Cherry Chia Fresca Lemonade

Originally posted: August 11, 2016. Last modified: October 24, 2018 by Anjali Lalani. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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This simple Cherry Chia Fresca Lemonade is perfect on a hot summer’s day. It’s quick, easy, fun and is so refreshing when served over ice. Better yet it only requires 4 simple ingredients and a blender.

Let’s face it, Summer really isn’t complete without popsicles and fresh lemonade. I have the popsicles covered with my new favorite Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cream Popsicles (shared last week).

So, I thought it was only fitting that I created another lemonade recipe, especially since we have a lemon tree with many lemons ripe for use. One of my favorites has always been the Pomegranate Strawberry Mint Lemonade, but since it’s not quite pomegranate season, I came up with another using one of my kids favorite summer fruits, CHERRIES!

This simple Cherry Chia Fresca Lemonade is refreshing, easy, quick, and fun to make over the summer. All it requires is 4 simple ingredients and a blender.

Chia seeds are a favorite in our house. I’ve use them in baking, sprinkle them in smoothies, make chia puddings, and even add them to our overnight oats for that extra level of creaminess. I’ve always been a fan of chia seeds, and other similar ingredients.

My family grew up enjoying popular Indian drinks (such as Faluda) with soaked basil seeds, which although different than chia seeds, presents the same type of texture and properties when soaked in liquid.

What Is Chia Fresca?

This healthy and refreshing drink is popular in Mexico and Central America and consists of chia seeds, water and lemon or lime juice. I decided to add fresh and juicy cherries to this fresca which is absolutely delicious. It’s so easy to make and perfect on a hot summer’s day.

If you love that gelatinous texture of soaked chia seeds just as much as I do, this chia fresca lemonade is perfect for you. My kids also love eating soaked chia seeds while sipping on this lemonade.

They find the texture fun and interesting. It’s a perfect way to get them involved in the kitchen for a fun afternoon as they watch the chia seeds soak up the water and change textures.

Why Chia Seeds Are Good For Us

Chia Seeds are great in so many ways! Three tbsp of dry Chia Seeds contains only about 190 calories, 7 grams of protein, 13 grams of fiber, and 11 grams of healthy fats (including omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for vegetarians).

They are also rich in antioxidants, and contain a generous dose of calcium, iron, minerals and vitamins. They are gluten-free and can be used and digested whole (whereas flax-seeds need to be ground in order to obtain their nutrients).

So if you’re looking for some easy ways to incorporate chia seeds into your diet, this Cherry Chia Fresca Lemonade is the one. Simply soak some chia seeds in water, blend up some fresh cherries and lemon juice, and enjoy a refreshing cold glass of this Cherry Chia Fresca Lemonade!

Ingredients – What You Need To Make It

Fresh Sweet Red Cherries
Fresh Lemon Juice
Chia Seeds
Water
Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup

Tips And Variations – Cherry Chia Fresca Lemonade

Don’t have cherries? Try using raspberries, strawberries or any other berry
Lime juice can be used instead of lemon juice
Make sure you use freshly squeezed lemon/lime juice and not a concentrate
Add the sweetener to taste, you may need more or less depending on your preference
This is best served ice cold so serve over ice
The chia seeds need to be soaked for a minimum of 4 hours. Make it in the morning and it’ll be ready by the afternoon.

More Delicious Healthy Drinks You Might Like;

What are some of your favorite lemonade combinations? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Facebook if you try this refreshing lemonade!

Two glasses of cherry chia fresca garnished with cherries

5 from 2 votes