17 Published Apr 10, 2017, Updated Sep 18, 2024 Whatever the case I’m sure this post will give you lots of chia inspiration. From chia pudding to cookies, smoothies and salad dressing — chia seeds don’t add much flavor, but they’re loaded with nutrition (omega-3 fatty acids, protein and fiber) plus their ability to absorb liquid is perfect for thickening things like smoothies, oatmeal and soups. They also work great as an egg substitute in vegan baking. Before we get in the kitchen here are a few quick notes to remember about chia seeds:
They’re essentially flavorless so they’ll take on the flavor of whatever you pair them with. When combined with liquid, the chia seeds swell and create a thick, gel-like consistency Chia seeds don’t need to be ground (like flaxseeds) to absorb the nutrients, but you’ll occasionally see them ground for certain recipes.
1. Chia Pudding
One of my favorite ways to use chia! Similar to tapioca pudding, chia pudding has a thick, gelatinous texture. Often times the pudding will be sweetened, but you can certainly make it unsweetened as well. It can be made ahead and served for breakfast, snacks or dessert. Start with this basic chia pudding recipe and then experiment with some of the other flavor combinations.
Banana Split Chia Pudding Kiwi Chia Pudding Parfait Raspberry Chia Pudding Strawberry Chia Pudding Pumpkin Chia Pudding
2. Smoothies
Chia seeds make smoothies extra thick while giving them a boost of healthy fat, protein and fiber.
Pineapple Recovery Smoothie Green Detox Smoothie Tropical Green Smoothie
3. Chia Jam
This is really the only kind of jam I use now! The best part? Chia jam doesn’t need any additional thickening agents or added sugar. It’s super simple, comes together quickly and tastes delicious.
Easy Strawberry Chia Seed Jam
4. Protein Bars
Chia seeds help protein bars stick together and add a good amount of protein, fiber and healthy fats.
Oatmeal Raisin Protein Bars Superfood Cereal Squares Curried Almond Granola Bars
5. Overnight Oats
Chia seeds are a staple in my overnight oat recipes because they make them extra thick and add a little texture.
Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats Protein Overnight Oats Tropical Overnight Oats Elvis Overnight Oats
6. Stovetop and Baked Oatmeal
Just like overnight oats, chia seeds give make stovetop oats thick and voluminous for a satisfying breakfast!
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Apple Cinnamon Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal
7. Cookies and Other Baked Goods
As I mentioned before chia seeds works great as an egg substitute. The basic recipe for a “chia egg” is 1 Tablespoon of chia seeds to 3 Tablespoons of water. Mix the chia seeds and water in a small bowl and let them sit for about 5 minutes to gel up. The mixture will become thick and gelatinous, similar to the texture of an egg.
Chia Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies Super Seed Chocolate Chip Cookies
8. Salads and Salad Dressing
You can sprinkle chia seeds over any salad or add chia seeds to your salad dressing to make it extra thick. They’re also a great sub for poppy seeds. Try it yourself with this simple lemon chia dressing: 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoon chia seeds, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon dijon mustard and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
9. Yogurt Bowls
Sprinkling chia over yogurt is one of the easiest ways to use them! Just toss them on and dive in!
Yogurt Breakfast Bowl with Blueberries and Toasted Coconut Acorn Squash Yogurt Breakfast Bowls
10. Add to Water or Juice
Adding chia seeds to water and/or juice is a great way to boost your energy and keep you feeling full. One of my favorite drinks is this Lemon Chia Fresca.
Lemon Chia Fresca
What’s your favorite way to use chia seeds?
