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Home › Recipes › By Type › Snacks and Appetizers

3 Recipes & Ways to Use Chia Seed

by Lindsay Cotter · 07/09/2014

Everyone has their food niche. Some can make any vegetable look amazing and taste delicious. Some can turn a a plain Jane ingredient into a decadent dessert. Some are good are strange but good combos. And some are good at making the most of the ingredients they have on hand. You all know who you are! But me? I like to think I am the latter. Give me a certain amount of one ingredient and I’ll give you several way to put it to good use! Cotter Creations, ya know?

That’s where today’s post into play. CHIA!

I love chia because it gives food texture, volume, and has lots of great nutrition perks (protein, omegas, fiber, etc.). But I will be honest, we don’t eat it every day. We usually rotate through these types of seeds because it’s better for my gut health. Just like the green vs orange smoothies, we vary our nutrients. Needless to say, we still love using it! And these past few weeks I’ve been using it a ton since the kiwi has been resting and focusing on more fiber, protein, fats, etc.

Okay, let me get to the recipes!!

First up, bites! Yes, another Healthy Bites recipe. It’s has chocolate and cherry and of course, CHIA!

Double Chocolate Cherry Chia Bites

Double the chocolate, double the fun! Double Chocolate Cherry Chia bites are a healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting an extra boost of omegas and fiber. These bites are grain free, easy to make, vegan friendly, protein packed, and the perfect balance of chocolate and fruit! #cottercrunch

Second –> Chia Protein Cakes! These are great for snacking, post workout, or after dinner desserts.

pineapple protein chia cakes

Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 1 min

Serves: 1

Ingredients

•30 grams Vanilla protein

•2 tbsp chia seed

•1 egg

• 2 tbsp pineapple juice or crushed pineapple

•1 tsp baking powder

•1/2 tbsp coconut butter

•1/4 tsp vanilla (optional)

Toppings:

  • â—¦dried fruit
  • â—¦Greek yogurt or vanilla rice pudding for topping

Instructions

mix everything in a large soup mug. Microwave for 30 seconds. Let it stand for a few seconds, then microwave again for 15 seconds, let it stand, then microwave one more time for 10 seconds. Flip it over on a plate and add topping. I used Greek yogurt, Rice pudding, and raisins. Melts in your mouth.

Third, a pudding! This is a great way to make your breakfast ahead of time and it allows the seeds to be soaked so it’s easier to digest. I let this chia pudding sit overnight so it’s thicker come morning!

Peaches and Cream Vegan chia pudding! This EASY breakfast and dessert style Vegan Chia pudding recipe is protein packed, Healthy for digestion, gluten free.

Mix and let it sit in fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Note –> I highly recommend carrying floss after you consume these. Unfortunately, the chia seed stuck in the teeth style is not trending yet. Winking smile

What’s your favorite way to use chia? What’s your food niche?

Cheers,

LC

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Categories: Snacks and Appetizers Tags: chia, fuel, nourishment

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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  1. Alex@Veggin' Out says

    07/15/2014 at 8:39 AM

    LOVE this post!!! I most often use chia seed in overnight oats, but I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy them! đŸ™‚

    Reply
  2. Miss Polkadot says

    07/12/2014 at 5:45 PM

    Wait, you mean secretly attempting to grow chia pets in between your teeth is NOT cool?!

    Reply
    • LCCotter says

      07/13/2014 at 5:50 AM

      haha you know it!

      Reply
  3. STUFT Mama says

    07/11/2014 at 1:43 AM

    Oh friend…… these look amazing and goodness knows I love my chia. That cake and those balls????? I don’t know which one to try first. You are on fire! đŸ™‚

    Reply
  4. Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says

    07/10/2014 at 9:01 PM

    Those pineapple protein cakes look really good. I love chia seeds. Super useful and nutritious.

    Reply
  5. Renee @ Bendiful Blog says

    07/10/2014 at 12:18 PM

    Ohhhhh Chia seeds are my favorite I eat them daily so many fun ways to mix them in.

    Reply
  6. Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says

    07/10/2014 at 12:16 PM

    There’s nothing I won’t chia on!

    Reply
    • LCCotter says

      07/10/2014 at 3:01 PM

      love it! yes indeed

      Reply
  7. Megan @ The Skinny-Life says

    07/10/2014 at 11:23 AM

    These all look so good! I put chia in my smoothies, juices, overnight yogurt & oats. Looks like more bites are in my future.

    Reply
  8. Audrey @ In Shape Cupcake says

    07/10/2014 at 8:42 AM

    I need those cherry chia fudge bites NOW! I can practically taste them! I love putting chia seeds in my overnight oats and pancakes! So good!

    Reply
    • LCCotter says

      07/10/2014 at 3:02 PM

      i think you will love!! let me know if you try it

      Reply
  9. Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says

    07/10/2014 at 6:01 AM

    My superpower is I can turn veggies into bacon. Just kidding, but I do like to think I make them look good, and since I know they taste good, I’d say I’ve got my bases covered. I love the inventive chef as well; the one who makes the most of whatever she’s got on hand. Yep, those chefs are pretty bad ass too, and you know who I’m talking about. You!

    Reply
    • LCCotter says

      07/10/2014 at 6:45 AM

      that reference was for you, the veggies into bacon –> I SWEAR you do!

      Reply
  10. Lucie@FitSwissChick says

    07/10/2014 at 2:27 AM

    Hahahah, omg yes, they DO stuck in the teeth! I realized once I was wandering around with one all day and nobody told me. So mean.

    I love the Chia Cakes, the look so good! And the addition of coconut butter…..yummy.

    Reply
    • LCCotter says

      07/10/2014 at 6:45 AM

      i would have told you. xxoo chia friend!

      Reply
  11. Katie says

    07/09/2014 at 10:27 PM

    I haven’t gotten into chia even though I’ve tried several times but a friend here swears that the seeds are the reason her cholesterol dropped in the last 6 months. Not that I have high cholestrol to begin with, but it might be worth looking into

    Reply
    • LCCotter says

      07/10/2014 at 6:46 AM

      i am surprised you haven’t! it’s such good texture to play with in baking too!

      Reply
  12. Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says

    07/09/2014 at 9:20 PM

    Oh these all look so delicious! We love Chia seeds and use them a lot.

    Reply
  13. Maria @ Little Miss Cornucopia says

    07/09/2014 at 9:09 PM

    I love ch ch ch chia. With that chia pet commercial back in the day, how could I not? I have actually tried using chia seeds the same 3 ways you have, in bites/balls, pudding, and pancakes..and I must say that I am a huge fan of all three. Your Cherry Berry Delight Bites are one of my favorites and the recipe you have here sounds very similar. I may just have to try it out for myself and see what I think. I am never disappointed though so I better watch out đŸ˜› And pineapple and coconut butter in pancakes?! ohmygoddess! Fabulous!! I shared this on my FB page btw. hope that’s ok đŸ™‚ x

    Reply
    • LCCotter says

      07/09/2014 at 9:29 PM

      haha i know, i need a chia pet again! and yes, thank you for sharing friend! you are amazing!

      Reply
  14. She Rocks Fitness says

    07/09/2014 at 7:52 PM

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE chia…I use anywhere from 1/2 T-1T in breakfast everyday. I’m addicted to it…I also love to substitute when I am baking. So good for all of us! XOXO

    Reply
  15. Debbie @ Live from La Quinta says

    07/09/2014 at 6:19 PM

    I’ve never been a fan of the texture of chia, but I know that it has great benefits, especially for me as a vegan. I don’t think I’m up for the pudding (yet), but those healthy bites sound yummy.

    Reply
    • LCCotter says

      07/09/2014 at 9:34 PM

      the pudding takes time. haha. texture that is. You should so try the bites! great for post run and i use vega or growing naturals vegan powder.

      Reply
  16. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says

    07/09/2014 at 4:25 PM

    I LOVE chia! My dad bought a couple big bags at Costco and gave me one and have yet to do anything but add a sprinkle to my smoothies…MUST change that! đŸ˜‰

    Reply
    • LCCotter says

      07/10/2014 at 6:36 PM

      let me know if you try any friend!

      Reply
  17. Cassie says

    07/09/2014 at 3:11 PM

    I loveee chia seeds. Super intrigued by the pineapple mug cake… it’s super creative! Good call on varying the seeds though… I need to be better about that!

    Reply
  18. Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says

    07/09/2014 at 2:46 PM

    Lindsay – I am so loving your chia creations! That chia cake – those bites and that pudding sound absolutely wonderful! I’ve only made pudding and used chai as a topping so far. I am usually trying to sneak veggies and healthy stuff into most eats – I once fooled my daughter with chia chocolate pudding! Yup, being a parent has its rewards đŸ™‚

    Reply
    • LCCotter says

      07/09/2014 at 4:47 PM

      love it! you are so good at those mystery ingredients!

      Reply
  19. Cara @ Little Chickadee says

    07/09/2014 at 2:29 PM

    Never thought to do chia & pineapple! I’m a fan of good old fashioned chia pudding with vanilla, almond milk and cocoa đŸ™‚

    Reply
  20. Natalie @ The Ravenous Mommy says

    07/09/2014 at 1:54 PM

    I’ve only made pudding so far, but now I really want to make the rest of those goodies!

    Reply
  21. Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says

    07/09/2014 at 1:20 PM

    Of course the healthy bites sound amazing, but that pineapple cake!? YUM!!!

    Reply
    • LCCotter says

      07/09/2014 at 1:55 PM

      you would love Tara!

      Reply
  22. Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says

    07/09/2014 at 12:32 PM

    I love chia seed pudding and I LOVE them in my overnight oats!

    Reply
  23. Beth E. says

    07/09/2014 at 11:31 AM

    Thanks for the chia ideas! I recently found out I have little to no omega 3s in my blood, so I need to eat more chia and flax. I will be making the balls! đŸ™‚

    Reply
  24. jobo says

    07/09/2014 at 11:27 AM

    Yum! I just made those bites – a little differently but close enough and love the chia seeds in them!!

    Reply
  25. Maureen says

    07/09/2014 at 11:06 AM

    Love your Cotter Creations! Keep ’em coming! đŸ™‚

    Reply
  26. Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie says

    07/09/2014 at 10:47 AM

    I love chia! I love to put it in green smoothies!

    Reply
  27. Brittany @ Barr & Table says

    07/09/2014 at 10:28 AM

    I loveee all of these but you know I’ve got my eye on those bites in particular! Coming up soon đŸ˜‰

    Reply
  28. Heather @ better with veggies says

    07/09/2014 at 10:19 AM

    Food niche? I don’t know – whatever I’m in the mood to eat at the time. đŸ™‚ And chia isn’t something I use too often, but I do enjoy it from time to time! Those healthy bites look fantastic!

    Reply
  29. Jen @ Chase the Red Grape says

    07/09/2014 at 10:10 AM

    Couldn’t eat oats now without chia seeds! It just gives it something special! đŸ™‚

    Reply
  30. Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out says

    07/09/2014 at 9:52 AM

    I need some chia protein cakes in my life! That looks so amazing!

    Reply
  31. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says

    07/09/2014 at 9:46 AM

    That pineapple cake sounds so yummy – perfect for summer! I love chia and use it in everything I can – smoothies, yogurt, pancakes, cereal, breads, you name it!

    Reply
  32. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    07/09/2014 at 9:38 AM

    I like to use it in homemade bites and balls best, but nothing I have made has been quite as delicious as your Chocolate Cherry Chia.

    Reply
  33. Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says

    07/09/2014 at 9:24 AM

    I think that if anyone can get the trend of chia seeds stuck between your teeth going, you can!! hehe Love you!

    Reply
  34. Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) says

    07/09/2014 at 9:10 AM

    mmmmmmmm CHIA!! Love it!! Especially the balls!

    Reply
  35. Phaedra @ Blisters & Black Toenails says

    07/09/2014 at 9:06 AM

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE chia pudding. That is usually my go to long run / long ride breakfast with added carbs of course. That chia cake looks amazing. Your recipes are always so creative and more importantly….TASTY!!! đŸ˜€

    Reply
  36. jill conyers says

    07/09/2014 at 8:59 AM

    The Chia Cake looks so good! You mentioned strange but good. I realized that fewer and fewer food combinations seem strange đŸ™‚

    Reply
  37. Heather (Where's the Beach) says

    07/09/2014 at 8:41 AM

    Oh the pineapple recipe sounds fantastic. I use chia seeds in my oatmeal every morning. Then I just have to remember to check my teeth đŸ˜‰

    Reply
  38. misszippy says

    07/09/2014 at 8:32 AM

    I throw chia in everything from smoothies to oatmeal to baked items. I love the sounds of the pineapple recipe–so easy and delicious sounding!

    BTW–made that zucchini casserole the other night. Loved it and so did the whole family!

    Reply
    • LCCotter says

      07/09/2014 at 12:41 PM

      yay!! glad you liked it. It’s easy to make and freeze as well

      Reply
  39. Hayley@healthyregardshayley says

    07/09/2014 at 8:22 AM

    Pretty sure my favorite is overnight oats! Especially because you just can’t make em without the chia!

    Reply
  40. Katie says

    07/09/2014 at 7:53 AM

    You come up with the best recipes. Whew my belly is always so happy when we read your blog đŸ˜‰ Favorite way to use those little pretty seeds… In Healthy Bites or in overnight oats!

    Reply
  41. GiGi Eats says

    07/09/2014 at 7:53 AM

    Protein Chia Cakes…. Yeah, I cannot make those (even if I sub in something for the pineapple)… Because they would be dangerous! I would eat the entire batch in about 3 seconds – that’s typically what happens when I bake ANYTHING really! ha! My mouth is a slut.

    Reply
  42. Jen says

    07/09/2014 at 7:42 AM

    that pancake recipe has my name written all over it! I am a big fan of chia seeds in my oatmeal and homemade energy bars!

    Reply
  43. Jody - Fit at 56 says

    07/09/2014 at 7:38 AM

    I have been wary of chia since I got caught up in the bad stuff but working my way back – been using flax since that but I am back.. all look amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need them all! đŸ™‚

    Reply
  44. Maryea {happy healthy mama} says

    07/09/2014 at 7:37 AM

    I think my food niche is making healthy eating more accessible for the average busy mom (or anyone!). Give me a standard American diet recipe and I’ll healthify it. đŸ˜‰ I love me some chia seeds for the nutrition, even though the texture sometimes gives me the willies. I like them where I can’t tell they’re there. đŸ™‚

    Reply
  45. Michele @paleorunningmomma says

    07/09/2014 at 7:27 AM

    Cherry chia fudge bites? uh, yes please to that! I am a chia virgin but would love to try some of these out. I have done them in smoothies for my kids but nothing fancy yet.

    Reply
  46. Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says

    07/09/2014 at 7:14 AM

    These sound great! I’m definitely more of a veggie stylist type than the other ones you mentioned, but I do love a good chia pudding once in a while! I usually make it with Vega chocolate performance protein, almond milk, and raspberries. So good!

    Reply
  47. Christa @ Edible Balance says

    07/09/2014 at 7:13 AM

    LOVE me some chia! I used to make overnight last or raw soaked buckwheat cereal with them all the time. Need to start doing that again! Chia puddings are a favorite too, I love blending them. These days just adding to smoothies is the best and simplest way to eat them. We go through chia like nobody’s business!

    Reply
  48. Jaclyn @ BumpSweat says

    07/09/2014 at 7:12 AM

    Pineapple chia cake? I MUST try this!!!

    Reply
  49. Jim Mandoli says

    07/09/2014 at 7:08 AM

    I like chia seeds, and it’s so tasty if you know how to combine it…

    Didn’t try cherry chia fudge bites before, so that’s next on my “to-eat” list đŸ˜‰

    Reply
  50. Sarah @RunFarGirl says

    07/09/2014 at 7:08 AM

    I love using chia in smoothies, bites and oatmeal. I’d really love to find a way to incorporate it into some savory dishes…hmmm.

    Reply
  51. Cara's Healthy Cravings says

    07/09/2014 at 7:05 AM

    I adore chia seeds for all their goodness! I put them in my oatmeal each morning…nest time I will put them in my pancakes!

    Reply
  52. Marcia says

    07/09/2014 at 7:05 AM

    LOve me some chia! That said, I seem to have cycled off of them lately. Your recipes look amazing as always. I make a berry shortcake with chia instead of poppy seeds. Yummy!

    Reply
  53. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    07/09/2014 at 7:04 AM

    I love me some chia. Especially in puddin’. i wonder what it would be like with gelatin too… you could probably make the biggest bowl in the history of man!

    Reply
  54. Kim @ Racing Bananas says

    07/09/2014 at 6:58 AM

    Yum! I’ve never thought to use protein milk as the base for chia pudding. That’s such a good idea!

    Reply
  55. Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says

    07/09/2014 at 6:57 AM

    Mmm, I need to make chia pudding again. Love the creative cake you pulled together! I have no idea what my food niche is… obsessing over how to get at least one vegetable into my daughter every day? Sometimes our meals revolve around that- ha!

    Reply
  56. Pamela Hernandez says

    07/09/2014 at 6:52 AM

    The chia cake recipes looks so good! I love to make chia “jam” with blueberries to put on my pancakes.

    Reply
  57. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    07/09/2014 at 6:43 AM

    i LOVE chia seeds! add them in everything – smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods!

    Reply
  58. Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says

    07/09/2014 at 6:28 AM

    I have been loving Chia Pudding for breakfast or a snack! I need to try those balls!

    Reply
  59. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    07/09/2014 at 6:23 AM

    Love chia seeds! I have finally started using them more and more recently and am about to run out! I need to get some more đŸ˜›

    Reply
  60. Tara Newman says

    07/09/2014 at 6:17 AM

    the chia cake looks amazing. my food niche…is keeping it simple a niche?

    Reply
  61. CARLA says

    07/09/2014 at 6:12 AM

    Im still boring with chia.
    bag to spoon to mouth đŸ™‚

    Reply
  62. Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete says

    07/09/2014 at 6:09 AM

    Harry is going to LOVE LOVE LOVE the HB recipe! We are obsessed with cherries in this house, and I’ve been looking for a reason to use chia seeds (of course, never done it, lol). <3

    Reply
  63. Lauren says

    07/09/2014 at 5:52 AM

    I love chia seeds in oats or bars! Haha they are ridiculous for getting stuck in your teeth!! Seriously – you can find one hours after you have eaten the darn things!

    Reply
  64. Tiff says

    07/09/2014 at 5:49 AM

    Great recipes! I have more chia at my house than i know what to do with.

    Reply
  65. Tina Muir says

    07/09/2014 at 5:47 AM

    Great post (as always) Lindsay….I would say you fall into the all of the above niche đŸ˜‰ Thanks for sharing more protein ideas, especially with chia, you can’t really add enough of that! I am beginning to ramp up in miles, so will need snacks like this, I need to try out some of your healthy bites soon! I loved the ones from my giveaway!

    Reply
  66. meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles says

    07/09/2014 at 5:19 AM

    I am big on chia seeds in oatmeal. I always cook a bit pot, throw in the seeds and love how thick the oatmeal gets when it is finished cooking. I am known for throwing together my own recipes using minimal ingredients as well as creating meals out of whatever is on hand!

    Reply
    • LCCotter says

      07/09/2014 at 6:12 AM

      brilliant! love that fluff!

      Reply
  67. Mollie K says

    07/09/2014 at 4:55 AM

    wow, all of these recipes looks delicious Lindsay! Thanks so much for sharing with us đŸ™‚ Have a wonderful day!!

    Reply
    • LCCotter says

      07/09/2014 at 12:50 PM

      yay! let me know if you try any mollie

      Reply
  68. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    07/09/2014 at 4:47 AM

    Ohh chia and gut health……I’m not the biggest fan of it but used to add it to my oats on occasion then ran out..and never bought it again! the idea of adding fudge to those bites? Genius.

    PS totally ninja’d a Persian Fudge recipe from my mum- it is amazing. Will need to post.

    Reply
    • LCCotter says

      07/09/2014 at 12:49 PM

      did you try soaking them first? and dude, we need that Persian fudge!

      Reply

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

About · Studio · Shop · Contact
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