Find even more ways to use chia seeds, a nutrient powerhouse, in this list of some of the best Savory Chia Seed Recipes! These little superfoods do wonders in both sweet and savory recipes, so check the post below for more savory ideas on using chia seeds in your kitchen.
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Most people think of sweet foods when they think of chia seeds. Chia pudding, chia seeds in overnight oats, chia seeds as a binder for vegan baking… but savory chia seed recipes are just as popular!
Chia seeds are a versatile staple in my own cooking. I particularly love them in my pumpkin chia pudding, vegan banana pudding, and my easy coffee overnight oats recipes.
And while chia seeds are most often associated with sweet pudding or baking, these little seeds have no sweetness to them, so you can absolutely use them in savory recipes as well.
Check out my list below for savory chia seed recipes.
What are Chia Seeds and Why are They Amazing?
In case you didn’t know, chia seeds are amazing. These tiny seeds from the plant Salvia hispanica are slightly smaller than a grain of quinoa when dry, yet they do expand when they become wet. In fact, a chia seed can expand to 10 times its size.
Native to Guatemala and Mexico, chia seeds have been used for centuries by many cultures including ancient Aztec and Mesoamerican cultures. They were a major part of many people’s diets and even were considered to have medicinal properties.
Chia seeds expand massively when submerged in liquid. For this reason, eating dry chia seeds isn’t recommended. They don’t taste good that way and are much more difficult to digest.
These nutritious little seeds are loaded with protein, fiber, calcium, and healthy fats including all of the Omegas (3, 6, and 9). Just 2 tablespoons of chia seeds also provide an impressive percentage of your daily value for iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B1 (thiamine), and vitamin B3 (niacin).
Chia seeds are reported to be useful for weight loss, lowering the risk of heart disease, lowering blood pressure, and are loaded with antioxidants which fight free radicals.
How to Gel Chia Seeds
- You need a ratio of 4 parts liquid to 1 part chia seeds.
- Make sure to mix it thoroughly before leaving the seeds to gel so everything gets coated in liquid.
- To use chia seeds as a binder or to make chia pudding, you need a minimum of 15-20 minutes for the seeds to absorb the liquid and expand. They work well as a binder so allow them time to sit.
- If your chia seeds are very old, they may not gel well. Like baking powder, it’s best to work with relatively fresh seeds.
Where to Purchase Chia Seeds and How to Store
You can buy chia seeds in almost any grocery store now. They are usually in the health food section, or sometimes in the baking section. You can also purchase chia seeds online.
Nuts and seeds are best stored in the refrigerator or freezer so they don’t go rancid quickly. But they are shelf stable and can be stored in a dark cupboard if you plan to use them sooner rather than later. Due to their versatile nature, chia seeds are a permanent item on my ultimate vegan pantry staples list.
Savory Chia Seed Recipes
While chia seeds are known well for their applications in sweet dishes like baked goods, pudding, and overnight oats, there are a lot of savory uses too. Check out my list of savory chia seed recipes below.
1. Superfood Salad
Superfood Salad by Choosing Chia
Loaded with super healthy ingredients like kale, quinoa, chia seeds, and a rainbow of produce, this superfood salad actually tastes great with a maple vinaigrette. Chia seeds are just one of the many super foods featured in this 15 minute meal.
Check out this recipe
2. Gluten-Free Super Seed Bread
Gluten-Free Super Seed Bread by Yummy Mummy Kitchen
Need gluten-free seed bread? Check out this easy, high-fiber recipe that features 4 different types of seeds for a superfood recipe inspired by adventure bread.
Check out this recipe
3. 5-Ingredient Vegan Caviar
5-Ingredient Vegan Caviar Recipe by Wow It’s Veggie
Vegan caviar is as easy as flavoring and gelling some chia seeds in this creative recipe. Serve on top of crackers with vegan cheese for a fancy appetizer.
Check out this recipe
4. Vegan Mushroom Wellington
Vegan Mushroom Wellington by Vegan on Board
Need a showstopper for Christmas or Thanksgiving? Proudly serve this vegan mushroom wellington that uses chia seeds as a binder for the portobello and nut filling.
Check out this recipe
5. Raw Carrot Salad with Spicy Chia Dressing
Raw Carrot Salad with Spicy Chia Dressing by MyGoodFoodWorld
Fresh grated carrots and a spicy, tangy, chia seed dressing make a delicious side salad loaded with vitamin A. This colorful and healthy salad will complement any meatless main.
Check out this recipe
6. Savory Pizza Oatmeal Bake
Savory Pizza Oatmeal Bake by Vegan Richa
Savory breakfast is easy with this delicious pizza oatmeal bake! This gluten-free breakfast is great for meal prep and super satisfying.
Check out this recipe
7. Vegan Lentil Loaf
Crowd-pleasing Vegan Lentil Loaf Recipe by Choosing Chia
This vegan lentil loaf features lentils, portobello mushrooms, and quinoa and uses chia seeds as a binder. Serve this plant-based protein packed dish as a meatless main or part of a holiday dinner.
Check out this recipe
8. Baked Falafels
Baked Falafels by Lazy Cat Kitchen
Baked falafels are healthy, easy to make, and the perfect filling for a pita sandwich, dipped in hummus or tahini, or in a salad. Crispy on the outside and soft and moist on the inside, these little bites use chia seeds as a binder and are loaded with flavor.
Check out this recipe
9. Savory Red Curry Chia Pudding
Savory Red Curry Chia Pudding by Spabettie
Savory red curry chia pudding is a creative variation of classic chia pudding. The spicy Thai red curry flavor is offset with cool coconut cream and topped with cashews.
Check out this recipe
10. Sagey Leek and White Bean Patties
Sagey Leek and White Bean Patties by Feasting at Home
Sagey Leek and White Bean Patties are the perfect meatless main for a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal, or any weeknight meal if you're into meal prepping. Enjoy these patties with almond milk mashed potatoes and gravy or whatever else you like.
Check out this recipe
11. Chia and Red Pepper BBQ Relish
Chia and Red Pepper BBQ Relish Sugar-free by Nest and Glow
Smoky red pepper BBQ relish goes with anything savory including any of the delicious veggie burgers and patties featured in this list of savory recipes using chia seeds. This relish is also great with any of my vegan bbq recipes.
Check out this recipe
12. Easy Vegan Nut Roast
Easy Nut Roast by Vegan on Board
This easy vegan nut roast uses only 10 ingredients and is perfect for a holiday dinner. Satisfying and rich in nutty flavor, this dish will impress all your friends and family members.
Check out this recipe
13. Savory Chickpea Protein Bars
Savory Chickpea Protein Bars
Savory protein bars are delicious, especially when they're made with chickpeas, nuts, seeds, and spices. These easy vegan protein bars are made with wholesome ingredients.
Check out this recipe
14. Curried Carrot Chickpea Chia Burgers
Curried Carrot Chickpea Chia Burgers by Veggie and the Beast
Packed with curry flavor and made with carrots, chickpeas, and chia seeds, these veggie burgers are delicious and nutritious. Top your burgers with refreshing dill lime cashew cream and serve in a bun or lettuce wrap.
Check out this recipe
15. Vegan Zucchini and Corn Fritters
Vegan Zucchini and Corn Fritters by Happy Kitchen
Crispy and loaded with summer produce, these easy vegan zucchini and corn fritters use chia eggs as a binder. Serve this appetizer or snack with salad or your favorite vegan dip.
Check out this recipe
16. Tomato Chia Jam
Tomato Chia Jam by Healthy Midwestern Girl
Easy, savory tomato chia jam is flavorful and perfect on top of sliced cucumber, crackers, or toast. This whole food plant based jam is the perfect use of garden tomatoes.
Check out this recipe
17. Flourless Zucchini Chia Savory Breakfast Muffins
Flourless Zucchini Chia Savory Breakfast Muffins by Kiip Fit
Flourless zucchini chia savory muffins are a great naturally gluten-free snack or breakfast. Made with almond flour, these savory muffins are low carb and veggie-packed.
Check out this recipe
18. Cornbread Gluten Free Stuffing
Cornbread Gluten Free Stuffing by Picky Eater Blog
Stuffing isn't just for Thanksgiving! Enjoy this healthy cornbread stuffing alongside any meatless main any time of the year.
Check out this recipe
19. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad by Fifteen Spatulas
Meal prep this flavorful Mediterranean quinoa salad that features tomatoes, kalamata olives, and mint. Swap out the feta for vegan feta (or leave it out) in this wholesome and simple recipe.
Check out this recipe
20. Chickpea Meatballs with Sweet and Sour Sauce (Vegan)
Vegetarian Chickpea Meatballs with Sweet and Sour Sauce by Being Nutritious
Sweet and sour chickpea meatballs are great with rice or quinoa and your favorite vegetables. Make these vegan meatballs with chia seeds as the binder and serve with any dish you like.
Check out this recipe
21. Savory Chia Pudding with Miso, Nori, & Roasted Tomatoes
Savoury Chia Pudding with Miso, Nori & Roasted Tomatoes by Natural Nourishment
This savory chia pudding features roasted tomatoes, edamame, miso, broccoli, and nori for a nutritionally balanced and flavorful meal. Enjoy this savory pudding any time of day.
Check out this recipe
22. Vegan Savory Carrot Tart
Vegan Savory Carrot Tart by Our Plant-Based World
Carrots are the star of this Argentinean savory carrot tart. This beautiful and tasty dish makes a great meatless main or it can be one element in an impressive vegan spread for any get together.
Check out this recipe
23. Avocado Tomato Salad
Avocado Tomato Salad by Healing Tomato
Mexican-inspired avocado tomato salad features ground chia seeds in the dressing and is a refreshing side dish. Serve this easy side salad with your favorite meatless main or make it the main dish by adding it to tacos with my tempeh walnut taco meat.
Check out this recipe
24. Savory Vegan Buckwheat Meatballs
Savory Vegan Buckwheat Meatball Recipe by Veganook
Buckwheat is the star of these easy vegan meatballs. The recipe uses chia seeds as a binder and a good amount of spices and seasonings to create solid, flavorful plant-based meatballs.
Check out this recipe
25. Healthy Multi Seed Crackers
Healthy Multi Seed Crackers – Beside the Mountain
Sunflower, pumpkin, flax, hemp, and sesame seeds come together with just salt and water to make these wholesome, crunchy seed crackers. Serve these with my easy dairy free pesto or my vegan ricotta cheese.
Check out this recipe
26. Seeded Whole Wheat Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Seeded Whole Wheat Sourdough Sandwich Bread by Sourdough Brandon
Make a sourdough sandwich bread that's loaded with seeds and super hearty. This delicious and easy sourdough bread will make your next sandwich or avocado toast epic.
Check out this recipe
27. Black Bean Quinoa Burgers
Black Bean Quinoa Burgers by Keeping the Peas
These easy black bean quinoa burgers are made with southwest spices and use chia seeds as a binder. Make up a big batch for your freezer or serve your family or guests for an easy meal loaded with plant-based protein and veggies.
Check out this recipe
28. Easy Vegan Naan Bread
Easy Vegan Naan Bread Recipe by Second Recipe
Simple ingredients and easy steps are all you need to make fluffy and delicious vegan naan bread! Serve with my vegan butter chicken with cauliflower and chickpeas or lemongrass and coconut yellow curry.
Check out this recipe
29. Tofu Quinoa Bowl
Tofu Quinoa Bowl by Serene Trail
This tofu quinoa bowl is loaded with roasted veggies, crispy tofu, a delicious dressing and sprinkled with chia seeds for a great little crunch. Bowls are perfect for meal prep, as you can make each element and compose your own bowl each day of the week.
Check out this recipe
30. No Bake Ginger Tahini Protein Balls
No Bake Ginger Tahini Protein Balls (Without Oats) by Low Histamine Eats
Chia seeds are just one of the many healthy fats in these super food tahini snack balls. They are smoky, nutty, and absolutely delicious.
Check out this recipe
31. Broccoli Dippers with Fresh Veggies
Broccoli Dippers with Fresh Veggies by Healing Tomato
Broccoli dippers are loaded with fresh veggies and chia eggs. They're the perfect appetizer or snack dipped in your favorite vegan sauce.
Check out this recipe
32. Turmeric Lentil Fritters Tomato Bowl with Tahini Dill Sauce
Turmeric Lentil Fritters Tomato Bowl with Tahini Dill Sauce by Vegan Richa
These easy baked turmeric lentil fritters are served in a greens bowl with tomatoes and a delicious tahini dill sauce. This flavorful meal is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Check out this recipe
33. Vegan Eggplant Pie Recipe
Vegan Eggplant Pie Recipe by Our Plant-Based World
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with healthy veggies, this vegan savory eggplant pie is a super easy and decadent vegan main dish. It only takes a few minutes to prep the filling and then you can throw it in the oven and do other things while it bakes.
Check out this recipe
34. Masala Oats – Indian Savory Oats Upma
Masala Oats – Indian Savory Oats Upma by Profusion Curry
Masala oats is an Indian porridge (oats upma) that makes a super hearty and nourishing savory vegan breakfast. Make this easy dish as meal prep and you'll have a delicious breakfast every day of the week.
Check out this recipe
35. Savory Lentil-Mushroom Burgers
Savory Lentil-Mushroom Burgers by FatFree Vegan Kitchen
Flavorful lentil burgers feature mushrooms for umami flavor and are super easy to make with simple ingredients. Make a double batch and stock your freezer for easy meals for a rainy day.
Check out this recipe
There are so many wonderful recipes on this list, where to start? Thank you for the wonderful inspirations on this list. I intend to make my way through each one.