Chia seeds are a staple of the plant-based diet— and have grown on me over the years. I read the book Born to Run, then instantly became hooked on chia seeds. I put chia seeds in most of my smoothies, as well as bring them on long trail runs in an agua fresca drink. Chia seeds are a superfood, so get ready to drink to your health with this chia seed smoothie recipe.

chia seed smoothie
Table of Contents
  1. What makes chia seeds a superfood?
  2. Why I put chia seeds in smoothies
  3. Other uses for chia seeds
  4. Workout smoothie recipes
  5. Chia Seed Smoothie Recipe

What makes chia seeds a superfood?

According to the US National Library of Medicine, chia seeds contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, protein, dietary fiber and vitamins, as well as minerals. These tiny seeds also contain some potent antioxidants. And as an upside they are pretty mild-tasting, and shouldn’t alter the taste of your green smoothie, making them a perfect addition.

Bottom line: chia seeds make an excellent fitness buddy.

whole food ingredients including chia seeds in smoothies

Why I put chia seeds in smoothies

I started adding chia seeds to smoothies to up my protein + healthy fat intake. They keep me full longer as well as help process the natural sugar from fruits I add to smoothies. This helps me avoid a mid-morning sugar crash.

Chia seeds also act as a great smoothie thickener, so if your blended smoothie comes out a bit thin, toss in a tablespoon of chia seeds, then blend again. This will thicken that smoothie right up.

Blending tips

If you’re using a non high-powered blender, place a tablespoon of chia seeds (per smoothie serving) in a bowl, then add in 3 tablespoons of water. Mix, then let sit for 5 minutes. The chia seed + water mixture will turn into a gel, making it easier to blend. Chia seeds in smoothies act a little like raspberry seeds, so you want to make sure they are blended well to avoid getting them stuck in your teeth!

Other uses for chia seeds

Chia seeds are an important part of a plant based diet, because they are super healthy as well as super versatile. Here are a few ways to use them:

If you can’t feel my love for chia seeds yet, then know that it is 1 of three ingredients in my very own plant based protein powder, homemade protein powder! I believe in these powerful seeds,

you should too. Blend up the chia seed smoothie below, or add them to your next smoothie creation, then leave a comment letting me know how you liked them. I love your feedback!

Workout smoothie recipes

If you’re looking for more smoothie recipes to enhance your workout game, then check out this delicious list:

chia seed smoothie
4.89 from 9 votes

Chia Seed Smoothie

This is an awesome chia seed smoothie recipe with citrus powerhouses— pineapple and oranges. Chia seeds add protein and minerals that make it a perfect weight loss and muscle building smoothie. 
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Author: Jen Hansard
Course: Smoothie
Cuisine: Plant-Based
Serves: 1 smoothie

Ingredients  

  • 1 cup spinach
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 orange peeled
  • ½ cup pineapple frozen
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions 

  • Blend spinach, water, and oranges together until smooth.
  • Add remaining ingredients and blend again.

Notes

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Sodium: 32mg, Potassium: 543mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 21g, Vitamin A: 3162IU, Vitamin C: 118mg, Calcium: 172mg, Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe? Show me!Mention @SimpleGreenSmoothies or tag #SimpleGreenSmoothies!

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Rating




Comments

  1. 4 stars
    I made the recipe just as is with the chia seeds. It was delicious, refreshing and fulfilling. Not too sweet or overbearing. Great breakfast starter or afternoon drink!

  2. 5 stars
    Tried recipe with the wife. I loved it and she did also! Can’t wait to try another recipe. Thank you very much.

  3. 5 stars
    Been reading lots lately about how chia helps us stay hydrated. Thank you for another recipe to help me incorporate more chia seeds in my life.

  4. I see this makes 2 servings, is this for two people or do I drink both servings for myself before going for my run?

  5. I’d like to try this recipe. Can you substitute chia powder for chia seeds? Would you still use 2 tbsp?

  6. After moving past the 10 day kickstart. I ordered some Chia seeds and Cocoa powder yesterday. I think its Maca and coconut oil next 🙂

    1. Hi Marie,

      Concerned about oxalate build up? It’s definitely something you need to keep in mind. But it’s easy to avoid. Simply rotate your leafy greens. Learn more about avoiding oxalate build up from leafy greens + rotating your leafy greens here…

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/leafy-greens

    1. Hi Mike,

      I actually don’t have any experience with vacuum blenders. Guess it’s something I need to look into ASAP!