Healthy Recipes using Raw Shelled Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower Seed Energy Balls
These no-bake energy balls are packed with nutrients and perfect for a quick snack or post-workout boost.
- 1 cup raw shelled sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup pitted dates
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- In a food processor, combine sunflower seeds, dates, almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract until a sticky mixture forms.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and then roll them in shredded coconut.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Sunflower Seed Pesto
A nut-free twist on traditional pesto, this sunflower seed version is vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for pasta or sandwiches.
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup raw shelled sunflower seeds
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- Salt to taste
- In a food processor, combine basil, sunflower seeds, garlic, and nutritional yeast.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
- Season with salt to taste and serve over pasta or as a spread.
Sunflower Seed Granola
This crunchy granola is loaded with sunflower seeds and perfect for breakfast or as a snack on the go.
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raw shelled sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup dried fruit
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix oats, sunflower seeds, honey, coconut oil, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Spread the mixture on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add dried fruit after baking.
Sunflower Seed and Quinoa Salad
A protein-packed salad featuring quinoa and sunflower seeds, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup raw shelled sunflower seeds
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, sunflower seeds, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Sunflower Seed Butter
A creamy and nutritious spread made from roasted sunflower seeds, perfect for toast or smoothies.
- 2 cups raw shelled sunflower seeds
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- In a food processor, blend sunflower seeds until they turn into a smooth butter, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add salt and honey or maple syrup if desired, and blend until well combined.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Spicy Sunflower Seed Hummus
This hummus is a spicy twist on the classic, using sunflower seeds for a unique flavor and texture.
- 1 cup raw shelled sunflower seeds
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- In a food processor, combine sunflower seeds, chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper.
- Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Season with salt to taste and serve with veggies or pita.
Sunflower Seed and Berry Smoothie
A refreshing and nutritious smoothie packed with antioxidants and healthy fats, perfect for breakfast.
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 banana
- 1/4 cup raw shelled sunflower seeds
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- In a blender, combine mixed berries, banana, sunflower seeds, almond milk, and honey.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Sunflower Seed and Veggie Stir-Fry
A colorful and nutritious stir-fry featuring sunflower seeds for added crunch and protein.
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 1/2 cup raw shelled sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat and add mixed vegetables.
- Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add sunflower seeds, soy sauce, and ginger, and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
Sunflower Seed Chocolate Bark
A healthy treat combining dark chocolate and sunflower seeds for a satisfying snack or dessert.
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup raw shelled sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (optional)
- Melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
- Stir in sunflower seeds and dried fruit if using.
- Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until set, then break into pieces.