Healthy Recipes using Raw Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)
Spicy Roasted Pepitas
These spicy roasted pumpkin seeds are a crunchy and nutritious snack, perfect for satisfying your cravings while keeping it healthy.
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, toss the raw pumpkin seeds with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, and sea salt until evenly coated.
- Spread the seeds on a baking sheet and roast for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant.
Pumpkin Seed Energy Bites
These no-bake energy bites combine raw pumpkin seeds with dates and oats for a quick, healthy snack that provides lasting energy.
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a food processor, combine raw pumpkin seeds, dates, rolled oats, almond butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pulse until the mixture is well combined and sticky.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Pumpkin Seed Pesto
This vibrant pumpkin seed pesto is a nutritious twist on the classic, perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pumpkin seeds, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth.
- Season with salt to taste and serve with your favorite dishes.
Pumpkin Seed and Quinoa Salad
This hearty salad combines quinoa, raw pumpkin seeds, and fresh vegetables for a filling and nutritious meal.
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, raw pumpkin seeds, diced cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss to combine and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Pumpkin Seed Granola
This homemade granola features raw pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition, perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, raw pumpkin seeds, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and cinnamon.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.
Pumpkin Seed Hummus
This creamy hummus made with raw pumpkin seeds is a delicious and nutritious dip, perfect for veggies or pita chips.
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt to taste
- In a food processor, combine raw pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
- Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve with fresh vegetables or pita chips.
Pumpkin Seed Chocolate Bark
This healthy chocolate bark is studded with raw pumpkin seeds for a nutritious treat that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
- Stir in raw pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until set, then break into pieces.
Pumpkin Seed and Spinach Smoothie
This green smoothie combines raw pumpkin seeds with spinach and banana for a nutritious breakfast or snack packed with protein.
- 1 banana
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- In a blender, combine banana, spinach, raw pumpkin seeds, almond milk, and honey.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Savory Pumpkin Seed Crackers
These homemade crackers are made with raw pumpkin seeds and spices, making for a healthy and crunchy snack option.
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix raw pumpkin seeds, ground flaxseed, water, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until combined.
- Spread the mixture thinly on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until crisp. Break into pieces and cool.