10 Awesome Ways to Use Pumpkin Seeds

Sure, you snack on pumpkin seeds by the handful, but pumpkin seeds can be used in other ways too. We gathered 10 amazing ways to incorporate pumpkin seeds into your kitchen.

Pumpkin Seeds, text reads 10 Ways To Use Pumpkin Seeds

How To Use Pumpkin Seeds

1. Top your salad

I need some crunch on my salad. Pumpkin seeds are a perfect addition. They adds texture and a delicious nutty flavor. Plus doctors love ’em. Pumpkin seeds helps with heart and liver health, just to name a few benefits. Here’s a great salad with pepitas (store-bought shelled pumpkin seeds).

2. Throw some in a smoothie

This is a great way to gain all the amazing health benefits of pumpkin seeds. You can use raw seeds (which makes it even easier, yay!). I used the seeds in a strawberry smoothie. I couldn’t even taste them.

3. Make bread

Why not introduce pumpkin seeds to your favorite breads? You can replace any seeds or nuts in a bread recipe with pumpkin seeds. I’ve tried it in a multi-grain bread with great results.

4. Try them in pesto

Creative pesto dishes are huge on restaurant menus. Whole Foods gives its take with pumpkin seeds, cilantro and garlic. Yum! Spread it on sandwiches. Top crackers with it. Eat it with a spoon. We won’t judge.

5. Mix in granola or trail mix

Granola and trail mix are a perfect afternoon snack. Add some pumpkin seeds to your favorite dried fruit instead of or as well as nuts.

6. Make soups pretty

I love making pumpkin or squash soups. How to make it even more special? Roasted pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top. Not only did it add a sophisticated element to the presentation, but it added a bit of crunch. My stomach is growling right now.

7. Add pumpkin seeds to your cheese plate

Here’s a idea to bring autumn to your cheese and fruit plate. Top a wheel of brie with pumpkin seeds. Serve with sliced pears, dried apricots, and figs.

8. Try making pumpkin seed butter

You’ve tried almond butter, sunflower seed butter and all other kinds of nut butters. Now try pumpkin seed butter. Try this recipe.

9. Make cookies

Pumpkin seeds work with sweet flavors. Add a bit of nuttiness to cookies. I’ve seen it used in cookies with flavors such as apricot and chocolate.

10. Breakfast Bonanza

Go ahead and add pumpkin seeds to your breakfast. Sprinkle them into your cereal or on top of your yogurt. You can even add them to pancake batters.