Put Chia Seeds to Work With These 10 Non-Pudding Recipes

Photo: Stocksy/Darren Muir

Chia seeds are absolutely wonderful sources of omega-3s, fiber, and protein—but after you've exhausted all the overnight pudding recipes imaginable, how else can you use superfood?

Turns out, the opportunities abound: Chia seeds are an incredibly versatile ingredient that you can use in recipes ranging from quick breads and pancakes to smoothies. Ready to pack your meals with nutrients? Here are 10 recipes that will change the way you think about cooking with chia seeds.

Finish your bag of chia seeds with the 10 delicious recipes below.

Photo: Green Smoothie Gourmet

1. Rainbow Unicorn Protein Smoothie Bowls

Make 'em stop and stare…as they scroll through their Instagram feed. This stunning smoothie bowl has two types of chia seeds, along with blueberries, raspberries, and mango. Go all out by topping your bowl with edible flowers and star-shaped dragon fruit.

Photo: Eat Spin Run Repeat

2. Chocolate Chip Cashew Cookie Dough Protein Bites

These protein balls are a satisfying dessert minus common garbage-y ingredients. They're made with oats, nuts, dates, and chia seeds, in addition to protein powder—so you'll get a boost of energy without crashing right afterward.

Photo: Cooking Healthy

3. Banana Boat Recipe

When you want the fun of a banana split but aren't as keen on eating ice cream and whipped cream, try this amusing recipe that tops sliced bananas with nut butter, goji berries, and a variety of seeds.

Photo: The Brook Cook

4. Seeded Lemon-Blueberry-Banana Bread

It's always a good time for banana bread. This recipe incorporates lemon and blueberry into the mix, and the chia seeds give the loaf a great texture.

Photo: Food Meanderings

5. Pecan Brown Butter Granola

Who doesn't love a good granola? You can snack on it plain, or add it to whatever you want, whether that's oatmeal or a smoothie bowl. This recipe has that lovely brown butter thing going for it, which means it'll pair nicely with a scoop of ice cream.

Photo: Fab Food 4 All

6. Chia And Sesame Seed Crackers

Make these crackers for your next book club meeting if you want to save money on hors d'oeuvres and want to look like the mostess hostess ever. They're super easy to make—but that'll be our secret.

Photo: Karla's Nordic Kitchen

7. Raspberry Chia Jam

This vibrant preserve uses Medjool dates instead of refined sugars. And the final product comes together more quickly than a traditional jam, thanks to the chia seeds.

Photo: Laura Lea Balanced

8. Grain-Free Lemon Chia Seed Pancakes With 2-Ingredient Raspberry Sauce

What do you do when you love the fluffiness of a traditional buttermilk pancake but want something a little more...grain-free? Try this coconut flour version, which is also dairy- and nut-free.

Photo: Yay! For Food

9. Healthy Pear Ginger Chia Smoothie

Late summer is when Bartlett pears are at their peak, so September is the perfect time to grab a few at the farmers' market. Blend one with chia seeds, ginger, and spinach for a vegan, gluten-free, and refreshing drink.

Photo: The Breakfast Drama Queen

10. Vegan Banana Date Muffins

The chia seeds in this recipe are the key to making it vegan: They replace the eggs. But you won't even notice anything's different because you'll be too busy enjoying that classic combination of bananas and dates.

Hanging out in the kitchen? FaceTime a friend à la Broad City while whipping up one of these 10 anti-inflammatory turmeric smoothies.

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