14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (2024)

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Kristy Alpert

14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (1)

Kristy Alpert

Kristy is a freelance travel and food writer with bylines in Food & Wine, Cosmopolitan, and more.

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Updated on February 2, 2021

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (2)

Chia is a nutty, ancient grainlike seed packed with fiber, protein, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. They're naturally gluten-free and contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Also they're super fun to eat! Add them to smoothies, sprinkle them on salads, or use them to thicken sauces and jams. For a dessert-like chia pudding recipe plus healthy chia seed recipes starring savory ingredients, check out these recipes using chia seeds.

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Basic Chia Pudding

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (3)

The toppings are the stars in this chia pudding recipe, where a basic base of milk, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds comes together in just 2 hours in the refrigerator. Top your chia pudding with fresh fruit, toasted coconut, or homemade granola.

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Chocolate Bread Pudding with Mocha "Cream" Sauce

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Chia seeds add unexpected fiber and protein to this melt-in-your-mouth, slow cooker chia pudding recipe. A splash of your morning coffee livens up the mocha sauce and makes it totally justifiable as a breakfast dish!

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Maple Brunch Cake with Apples and Cranberries

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (5)

This brunch-perfect apple cake comes together in your slow cooker. Stir a scoop of chia seeds into the brown sugar-based batter to help soak up some of the sweet maple goodness.

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Chocolate-Peanut Butter Granola Bars

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (6)

This healthy chia seed recipe is loaded with plant-based protein to keep you fuller longer. Featuring salted pretzels, crunchy chia seeds, honey, and chocolate, these homemade bars have everything you crave in a snack.

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Blueberry and Oat-Chia Seed Muffins

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (7)

Sprinkling ground chia seeds into this blueberry-chia muffin recipe gives the muffins a delightful boost of fiber. Add in the rolled oats and fresh blueberries and you'll see why this healthy chia seed recipe is one of our go-to breakfasts.

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Berry-Chia Seed Jam

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (8)

All the magic of a chia seed pudding in a delicious and fruity spread! Chia seeds act as the thickener for this quick chia jam recipe, loaded with fresh blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Spread it on your morning bagel and freeze any leftovers for up to a year.

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Red Rice Pudding with Almond Milk

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (9)

This slow cooker breakfast recipe comes together like chia seed oatmeal and will brighten your day with tender red rice and warm almond milk. Embellish this chia pudding recipe with comforting stir-ins, such as chewy dried fruit, apple pie spice, and orange peel.

Pineapple-Spinach Smoothies

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (10)

This tropical and creamy chia seed smoothie gets its signature green hue from heaps of fresh spinach. This recipe makes enough for three smoothies, so it's perfect for sharing or storing in the fridge with your other quick and healthy breakfast recipes.

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Strawberries and Cream Pancakes

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (11)

Two tablespoons of chia seeds mix right into the batter for these tasty chia seed pancakes. Smear the golden cakes with whipped Greek cream cheese, then top with fresh strawberries.

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Chia-Crusted, Oven-Roasted Tuna with Mango Fruit Salsa

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (12)

Chia seeds make the nutty and crunchy coating for this fork-tender tuna recipe. Serve over balsamic glaze, then top with mango-lime salsa for an invigorating finish for this chia seed recipe.

Buy It: Monari Federzoni Balsamic Glaze ($6, Target)

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Kiwi-Pineapple Smoothies

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (13)

Not all chia seed drink recipes are as packed with flavor and fiber as this kiwi-pineapple chia seed smoothie. Blend a handful of fresh produce—spinach, kiwi, banana, and pineapple—with yogurt, OJ, and some chia seeds for an ultrathick and creamy drink.

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Lemon-Strawberry Chia Seed Muffins

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (14)

The chia seeds are ground in this chia muffin recipe to give the muffins a binding boost of fiber. Sweet strawberries and just a touch of tart lemon peel add a fresh punch to the hearty rolled oats in these nutritious muffins.

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Coconut-Chia Oat Crisps

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Top these lightly sweet oat crisps with jam or eat them plain to get a protein-packed crunch, filled with fiber and healthy omega-3s. This healthy chia seed recipe includes oat bran and almond butter, so expect these chia crackers to fill you up.

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Chia Pudding with Fruit

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (16)

Unsweetened coconut milk and nonfat Greek yogurt get a sweet boost with fresh berries and pure maple syrup for this simple stir-and-chill chia pudding recipe.

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (2024)

FAQs

What is the most nutritious way to eat chia seeds? ›

To get the most nutrients out of your food and to maximize the potential benefits of chia seeds, try soaking them before adding them to a recipe or smoothie. Either way, though, they're still an excellent source of nutrition.

What happens to your body when you eat chia seeds everyday? ›

Chia seeds contain quercetin, an antioxidant that can reduce your risk of several health conditions, including heart disease. The seeds are also high in fiber, which can help to lower high blood pressure and, in turn, lower your odds of getting heart disease.

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.

What is the best to mix with chia seeds? ›

One of the simplest ways to add chia seeds to your diet is to add them to water. To make chia water, soak 1/4 cup (40 grams) of chia seeds in 4 cups (1 liter) of water for 20–30 minutes. To give your drink some flavor, you can add chopped fruit or squeeze in a lemon, lime, or orange.

Can 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.

Is it better to eat chia seeds in the morning or at night? ›

Consuming chia seeds with water in the morning helps in giving your digestive system a boost and improves bowel movement. Healthy digestion is a prerequisite to weight loss. The best time to eat chia seeds is when you wake up. Consumption of chia seeds aids in a feeling of fullness and thus a reduced calorie intake.

Are there any negative effects of chia seeds? ›

Eating too many chia seeds may cause side effects, such as digestive issues, allergic reactions, or weight gain. In moderation, however, chia seeds can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. Chia seeds are edible seeds that come from a plant belonging to the mint family, called Salvia hispanica.

What does Mayo Clinic say about chia seeds? ›

Chia is rich in lignans and omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular health. These seeds also contain magnesium, an important mineral for brain, digestive tract and heart health. Add chia to cereal, yogurt, salads and smoothies, or use it make puddings for a nutrient-dense snack.

Is 1 teaspoon of chia seeds enough per day? ›

If you're not used to eating a lot of fiber, though, consuming too many sources in one sitting may cause digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea. A standard dosing suggestion is 0.7 ounces (20 grams or 1.5 teaspoons) of chia seeds twice daily. Chia seeds may provide various advantages as part of a healthy diet.

Are chia seeds ok for kidneys? ›

Because flax seeds and chia seeds are low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, they are healthy for all the following kidney conditions and treatments: CKD/Transplant. Hemodialysis (3 times/week) Daily Home and Nocturnal Hemodialysis/Peritoneal Dialysis.

Do chia seeds help bowel movement? ›

All that fiber in chia seeds is mostly insoluble fiber, which doesn't dissolve in fluids. Instead, it absorbs fluids and helps create bulky, soft stool. So yes, chia seeds have the right kind of fiber to loosen your poop and give you some constipation relief.

Can I sprinkle chia seeds on yogurt? ›

For raw chia seeds, you can soak chia seeds with warm water first and then use them or sprinkle a spoonful of chia seeds directly into yogurt, wait 15-20 minutes for the chia seeds to bloom and then use. Can be used with many other fruits such as watermelon, strawberry, mango, ... to make the dish more attractive.

What is the healthiest way to eat chia seeds? ›

It's easy to harness their health benefits throughout the day.
  1. Smoothies. A popular way to use chia seeds is in smoothies. ...
  2. Salad Dressings. ...
  3. Baked Goods. ...
  4. Granola, Protein Bars, or Energy Bars. ...
  5. Chia Drinks. ...
  6. Popsicles. ...
  7. Breadcrumbs. ...
  8. Jam.
Feb 19, 2016

Can I put chia seeds in my coffee? ›

But not only will you get a more nutritious beverage with the addition of this superfood, you'll also get a more exciting cup of joe. Chia seeds will work their thickening magic on your coffee too, so it will be more richly textured than normal.

How to prepare chia seeds for flat tummy? ›

Combining chia seeds with cinnamon water creates a powerful drink that aids in weight loss, boosts metabolism, regulates blood sugar levels, and promotes overall well-being. This homemade remedy is rich in nutrients essential for a healthy body. Trying hard to lose belly fat and stay in shape?

How are chia seeds best absorbed? ›

The surface of chia seeds is delicate and easily breaks apart when exposed to moisture, so they are typically prepared with liquid foods (as seen with the recipe ideas below). In this way, they are absorbed and digested well in their whole form, unlike flax seeds.

Is it better to eat chia seeds whole or ground up? ›

A new study suggests that ground chia seeds offer more nutritional benefits than whole chia seeds. Experts say whole chia seeds are still easy to digest because the external layer of the seeds breaks down when combined with liquid.

How much chia seeds should you eat a day? ›

There is no RDA for chia seeds. Still, they can be safely eaten in amounts of 50 grams daily, which is about five tablespoons. Two tablespoons provide all of the nutritional benefits listed above. Soaked chia seeds have a gel-like texture.

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