High-protein blueberry chia pudding

1 ½ cups unsweetened milk of your choice (almond, oat, soy, or dairy milk all work great)
½ cup (80g) chia seeds (white or black)
2 scoops (about 60g) vanilla or unflavored protein powder (whey, casein, or a plant-based blend)
2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to your sweetness preference)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The blueberries will begin to release their juices and bubble. You’ll see them soften and break down.
After about 5-7 minutes, use a spoon or a potato masher to gently crush the berries to your desired consistency. You can leave it chunky or make it completely smooth.
Remove from heat and allow the compote to cool completely. You can speed this up by transferring it to a shallow bowl and placing it in the refrigerator.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, chia seeds, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
Whisk vigorously for about 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial. Whisking prevents the chia seeds from clumping together and ensures a smooth, even pudding.
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then whisk it again. This second whisking helps break up any clumps that may have formed at the bottom.

Now it’s time to assemble. You have two great options:
- For a Swirled Effect: Divide half of the protein chia pudding between two jars or bowls. Spoon half of the cooled blueberry compote on top. Repeat with the remaining pudding and compote. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the compote into the pudding.
- For a Layered Look: Alternately layer the pudding and compote in your serving glasses, starting and ending with the pudding.
Cover the containers with lids or plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight. This allows the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into a creamy pudding.

Once the pudding has set and is thick and creamy, give it a good stir if you prefer a uniform purple color, or leave the beautiful swirls as they are.
Top with fresh blueberries, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, and your choice of nuts for a delightful crunch.

Don’t Skip the Whisking: The initial whisking is the most important step to avoid a lumpy texture. Chia seeds clump quickly. Whisking again after 5 minutes ensures every seed is perfectly hydrated.
The Protein Powder Matters: The type of protein powder you use can affect the thickness. Whey protein tends to create a slightly thicker pudding than some plant-based proteins. If you find your pudding is too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Taste as You Go: Before refrigerating, taste the pudding base. It should be slightly sweeter than you want the final product to be, as the flavors will mellow out when cold.
Customize Your Compote: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute the blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or a mixed berry blend.

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific brands of milk and protein powder used.