7 Unexpectedly Delicious Chia Seed Recipes (2024)

It’s hard to look at a recipe board on Pinterest without being overwhelmed by a one trend: chia seeds. But what exactly are these seeds, and why are they so healthy?

Chia seeds arebeneficial due to their richness infiber, omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. Fiber not only helps you have regular bowel movements, but it also helps control overeating. Omega-3 fats are fats you definitely don’t want to cut out—not only does your body need these, they also help to prevent and control some diseases. Proteinis essential to many functions including growth and immunity.

Since chia seeds are so nutrient-dense, they pack an energy-boosting power. Aztec warriors apparently even ate chia seeds to give themselves energy;It was rumored that a spoonful of chia could sustain themfor 24 hours. More recently, chia seeds have been a popular superfood. They have been linked to weight loss, cardiovascular health and other health benefits. Chia seeds have also become a versatile ingredient, as they can be added easily to classic recipes. Check out these delicious chia seed recipes if you’re interested in incorporating them into your diet:

1. Vanilla Chia Pudding

This vanilla chia pudding is the perfect breakfast!Add your own personal flair by adding your favorite fruit and toppings.

Recipe from iFOODreal

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup almond milk, unsweetened (vanilla)
  • 2-3 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3-4 tablespoons chia seeds
  • Nuts, berries, fruit, coconut flakes for topping

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients (except the toppings) to a Mason jar or any container with a tight lid.
  2. Shake or stir the container.
  3. Refrigerate for at least six hours or overnight.
  4. When ready to eat, stir and top with favorite toppings.

2. Chia Seed Smoothie Bowl

You can’t beat health and Nutella in one recipe, but you can definitely swap out the flavors here!

Recipe from Eating by Elaine

Ingredients:

  • 6large medjool dates, pitted
  • 1/4 cuphazelnuts
  • 1/4blanched slivered almonds
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoonvanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons hazelnut butter
  • 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
  • 1 tablespoonchia seeds
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 cupfrozen riced cauliflower
  • 1 cupunsweetened hazelnut milk
  • ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Blend dates, hazelnuts, slivered almonds, cacao powder, vanilla, hazelnut butter, hemp seeds, chia seeds, pinch of salt, frozen riced cauliflower and hazelnut milk.
  2. Add acup of ice and blend, then asecond cup of ice and blend. To thicken it,add more frozen cauliflower or another cup of ice.
  3. Pour into two bowls and top with your favorite toppings.

3. Chia Peanut Butter Protein Balls

🍋 Lemon, Chia and Coconut Bliss Balls 🥥 Serves 5 Ingredients: * 25g vanilla vegan protein powder * 20g almond meal * 25g desiccated coconut * 5g chia seeds * 40g 100% natural cashew butter * 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract * 1 tsp. (5ml) liquid stevia * 1/2 lemon, juice and zest * 1 tbsp. (20ml) filtered water Directions 1. Add protein powder, almond meal, 20g of the coconut and chia seeds to a bowl and mix well. 2. Add in cashew butter, vanilla extract, stevia, lemon juice and zest and water and using your hands, mix well until you form a dough. 3. Add remaining coconut to a plate. 4. Divide mixture into 5 portions and roll into balls. Roll in the plate of coconut until all sides are coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. 5. Serve 1 ball as a snack and refrigerate remaining balls. Nutrition (per serve): Calories: 132 cal Protein: 6.5g Fat: 9.7g Carbs: 3.3g ##f45challenge #f45training #f45challengefood #f45 #f458weekchallenge #f45playoffs #f45meals #f45challengemeals #f45vegan #f45veganchallenge #veganf45 #veganf45challenge #f45vegansnacks #f45snacks #f45proteinballs #lemonproteinballs #lemonblissballs #chiablissballs #coconutprotein #coconutproteinballs #coconutblissballs #coconutballs #lemonchiaballs #chiaballs #chiaproteinballs #coconutchiaproteinballs #veganprotein #veganproteinballs #veganblissballs #lemoncoconutballs #veganproteinballs

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These chia peanut butter balls taste like dessert but are actually an excellent source of protein. Eat these after a workout to avoid sore muscles the next morning! You can substitute the vegan protein powder for your protein powder of choice. The chunky peanut butter can also be replaced with smooth peanut butter.

Recipe from Vegan Family Recipes

Ingredients:

  • 6 dates
  • 1 scoop natural raw vegan protein powder
  • 4 tablespoons crunchy and natural peanut butter
  • 2 teaspoons chia seeds (ground)

Instructions:

  1. Pulse all ingredients together in a food processor.
  2. Roll into 10 tablespoon-sized balls.
  3. Store in refrigerator.

4. Lemon Chia Seed Muffins

These lemon chia seed muffins are perfect for fans of poppy-seed muffins. The chia seeds give these sweet and tart treats an extra boost of fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids!

Recipe from Something Swanky

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 package lemon flavored instant pudding mix

Instructions:

  1. Cream together the butter, sugar, eggs and lemon extract or zest until creamy.
  2. Mix in remaining ingredients until smooth.
  3. Distribute batter evenly among muffin tin cups (about 15).
  4. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.

5. Banana Chia Bread

This moist banana chia bread makes the perfect snack or breakfast! Add a tablespoon of cinnamon to the dough if you’re looking for some more flavor.

Recipe from Savy Naturalista

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons whipped butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup chia seeds
  • 2 large bananas (smashed)
  • 1/2 cup almond milk

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a medium loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix butter, egg, banana and sugar.
  3. In a medium bowl, add flour, salt, baking powder and mix until combined.
  4. Slowly add flour mixture and milk to wet ingredients, alternating until incorporated.
  5. Fold in chia seeds.
  6. Place batter in loaf pan and place in the oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Mango Chia Popsicles

These mango chia popsicles are the perfect sweet but healthy treat. With three ingredients, they’re also easy to make! The only hard part of this recipe is having the patience to wait until the pops are frozen before digging in.

Recipe from Jelly Toast

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups mango, chopped (about two large mangos)
  • 10 ounces coconut water
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chia seeds

Instructions:

  1. Place mango and coconut water into blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Stir in chia seeds.
  3. Pour mixture into 10 3-ounce popsicle molds and place a wooden stick into each.
  4. Freeze until frozen (at least six hours).

7. Chia Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

These chia oatmeal cookies are the perfect breakfast or snack.Made with no added sugar, dairy or eggs, they are great for those with many dietary restrictions and can easily be made gluten free when made with gluten-free oats!

Recipe from Eating Bird Food

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup chopped dates
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chunks or carob chips
  • 1 tablespoon creamy almond butter
  • Large pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a small bowl, stir together the chia seeds and almond milk and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, or until the chia seeds have created a nice, gel-like consistency.
  3. Pour the chia seed gel into a medium-sized mixing bowl and add in the mashed bananas, oats, coconut, almond butter and cinnamon until well combined.
  4. Gently stir in the dates and chocolate chunks.
  5. Scoop out dough (about 1-2 tablespoons worth) onto a baking stone or a greased cookie sheet and use a fork to press the dough down a little to make more of a cookie shape. You should get about 15 cookies.
  6. Place in oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the bottom of the cookies have browned a tiny bit.

These recipes aren’t just healthy—they’re also delicious! Check out the health section of your grocery store and grab a pack of chia seeds. With all of the benefits, it’s worth giving one (or two, or all) of these chia seed recipes a try!

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7 Unexpectedly Delicious Chia Seed Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What happens to your body when you start eating chia seeds? ›

The bottom line

Chia seeds are very rich in fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. They have been linked to improvement in risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, as well as benefits for digestion and gut health. Chia seeds are very easy to incorporate into a healthy diet.

What is the side effects of chia seeds? ›

You May Experience Digestive Issues

About 2 tablespoons of chia seeds pack nearly 10 grams of fiber. And although fiber is an essential nutrient for gut health, a side effect of fiber is gas and bloating, according to Mount Sinai. "Some people may experience GI and digestive issues from eating too many chia seeds.

What is the miracle of chia seeds? ›

Their high ALA content lowers circulating insulin levels.In addition, they reduce inflammation created by body fat that can lead to leptin resistance, thereby aiding in weight loss.

Is a teaspoon of chia seeds a day good for you? ›

Great For Your Skin And Hair

If you have chia seeds everyday, you notice your skin glowing and your hair will get stronger. Chia seeds have fatty acids and healthy fats that are great for your skin and hair. Chia seeds are good for your nails too, they make your nails stronger.

What happens when you eat chia seeds on an empty stomach? ›

It's a good habit to start the day by consuming chia seed water on an empty stomach. Chia seeds are rich in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, among other important elements. They absorb water when soaked, turning the liquid into a gel-like substance that promotes digestion and keeps you feeling full.

Do chia seeds reduce belly fat? ›

Both Chia seeds and Ginger have been shown in some studies to help suppress appetite. Feeling fuller for longer may lead to reduced calorie intake, which can contribute to weight loss, including fat loss in the belly area.

What not to mix with chia seeds? ›

Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is known that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking chia seeds with foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

How much chia seeds should I eat daily to lose weight? ›

Chia seeds have impressive benefits and are a very versatile ingredients. Do not exceed 1-2 tablespoons per day and always hydrate them in water or milk before use. Remember chia alone cannot cause weight loss. It has to be part of a well-balanced diet and effective exercise routine.

What organs are chia seeds good for? ›

The specific antioxidants in chia seeds include chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol. These may all have protective effects on your heart and liver, as well as anticancer properties ( 1 ).

When not to use chia seeds? ›

Chia seed consumption may offer health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and improving digestive health. However, certain individuals may experience side effects if they eat large quantities of chia seeds, including those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and allergies.

What is the best way to eat chia seeds for maximum benefit? ›

Because they quickly swell after absorbing liquid, it is advised to eat chia seeds that have already been soaked in liquid or are served with a moist food, such as oatmeal or yogurt. Do not eat dry chia seeds by themselves.

How chia seeds help in hair growth? ›

Boost hair growth

Chia seeds are bursting with essential amino acids and they do some great work from inside the scalp. They inhibit hair fall and give a boost to new hair growth. They also help fight inflammation. Zinc and copper prevent thinning of hair, thus helping hair growth.

Does chia seeds tighten skin? ›

Chia seeds, which are abundant in vitamins A, C, iron, and potassium, can help increase the radiance and flexibility of your skin, giving you a radiant complexion from the inside out. Free radicals are organic waste products from cellular activity and environmental toxicity.

Is it OK if I eat chia seeds everyday? ›

Chia seeds are highly nutritious, boast a long list of health benefits and can be a healthy dietary addition for most. However, moderation is key, as eating too many may cause side effects. To prevent this, start with 1 ounce (28 grams) daily and assess your tolerance before slowly increasing your intake.

Do chia seeds flush your system? ›

Powerful nutritional supplements, chia seeds are well-known for their ability to cleanse the body. They have a high dietary fiber content, which aids in controlling digestion and wards against constipation. Furthermore, chia seeds help the body eliminate toxins and extra waste by absorbing them in the digestive system.

Why do you need to drink water after eating chia seeds? ›

Additionally, because chia seeds are so high in fiber, Collingwood urges consuming enough water or other liquid to wash them down. This will help promote digestion and prevent constipation, gas, and other digestive issues associated with consuming too much fiber without water.

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