15 Chia Seed Recipes to Keep in Your Back Pocket

Let’s just get this right out of the way: Yes, these little seeds that are now the darling of nutritionists everywhere are the same that were used to grow—um, tiny, leafy “hair” on those terracotta Chia Pets in the '80s. Somewhere between then and now, however, the health benefits to eating chia, long prized by the ancient Aztecs, have become clear: They’re high in healthy fats and omega-3s, they’re chock-full of fiber, they’re a complete protein, and besides, you can make all sorts of tasty things with them, from the classic puddings to adding crunch to baked goods. Wondering where to start? These chia-studded waffles are gluten-free, yet light and crisp! Lemon and poppy seeds partner famously, but the additional crunch from the chia brings it to eleven, in elegant, unexpected waffles that still taste pretty darn good with maple syrup.

Recipes that play up chia’s textural potential are some of our favorites. You’ll never have to worry about a chia coating going soggy like breadcrumbs could despite a saute; they remain poppy, a lovely contrast to the melting texture of the rich salmon beneath.

Everyone needs a good chocolate version of chia pudding in their recipe box. This one is rich and creamy. Go ahead and make it with any kind of vegan milk, if you prefer. It makes a tasty dessert, but we won’t judge if you eat it for breakfast.

These unbaked balls pack a serious punch of protein and healthful ingredients. They’re sweet enough to function as a dessert, but you’ll be amazed how just one or two can really take the edge off when you’re starving after a workout.

Home-making granola is nice because you can make it not *so* sweet as the commercial ones at the store—but what about a granola that truly leans savory? If you’re the type who prefers a salty snack, you’ll love this rendition, just as delicious with milk in the morning as with some plain yogurt in the afternoon, or even sprinkled over a salad.

Forget any leaden whole-wheat pancakes that your health-crazed auntie might have tried to feed you in the past (am I giving away too much here?). These pancakes are packed with nutrition, from banana to oats to chia and whole-wheat flour—and yet they manage to be perfectly light and delicious. Serve with syrup, although you may find that you don’t even need it!

You know those gorgeous nut-and-seed crackers that go so beautifully with cheeses and cost a fortune at the health-food store? Well, dare we say these leave those in the dust, whether served with Cheddar or in a fully vegan spread, with hummus or bean dip.

Chia seeds absorb liquid if you give them time to sit, lending a gelatinous-yet-crunchy texture that is wholly appealing. Here, they make a blueberry smoothie that much more interesting and make sure you’ll fill up.

Zest and juice in the batter in these delicate muffins and a boost of juice in the glaze mean that these taste of sunshine (but you *still* get that good fiber in from the chia). Talk about a perfect breakfast!

These ice pops may just be the perfect summer snack—refreshing, but you won’t be hungry 5 minutes later, thanks to the staying power of the chia.

Getting out of bed has just become much more exciting, when you have a breakfast this decadent, yet nutritious, to open your eyes to! Packed with healthy fats, fiber and protein, it will keep you going strong all the way to lunch.

These granola bars get a tangy icing made from yogurt, so they are a complete breakfast or snack for on-the-go. Tuck them into lunchboxes, and they will be a big hit when energy is waning.

This side dish from Christian Petroni is a true study in layering texture and flavor. The sweet potatoes are roasted, then cut and roasted again with a miso-maple that glazes in the umami. It’s topped with all sorts of varying-sized crunchy bits and served over a subtly sinus-clearing savory yogurt that underlines the whole with a tangy richness.

Chia seeds are a boon to gluten-free bakers, and they can also stand in place of eggs, as in both cases, they have that texture that will hold everything together. Here, they give a rich nuttiness to a cornbread that is great for snacking, and a great complement alongside any Southern-ish meal.