Best Chia Seed Recipes

They're not just for chia pets anymore.

Have a bag of chia seeds sitting in your cabinet, perhaps from a Trader Joe’s impulse purchase (we’ve all done it) or an ill-advised TikTok trend? Don’t let them languish in your kitchen untouched. Instead make one of these 15 chia seed recipes—you might be surprised at their versatility.

What are chia seeds? Chia seeds are the edible seeds of a South/Meso-American plant in the mint family that has been around for thousands of years. Though the plants themselves have largely been relegated to novelty gifts (yep, we’re talking chia pets), the seeds themselves have been growing in popularity for years. They’re touted as a superfood, and we have to agree (the Aztec warriors who ate them weren’t wrong!). They’re super-high in fiber, antioxidants, and plant-based omega-3s. They’re also FULL of protein and calcium, making them vital parts of any healthy diet, but especially keto and vegan ones.

What should I make with them? Another fun fact about chia seeds is that they are what is called “hydrophilic,” which means they can soak up to 12 times their weight in liquid. When you soak chia seeds in milk or water, they’ll become gelatinous, making them perfect as a replacement for real gelatin or eggs in recipes like chia pudding, chia jam, overnight oats, and even vegan meatballs. Because they pack such a big punch in a little package, chia seeds are also great to throw into anything you might want to add extra nutrients to, like our keto cereal, our peanut butter protein balls, or our perfect green smoothie. Try sprinkling them into your next batch of granola, cookies, or muffins for yummy added crunch and health.

When you need a little energy boost, these peanut butter bites will give you new life. We wanted these protein balls to taste a little bit like cookie dough (😈), so we added some mini dark chocolate chips.

Get the Peanut Butter Protein Balls recipe.

Few comfort foods satisfy like a hearty bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. Now, my vegan friends, you TOO can enjoy this comfort food sans guilt! These chickpea-based meatballs pack tons of flavor, come together quickly, and even provide a good amount of protein and fiber, thanks in part to chia seeds.

Get the Vegan Meatballs recipe.

Cooking with chia seeds might seem intimidating, but in reality this pudding couldn't be easier to whip up! Simply add liquid, give it a good stir, and let time do the rest. We like ours topped with fresh fruit—juicy berries, sweet bananas, or fragrant pears work great—and crunchy granola, but feel free to go crazy with your favorite toppings.

Get the Chia Pudding recipe.

Who needs protein powder anyways? Packed with almond milk, almond butter, chia seeds, and hemp seeds, this shake will energize you and keep you full all morning.

Get the Chocolate Keto Protein Shake recipe.

No matter what you might have lingering around in your pantry at this moment, this recipe will be here for you. Want to eat cookies for breakfast? Try out the health-nut granola version where hearty oats, toasted nuts, plump raisins, and a small dash of wholesome seeds join together in cinnamon-y harmony.

Get the Anything Goes Pantry Cookies recipe.

Want to blast yourself with healthy vibes? Chug this spinach-kale smoothie. It's got almond butter and honey, so it's good for you and yummy.

Get the Perfect Green Smoothie recipe.

Make a big batch of this granola and have an easy low-carb, high-protein breakfast that'll keep you full all day long. Swap almonds and walnuts for pistachios, pecans, or pumpkin seeds if you like. And don't stop at breakfast—this makes a great topping for our keto ice cream too.

Get the Keto Cereal recipe.

If you've only ever had wild rice in savory dishes, you're in for a treat. The maple syrup coaxes some seriously complex flavors from the rice; it becomes incredibly aromatic, with notes of vanilla, toasted nuts, and a jasmine-like floral flavor that plays beautifully with some fresh fruit. Berries are great, but if they're out of season, chopped apples or sliced banana would also be delicious.

Get the Wild Rice Pudding recipe.

These "energy balls" are exactly what they sound like: Perfect little bites of energy that will help you curb cravings for something sweet and pumpkin-y. Made with oats, coconut, almond butter, and pumpkin puree, they're totally good for you and satisfying.

Get the Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls recipe.

If you've never tried avocado in your smoothie, you're missing out. The protein-rich fruit makes it so you'll actually be full, while maple syrup adds the perfect amount of sweetness.

Get the Avocado Smoothie recipe.

Can't get enough PSL flavor come fall? Start your mornings off with these overnight oats. We brought together our fave warming flavors—pumpkin and cheesecake—and combined them for some morning comfort food magic.

Get the Pumpkin Cheesecake Overnight Oats recipe.

Watermelon and raspberries combine into the most refreshing summertime drink. Sub in any berry you have around, but don't skip the chia seeds, which help make this a smoothie that will actually fill you up.

Get the Watermelon Smoothie recipe.

If you’ve only ever had hot oatmeal, it’s worth trying it this way. Simply combine oats with chia seeds (which absorb liquid and make the oatmeal thicker), your milk of choice, and a little sweetener. Wake up in the morning to creamy oatmeal, ready to grab and go.

Get the Overnight Oats recipe from The Pioneer Woman.

When introduced to liquid, chia seeds plump up several times their size and form a gelatinous coating. Add a few scoops of chia seeds to a bowl with fruit and you’ll get a spoonable, jam-like consistency in just a few minutes. Magic!

Get the Raspberry Chia Seed Jam recipe from Good Housekeeping.

Aussie bites are a fun little snack filled with chewy bits of seeds and dried fruit and are perfect for little hands or lunchboxes.

Get the Aussie Bites recipe from The Pioneer Woman.

Camille Lowder is the digital food producer at Delish, otherwise known as our resident queen of recipe galleries. Previously, she attended the Natural Gourmet Institute for culinary school and worked at/managed a number of New York restaurants. She loves anything vegan, foods masquerading as other foods (hello, cauliflower), and a well-used Oxford comma.

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