better homes and gardens chia pudding

17 Chia Seed Recipes That Will Inspire You to Add Them to More Than Just Pudding

ByKristy Alpert

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.

Basic Chia Pudding bowls with sliced fruit and nuts

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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!

Buy It: Crock-Pot 4-Quart Slow Cooker ($35, Bed Bath & Beyond)

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Maple Brunch Cake with Apples and Cranberries

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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.

Buy It:Good & Gather Organic Chia Seed ($4, Target)

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Chocolate-Peanut Butter Granola Bars

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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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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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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.ADVERTISEMENT

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Mini Cornmeal Sopes with Chicken Salad

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Bread crumbs and chia seeds provide a satisfying crunch on this oven-baked polenta with Mexican-style chicken salad and creamy avocado spread. With 22 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber, this colorful dish ensures you'll stay full for hours after dining.

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Red Rice Pudding with Almond Milk

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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.

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Pineapple-Spinach Smoothies

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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.https://38a2bb8975e473f617ca720f1a41ca19.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.htmlADVERTISEMENT

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Strawberries and Cream Pancakes

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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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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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Goji Berry-Peanut Butter Granola Bars

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The vibrant crunch and colors of these goji and chia granola bars set them apart from any other breakfast bar. This healthy chia seed recipe makes 18 bars that can be stored up to 3 months in the freezer.https://38a2bb8975e473f617ca720f1a41ca19.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.htmlADVERTISEMENT

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Kiwi-Pineapple Smoothies

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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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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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Berry-Banana Smoothie Bowls

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A cool blend of fresh fruit, nuts, and chia seeds makes this smoothie bowl bright and filling. This chia bowl recipe takes only 15 minutes and makes enough for four chia smoothie bowls.https://38a2bb8975e473f617ca720f1a41ca19.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.htmlADVERTISEMENT

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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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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.