every spoonful—yet it fuels your body with lasting energy.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based high-protein yogurt)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (preferably key lime)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Toppings:
- Additional Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
- Crushed graham crackers or granola
- Toasted shredded coconut
- Lime zest or slices
Pro Tips
- Use key limes if possible – They’re smaller and more aromatic than regular limes, with that signature sweet-tart flavor.
- Zest before juicing – Always zest your lime before cutting it to juice for maximum flavor.
- Blend for smooth texture – Want a silky, pie-filling-like result? Blend the mixture before chilling.
- Chill overnight – While four hours is fine, overnight gives the best texture and allows the flavors to really shine.
- Top just before serving – Graham crackers and coconut are best added at the last minute to stay crisp.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mason jar or airtight container
- Zester or microplane
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or whisk
- Mixing bowl or blender
- Refrigerator
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free? Use coconut or almond yogurt and plant-based milk.
- Low-sugar? Replace maple syrup with stevia or monk fruit drops.
- No Greek yogurt? Use skyr or a protein-rich plant-based yogurt.
- Want more protein? Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or collagen peptides.
- Gluten-free? Skip the graham cracker topping or use a gluten-free version.
Make-Ahead Tips
This chia pudding is perfect for meal prepping. Make a few jars at once and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Wait to add toppings like graham crackers or coconut until just before serving to keep textures fresh.
You can also prep the pudding base in a large bowl and divide into individual containers later.
It’s an excellent option for grab-and-go breakfasts, work lunches, or afternoon pick-me-ups.
How to Make High-Protein Key Lime Pie Chia Pudding
1. Zest and Juice the Lime
Zest your lime first using a microplane or citrus zester, then cut and juice it. You’ll need about 2 tablespoons of juice and 1 tablespoon of zest.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl or jar, whisk together almond milk, Greek yogurt, lime juice, zest, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth.
3. Stir in Chia Seeds
Add the chia seeds and a pinch of sea salt. Stir well to ensure the seeds are evenly distributed.
4. Let It Sit and Stir Again
Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping. Seal the container and refrigerate overnight.
5. Top and Serve
In the morning, stir the pudding and top with more yogurt, lime zest, crushed graham crackers, and toasted coconut if desired.
Leftovers and Storage
Store in the fridge in an airtight jar for up to 5 days. If the pudding thickens too much, just add a splash of milk and stir before serving.
Keep dry toppings like graham crackers separate to prevent them from becoming soggy.
This pudding can also be frozen in individual portions and thawed overnight in the fridge for later use.
Creamy, Tangy, and Protein-Packed
This High-Protein Key Lime Pie Chia Pudding is proof that you can enjoy dessert-inspired flavors while sticking to your healthy lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking to boost your protein intake, prep easy breakfasts, or just indulge your lime pie cravings the smart way, this recipe hits every mark.
Try it out and don’t forget to make it your own—add fruit, blend it smooth, or pile on the toppings. Leave a comment and let me know how you served it up!
