10 Recipes Using Flaxseed

When chia seeds steal the spotlight as a superfood super seed, it’s easy to forget that flaxseed has long been on the scene delivering key nutrients to our ancestors. Whether eaten whole, ground into flaxseed meal, or pressed into oil, there are many ways to enjoy this omega-3 powerhouse. If you haven’t familiarized yourself with flax, you’re in for a treat. Adaptable to most any recipe from sweet to savory, and any diet from Paleo to vegan, flaxseed more than makes the grade.

All About Flaxseed

Don’t underestimate the power of flax. Here’s why we’re obsessing over this tiny but mighty seed.

What Is Flaxseed?

Dating back 30,000 years ago, flaxseed has a long history as a crop staple. In fact, the flax plant was initially used as fiber for clothing (aka linen). Sometimes known as linseed, these small, brown seeds are a source of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber. Plus, the seeds have a pleasant earthiness and nutty flavor.

What Is Flaxseed Meal?

Flaxseed meal is made by grinding the whole flaxseed into a fine, nutrient-dense powder (a coffee grinder should do the trick). When combined with water, flaxseed meal makes an excellent vegan substitute for eggs!

What Is Flaxseed Oil?

Made by pressing dried, ripened flaxseed, flaxseed oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid that can only be acquired through diet. Fun fact: Flaxseed oil is the only fatty acid derived from plants.

Health Benefits of Flaxseed

It’s hard to believe that such a tiny seed can pack in so many nutrients, but when it comes to key vitamins and minerals, flaxseed delivers above and beyond. For every 30 gram serving, you’ll enjoy:

• 5.49 grams of protein
• 8.2 grams of fiber
• 6.84 grams of alpha-linolenic acid
• 6.17 milligrams of vitamin E
• Magnesium, manganese, thiamin, and selenium

Stocking Flaxseed In the Pantry

From staples to snacks, stock up on these flaxseed-powered must-haves.

Thrive Market Organic Whole Flaxseed

Whether you like to mill your own flaxseeds or enjoy them whole, a serving of this omega-3 favorite delivers 3g of fiber.

Wellmade Flax Seed Oil

Get your daily dose of omega-3s while supporting heart, skin, and immune health with our premium-grade supplement.

Flackers Organic Flax Seed Crackers

We’ve gone crackers for flackers! This crunch-worthy, gluten-free snack keeps it simple with flaxseeds, organic apple cider vinegar, and sea salt.

Good Karma Flax Milk

Creamy and dairy-free, each serving of this plant-based milk delivers 8g of protein and 1200mg of omega-3s.

Flaxseed Recipes

There’s nothing bland about these flax-fueled recipes that are just as flavorful as they are wholesome.

Banana Bread Granola

A comfort food classic meets breakfast in this sweet and satiating cereal, made with oats, flaxseed meal, coconut flakes, and dried banana slices.

Avocado Berry Green Smoothie Bowl

Lean, mean, and green, this creamy smoothie bowl combines avocado, spinach, kale, bananas, and hemp milk, and tops it off with flaxseed, goji berries, sesame seeds, and fresh berries.

Pumpkin Quinoa Pancakes

Meet your new brunch must-have. You’ll flip for these gluten-free stackers, made with quinoa flour, almond milk, pumpkin purée, and flaxseed egg substitute (flaxseed meal and water).

No-Bake Breakfast Bars

Morning fuel or mid-afternoon treat, these bars take minutes to make but are filled with good-for-you ingredients, including oats, ground flaxseed, cacao powder, spirulina, honey, and nut butter.

Gluten-Free Strawberry Oatmeal Cakes

Need a quick breakfast fix? Whip together gluten-free oats, unsweetened apple sauce, maple syrup, and a flax egg, then top the bowl with almond milk and fresh strawberries.

Fig and Nut Crackers

These crackers may upstage the main event on your next cheese plate. The sweet and savory combo of nuts, seeds, dried figs, and a sprinkle of flaxseeds will surely wow your guests.

Paleo Chicken Nuggets

Kid-friendly and parent-approved, these Paleo nuggets, made with ground flaxseed, coconut flour, and ghee are an all-around win.

Gluten-Free Scones With Everything Bagel Topping

Forget everything you know about everything bagels. These savory scones pack in the flavor and then some, thanks to whole flaxseeds, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and black seed fermented powder.

Double-Chocolate Brownie Bites

Vegan, grain-free, and Paleo-friendly, these rich morsels take just 20 minutes using ground flaxseeds, cashews, walnuts, raw cacao powder, and dark chocolate.

Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookies

Rich and decadent, it’s hard to believe that these sweet treats, made with oat bran, chocolate chips, cashew butter, flax oil, and flax egg, are vegan and gluten-free.