Flax seed are an incredibly versatile food that can be used in recipes in countless ways. Thanks to their numerous health benefits, flax seed are also a staple ingredient in wholesome, plant-based recipes such as the ones featured in this article. Not only are these flax seed recipes vegan and healthy, they’re also naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for anyone with a gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
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Flax Seed – A Truly Versatile Ingredient
Flax seed can be added to granolas, cereal bars, oatmeals, cookies, and much more. They can also be used as a vegan egg substitute instead of real eggs in baked goods (scroll down for an easy “flax egg” tutorial).
The Health Benefits of Flax Seed
Thanks to their healthy fats (including omega-3 essential fatty acids), their lignans (which are bioactive compounds exhibiting various properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities), and high fiber content, flax seed are an excellent addition to any healthy diet.
Studies also suggest that consuming flax seed helps improve hearth health and lower cholesterol. For those who need to follow a keto diet for health reasons, flax seed are both vegan and keto friendly!
Useful Info & Tips for Purchasing Flax Seed
- There are two different types of flax seed: brown flaxseeds and golden flaxseeds, the former having a bolder taste and being the more commonly used ones.
- The most common forms you can purchase flax seed as are whole seeds, flax seed meal, and flax seed oil (which is usually refrigerated).
- Most experts recommend consuming flax meal rather than the whole seeds because it’s easier to digest.
- Flax meal (which is the fine meal obtained from grinding flax seed) can be purchased in the form of pre-ground flaxseed in grocery stores, but it can also be made at home.
- In order to make your own flax meal, you’ll need dry whole flax seed and either a food processor, a coffee grinder, or a spice grinder. Simply add your seeds to whichever kitchen appliance you’re using and blend or process until you obtain a very fine meal.
- It’s best to store flax seed (wether it’s whole, ground, or in the form of oil) in the fridge since nuts and seeds can quickly become rancid at room temperature.
The Many Different Uses of Flax Seed
Flax seed are endlessly versatile! You can add them to granolas, crackers, baked goods, smoothies and more. In the form of oil, they’re an excellent addition to your healthy salad dressings.
TIP: flax oil has a lower smoke point than other oils (like olive oil or canola oil), so it’s better suited for sautéing veggies at low heat than for frying.
How to Make Healthy Flax Seed Recipes Vegan, Delicious & Gluten-Free
If you’re anything like me, then healthy recipes also being delicious is an absolute must. Additionally also ensuring your recipes are vegan and gluten-free (if that’s a preference or of concern to you) may seem challenging, but it is by no means impossible!
All it takes is the right combination of flavors and textures and, for sweet recipes, the right amount of natural sweetener (such as maple syrup).
17 Healthy Flax Seed Recipes Vegan & Gluten-Free
The following 17 recipes showcase exactly how it’s done in practice. Get ready for some sweet and savory recipes to add to your list of favorites.
The Basics – Staple Recipes Made with Flax Seed
Easy Vegan Flax “Eggs”
(By Katie Higgins from Chocolate Covered Katie)
This is your go-to flax egg recipe. Making flax seed eggs is as simple as cracking regular eggs. So next time you’re baking, why not try a flax egg instead of a chicken egg? For the best results, use flax meal instead of whole flaxseeds.
The ratio varies depending on whose recipe you follow, but most recommend mixing a tablespoon of ground flax seed with 2-3 tablespoons of water per flax egg. Click here to save/pin Chocolate Covered Katie’s recipe. Tip: you can also use chia seed to make a chia egg instead if you don’t have flax seed at hand.
Easy 1-Ingredient Flax Tortillas
(By Camilla Saulsbury from Power Hungry®)
These flax tortillas are an excellent alternative to wheat tortillas. They’re also easy to make! Click here for the recipe.
Flax Seed Breakfast Recipes
Flax Seed Pudding (3 Variations + Video)
(By Jem from The Fruity Jem)
You’ve heard of chia pudding, but have you heard of flax pudding (also known as flaxseed porridge or flaxseed pudding)? It’s super quick to make and combined with with fresh fruit, it’s perfect and tasty way to make your breakfasts more nutritious. Click here for the recipe.
Easy & Healthy Breakfast Cookies
(by Nisha Vora from Rainbow Plant Life)
These healthy breakfast cookies by Rainbow Plant Life are endlessly customizable, making them an easy way to combine flax seed with other tasty plant-based ingredients like shredded coconut, nut butter (such as almond, cashew, or peanut butter), maple syrup, and dried fruit. They’re also great for meal prep and to add to lunch boxes. Click here for the recipe.
Nut Free Tahini Granola (with Flax Seed)
(By Teri-Ann Carty)
Have you ever tried making your own granola? It’s fun, tasty, and incredibly practical. Stored in an airtight container, you’ll have breakfast at hand for days or even weeks, depending on the amount you make.
Simply add it to a bowl and top with a little sweetener if desired, some fruit (like fresh blueberries), and your non-dairy milk of choice (such as almond milk or coconut milk). Click here for the recipe.
NOTE: most granolas used coconut oil, but this one uses olive oil instead, which might be a less obvious choice, but actually complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Flax Seed Crackers & Breads
Gluten-Free Seed Crackers
(by Kathryn Alexandre from Tasty Thrifty Timely)
The video version of this vegan recipe by Kathryn Alexandre was super popular on Instagram and for a good reason! It’s the perfect recipe to make for all your snack & meal prep needs and it also happens to be entirely tree-nut free.
Instead of tree nuts, the recipe uses seeds like hemp hearts, chia and sesame seeds, making it a great way to still get those healthy fats and nutrients in. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your new favorite recipes! Click here for the recipe.
Super Seedy Grain-Free Bread (Vegan Gluten-Free)
(by Amy Lanza from Nourishing Amy)
This baking recipe requires no proofing or kneading and is more affordable than many store-bough artisanal breads. It showcases just how versatile flaxseed recipes are. Click here for the recipe.
Gluten-Free Flaxseed Bread (Keto & Vegan)
(By Michaela Vais from Ela Vegan)
Quick breads that are also gluten-free and delicious aren’t always easy to find, but it’s easy to make your own! Michaela’s recipe uses a combination of flax seed and psyllium husk powder (which is a soluble fiber) instead of whole wheat flour and it’s perfect for toasting and to make sandwiches. Click here for the recipe.
Vegan & Gluten Free Waffles & Pancakes
Low Carb Vegan Waffles (Gluten Free)
(By Jessica Hylton-Leckie from Jessica in The Kitchen)
Thanks to gluten-free all purpose flour, these delicious waffles are suitable for anyone with a gluten allergy or intolerance, without sacrificing taste and texture. When it comes to flax seed, small quantities go a long way, so you’ll only need a couple of tablespoons to get the same binding benefits that you would get from eggs. Click here for the recipe.
Vanilla Protein Flax Pancakes
(By Gina Fontana from Healthy Little Vittles)
These fluffy flaxseed pancakes are high in protein, which a delicious hint of cinnamon and vanilla thanks to the vanilla protein powder used (you could also use vanilla extract and an unflavored protein powder instead). Gina, who is a cookbook author and recipe developer, is know for her expertise in gluten-free vegan baking, so be sure to also check out her Gluten-Free Vegan Baking Guide. Click here for the pancake recipe.
Savory Flax Seed Recipes
Spicy Thai Flaxseed Wraps
(by Thomas Pagot from Full of Plants)
If you’re looking for a savory way to enjoy flax seed, look no further than these flavorful wraps. They make for an excellent and satisfying lunch option. Click here for the recipe.
Raw Vegan Quesadilla with Flaxseed Tortilla
(By Jackie Sobon from Vegan Yack Attack)
Anyone who’s ever been to a gourmet raw vegan restaurant knows just how creative and original the dishes can get. This quesadilla is no different, proving that “raw vegan” is by no means boring, but can actually be super delicious. Click here for the recipe.
Healthy Sweet Treats Made With Flax Seed
Easy, Homemade, DIY Fruit Leathers (How To + Recipe)
(By Gena Hamshaw from The Full Helping)
Gena, a cookbook author and Registered Dietitian, masterfully crafts recipes that are wholesome, nutritious, and always delicious. These DIY fruit leathers are no exception. Click here for the recipe.
Gluten-Free Flax Seed Oatmeal Cookies
(By Tiina Strindberg from My Berry Forest)
Looking for a healthy dessert that still tastes decadent? These flax seed oatmeal cookies are made with dark chocolate chips making them a great fit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Enjoy them warm with an ice cold glass of plant-based milk. Click here for the recipe.
Pecan Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten Free)
(By Jessica Hylton-Leckie from Jessica in The Kitchen)
Banana bread is a wildly popular baked good, and for a good reason! With just the right amount of sweetness and the most fragrant ingredients, you can enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even for dessert. Click here for the recipe.
Healthy Drinks Made with Flax Seed
Wellness Green Elixir Shots
(By Thomas Pagot from Full of Plants)
Talk about the ultimate health booster. In addition to flax seed, these wellness green shots include almond butter, vegan yogurt, turmeric and a few more delicious and nutritious ingredients. Click here for the recipe.
Everyday Green Smoothie (vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free)
(by Remy Park from Veggie Kins.)
This everyday green smoothie by Veggie Kins is the perfect easy breakfast. It’s made with fruits, veggies, plant-based protein, and healthy nuts and seeds such as almond butter, flax seed, and hemp seed. If you’re looking for a simple way to boost your nutrient intake, this smoothie is a great addition to any healthy lifestyle. Click here for the recipe.
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Article by Kim-Julie Hansen. Featured image, courtesy of Amy Lanza/Nourishing Amy.
More Recipes & Articles You Might Like
Here’s a list of vegan recipes featuring ingredients like chia seeds and walnuts, as well as some practical guides.
- 19 Vegan Chia Recipes That Aren’t Pudding
- 15 Vegan Walnut Recipes You’ll Want to Bookmark
- A Beginner’s Guide to Eggless Vegan Cooking (with 15+ Egg-Free Recipes)
- A Guide to Gluten-Free Vegan Baking
- How To Make Crazy Healthy Vegan Recipes With Only 4 Ingredients
- My Top 5 Hacks to Heal Your Body With Food
