Chia seeds are in the spotlight again long after the ancient American tribes, like the Aztecs and Mayans, ate daily dosages of their ”strength” or chía. The word chia comes from the Yucatec Maya language and it still remains a healthy addition to many meals and snacks. An added bonus: vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free and others with food restrictions will be able to enjoy chia seeds. They make for a good egg substitute, a thickener for gravies or even in place of bread crumbs in meatballs.
Cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Mehmet Öz, better known simply as Dr. Oz on television, says of chia seeds, ” …Like a superfruit, they deliver the maximum amount of nutrients with minimum calories …nutritional benefits of chia include fiber, omega fatty acids, calcium, antioxidants…”
Below are 15 healthy, inventive and delicious recipes with chia seeds.
1. From blog, Margaret’s Dish: Lemon Chia Seed Scones with Sweet Lemon Cashew Glaze
This is a great option for those who have gone gluten-free or adhere to a vegan lifestyle. Lemon Chia Seed Scones can be an alternative to your morning pastry, and would taste scrumptious with tea or coffee. Scones can be heavy, so you may not want to pair it with a smoothie or other filling drink. This recipe with chia seeds will offer you much needed calcium and fiber. For the full recipe, see Margaret’s Dish.
2. The Honor System’s Gluten-free Raspberry Chia Seed Jam
Smooth, sweet and silky raspberry jam with chia seeds will remind you of your grandmother’s kitchen creations. It works well as a condiment or topping on breads, cakes, toast or crackers and provides your body with beneficial ingredients like magnesium and iron. For this perfect spring recipe with chia seeds, see The Honour System’s blog.
3. Renee Blair for the DailyBurn’s Vanilla-Almond Chia Seed Breakfast Pudding
A quick, healthy breakfast is possible with this Vanilla-Almond Chia Seed Breakfast Pudding recipe. Top it with figs, plums or blueberries. Ample antioxidants and omega-3s make this a meal to start your day with vitality and nourishment. You can make your own almond milk at home, if you are leery of grocery store versions. One of the best reasons to prepare meals at home is that you get to control the amount of sugar and other ingredients used. This recipe can rely on its own natural sweetness or you can add some extra. The choice is yours. You’ll need raw almonds and at least 3 hours to pre-soak the chia seeds. Preparing the chia seeds overnight so they’re ready for your morning is ideal. For Renee Blair’s full recipe and notes on this recipe with chia seeds, visit the DailyBurn.
4. Minimalist Baker’s Vegan Peach Oat Smoothie
This one is a great summer idea for in the height of peach season, when you have so many peaches and no clue what to do with them. This recipe with chia seeds from the Minimalist Baker is easy and nutritious, especially for those on the go or experimenting with the juicing trend. For this recipe, you’ll need peaches, rolled gluten-free oats, a frozen banana, freshly squeezed orange juice, unsweetened almond milk (homemade or store-bought), of course, chia seeds, and if you wish, some agave for taste. Non-vegans might prefer honey. For the full recipe and more notes on this recipe with chia seeds, see the Minimalist Baker’s website.
5. Savor The Thyme’s Cornmeal and Chia Seed Crusted Tilapia
Southern and rustic, this recipe with chia seeds is delicious year-round. Tilapia can be baked or broiled and easily absorbs the spices and seasonings used on it. Chia seeds with this fresh, light fish, add some crunch and flavor, plus extra nourishment. This recipe mentions mayonnaise, but you can substitute yogurt, mustard or even cream, depending on your own dietary restrictions or preferences. See here for more on this recipe with chia seeds from Savor The Thyme.
6. Purely Twin’s Flour-less Pumpkin Chia Seed Blondies
This whole sentence makes me hungry. Pumpkins and chia seeds are two of my favorite edible delights. And together this sounds amazing. Plus, this is a gluten-free recipe that makes for a great snack that your whole family will find appealing. It’s easy to transport, share and include in your lunch sack or when you are busy. And for those with dietary restrictions in grains, dairy, eggs, soy and sugar, this is a stellar option that takes out the unnecessary additives and gives you a naturally sweet snack or dessert. In place of flour, this recipe with chia seeds calls for plantains! Another beloved and familiar taste! The perfect trifecta!
7. Wholehearted Eats’ Chai Spiced Chia Pudding with Pink Peppercorn Pomegranate Sauce
The ancient pomegranate alone is a remarkable fruit that civilizations of people have found nourishing. Coupled with chia seeds, this recipe will surely fill you up. This recipe with chia seeds can be prepared for breakfast, an afternoon snack or as part of a meal. Chia seeds offer 10 grams of fiber in just two teaspoons, what you’ll need for this recipe, and the ginger, cardamom, almond milk, cloves, pink peppercorns and orange zest make this dish a vibrant collage of nature. To make this recipe, see here for the full article by Wholehearted Eats.
8. Fuss-Free Cooking Eggless, Coconut, Walnut Banana Bread with Chia Seeds
The chia seeds replace the eggs, because of their moist and creamy consistency when grounded and used in cooking and baking. My mother made banana bread weekly, and it’s always been apart of my life. This recipe gives the traditional version a delicious twist. For Fuss Free Cooking’s full banana bread recipe with chia seeds, see this link.
9. Meaningful Eats’ Gluten-free Chia Seed Tortillas
This recipe can go either savory or sweet. You’ll need buckwheat groats, sorghum flour and flax seeds, in addition to the chia seeds. These tortillas remind me of the Indian flatbread of thepla or buckwheat pancakes. You can use these tortillas as a sandwich wrap with cheese or like a crêpe with bananas and Nutella or honey, depending on your favorites. For more details on the recipe, see Meaningful Eats’ blog post.
10. Making Thyme for Health’s Homemade Quinoa and Chia Seed Ravioli with Mushroom and Kale Filling
This recipe will require a bit more focus and time, but a delicious and healthy combination of earthy greens and chia seeds are worth it. Making your own ravioli is therapeutic and you’ll enjoy the end result even more. For this recipe you’ll need quinoa flour. For the full description and details, see here.
11. Baby Foode’s Peach + Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes + Avocado + Chia Seeds baby food
Chia seeds can be implemented into your whole family’s diet, too. Replace store-bought baby edibles with your own creations, like this one from BabyFoode.com. This is one of the recipes with chia seeds with the simplest list of ingredients. You’ll need one organic peach, avocado, a handful of cherry tomatoes and a teaspoon of chia seeds. For the full recipe, see here.
12. Delish.com’s Lentils with Chia Seeds
An Oprah and Dr. Oz favorite, this recipe with chia seeds includes cardamom, cumin and ginger, and offers an earthy and nutty flavor to your palette. For recipe details, see here.
13. Incredible Smoothie’s Pumpkin and Avocado Green Smoothie
This smoothie is a great option if you are on a juice cleanse and are in need of a hearty dosage of antioxidants. You’ll need a banana, a pumpkin pureed, cinnamon, avocado, fresh baby spinach and almond milk. For the recipe, go here.
14. Dinners Dishes & Desserts’ Berry Almond Salad with Chia Seed Vinaigrette
Light, airy and comprised of the simplest ingredients, this salad is a perfect choice as spring approaches. Plus, something different to add your strawberries to. For the recipe, visit this website.
15. Nutritious Eats’ Caramelized Hemp and Chia Seed Popcorn
For a smash of sweet and savory, Nutritious Eats’ offers this easy snack. You’ll need hemp seeds and maple syrup, in addition to the chia seeds, and other toppings. For more on this recipe, see here.
BONUS! Chia seeds can be used for all sorts of things. Even outside of the kitchen, like face masks, and scars.
Featured photo credit: Christa Face via
