Food Recipe Collections & Favorites 3 Ways to Cook With Chia Seeds That Don't Involve Smoothies Tiny but mighty, these black seeds are rich in protein, fiber, and omega-3s (which are healthy for the heart, brain, and seemingly everything else). By Ananda Eidelstein Ananda Eidelstein Instagram Website Ananda Eidelstein is a vegetable-loving food writer, recipe developer, and editor with nearly a decade of culinary and food media experience. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on July 29, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email Though popular in smoothies and oatmeal, chia seeds aren't just for breakfast. Add them to rice pilaf for extra fiber, or use them in a smoky veggie burger as a binder, since they plump up when mixed with wet ingredients. They even take on a nice gel-like texture, making them the perfect thickener for a zesty vinaigrette. Here are three ways to incorporate them into savory dishes. The Health Benefits of Popular Seeds–Plus Tasty Ways to Eat Them 01 of 03 Chia Pilaf With Pesto Alison Miksch Get the recipe What to do with that bag of chia seeds languishing in your pantry? Add them to dinner! Chia seeds add protein and crunch to this simple rice pilaf, which gets a boost of flavor from prepared pesto. 02 of 03 Smoky-Sweet Potato Burgers Alison Miksch Get the recipe There's no reason to buy expensive pre-made veggie burgers when you can make delicious ones at home, thanks to this easy recipe. You'll combine sweet potato, beans, oats, and chia to make the base, and add chipotle chile to add a ton of smoky flavor. 03 of 03 Lime and Chia Vinaigrette Alison Miksch Get the recipe Here's a bright, refreshing take on a classic vinaigrette. Lime stands in for vinegar, adding zesty brightness, and honey mellows the intensity of Dijon. It's a savory-sweet symphony of flavors. Recipes by Anna Theoktisto Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit