Mash the strawberries: In a small bowl, mash the chopped strawberries with the lemon juice and a small pinch of your sweetener until juicy and slightly chunky.
Blend the base (optional but smooth): For a smoother pudding, blend the milk, vanilla, remaining sweetener, and mashed strawberries until pink and creamy. If you prefer a chunky texture, skip blending and just stir well.
Stir in chia seeds: Add the chia seeds to the strawberry mixture and whisk for 30–45 seconds so they don’t clump.
Rest and whisk again: Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes, then whisk again to break up any clumps.
Chill to thicken: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best texture.
The pudding should be thick, spoonable, and creamy.
Adjust thickness: If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of milk. If it’s thin, mix in 1–2 teaspoons more chia seeds and chill another 20–30 minutes.
Serve: Spoon into bowls or jars and top with sliced strawberries, a dollop of heavy cream or coconut cream, and a sprinkle of nuts or coconut flakes if desired.