You see, I grew up eating tapioca pudding. My grandpa absolutely loved the stuff, and I’m pretty sure I get my absolute obsession of tapioca from him.
It’s an acquired texture for sure--chewy tapioca seeds suspended in a sweet vanilla pudding isn’t everyone’s definition of a delicious snack. But for me and him? It totally hit the spot.
Chia seeds are like tapioca of the 2010s. They’re a little more “hip” than tapioca, and they are full of good-for-us nutrition.
Fiber! Protein! Healthy fats! These little cuties seriously have it all.
So imagine my excitement when I came across a recipe for a Chia Fresca on Pinterest the other day. The blogger called it “a natural energy drink,” and I was intrigued. Not only do I love chia seeds, but I love fresh and flavorful drinks! I quickly got to work, creating my own delightful chia fresca flavor.
I have a recipe for Cucumber Ginger Juice on my blog, and it’s one of my most-made recipes. My boyfriend, Mark, loves it just as much as I do, and it really serves as a refreshing drink on a warm day or a great post-workout treat.
After adding chia seeds to the mix? It’s still all of those things, but infinitely more fun! The chia seeds swell into chewy texture bombs, and it makes drinking this homemade juice so much more satisfying and filling.
And if you’re nervous about making your own juice at home, don’t be. It could not be easier--even without a juicer! Just toss all of the ingredients (water, cucumber, ginger, honey/agave) into a blender, and blend until smooth. Then pour it through a fine-mesh strainer, and boom! You just made homemade juice!
Then you’ll mix in Bob’s Red Mill Organic Chia Seeds by hand. After they swell, they like to sink to the bottom of the drink. But that’s no problem, just be sure to give the drink a nice stir before you drink it up.
Enjoy when you need a little pick-me-up or give it to your kiddos as a healthy after-school snack. If you’re a fan of boba tea, tapioca pudding, or chia seed pudding, you need to try this Cucumber Ginger Chia Fresca!
Cucumber Ginger Chia Fresca
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Makes 1-2 drinks- 1 English cucumber, chopped into medium pieces
- 4 tsp Ginger*, freshly grated
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Honey or Agave for vegans*
- 1 1/2 cup cold filtered Water
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Bob’s Red Mill Chia Seeds
Alexa Peduzzi is the fruit & veggie-obsessed girl behind Fooduzzi, the plant-based and gluten free food blog. She’s a self-trained cook with a special weakness for cookies, peanut butter, and roasted broccoli. She currently works as the Community and Event Specialist at Food Blogger Pro, and she lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her boyfriend, Mark, and cat, Maya. Follow Fooduzzi for more plant-based and gluten free recipes! 