Who wouldn't want to eat pudding for breakfast?! Fortunately these filled-with-fruit chia parfaits are guilt-free and fit right in with that "eat right" New Year's resolution you might have made. Chia seeds are a nutrient-rich "superfood" containing all nine essential amino acids (the muscle-building proteins our bodies need but don't produce naturally), a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber. These Mandarin Chia Pudding Parfaits are our new breakfast favorite! Tasty spoonfuls of chia pudding (made with chia seeds and coconut milk sweetened with agave and pomegranate arils) are topped with fresh pineapple, mandarin oranges, grapefruit and toasted coconut, and a dollop of crème fraîche (you could also use plain yogurt). Sprinkle your parfaits with pistachios and your day is off to a great start! Preparation tip: Mix up the pudding the night before to allow the chia seeds to gel up and set. It only takes about 30 minutes, but it will save you time in the morning!
Mandarin Chia Pudding Parfait
Courtesy of Wonderful Halos
Serves 4
3 Wonderful Halos mandarins, peeled and segmented
1 Wonderful Sweet Scarletts Grapefruit, peeled, segmented and chopped
1 cup light coconut milk
2 tablespoons agave
¼ cup chia seeds
¾ cup POM Wonderful pomegranate arils
¼ of a pineapple, cut into pieces (or canned chopped pineapple)
½ cup toasted sweetened coconut
½ cup (4 oz.) crème fraiche (or low-fat plain yogurt)
Chopped Wonderful Pistachios
Step 1. Stir together the coconut milk, 1 tablespoon agave, chia seeds and pomegranate arils. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.
Step 2. When ready to serve, toss pineapple, mandarins and grapefruit with the toasted coconut.
Step 3. Spoon chia pudding into 4 parfait glasses and top with fruit mixture. Stir together the crème fraiche with remaining 1 tablespoon agave and spoon over parfaits. Sprinkle with pistachios.
