Easy, Everyday Ways to Use Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a simple, everyday ingredient that deserve a little more attention. Mild in flavour, satisfying in texture and easy to use, they slot effortlessly into both sweet and savoury dishes.
Whether you are sprinkling them over meals, blending them into recipes or using them as a base for snacks, sunflower seeds are a great way to add crunch, nourishment and variety. In this article, we share ten easy and tasty ways to use sunflower seeds in everyday cooking.
In our Protein Lentil Salad, sunflower seeds are used to add both texture and nourishment to the dish. They are stirred through the salad alongside the lentils and vegetables, bringing a gentle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softer ingredients. Their mild, nutty flavour blends easily with the dressing, while also boosting the salad’s protein, fibre and healthy fat content, helping to make it more filling and satisfying without overpowering the other flavours.
In our Essential Trail Mix recipe, sunflower seeds are mixed together with pumpkin seeds, nuts, dried apricots and cacao nibs to create a simple, nutrient-rich snack that is easy to prepare at home. The sunflower seeds add a mild, nutty crunch that balances the sweetness of the dried fruit and the texture of the nuts, while also contributing plant-based protein, healthy fats and fibre to the mix. This makes the trail mix more satisfying and energy-boosting, perfect for snacking on the go or topping onto yoghurt and muesli.
In our Sunflower Cream Cheese recipe, sunflower seeds are the base ingredient that gives this spread its rich, creamy texture and subtle nutty flavour. When soaked and blended with a few simple seasonings, the sunflower seeds transform into a smooth, dairy-free alternative that works beautifully on toast, bagels or as a dip for crudités. They also contribute plant-based protein, healthy fats and a boost of nutrients, making the cream cheese both delicious and more satisfying than many conventional spreads.
Buckwheat, Almond and Seed Bread
In our Buckwheat, Almond and Seed Bread recipe, sunflower seeds are one of the key seeds that add texture, flavour and nutrition to the loaf. Mixed together with buckwheat, almonds, flaxseed and other seeds, the sunflower seeds contribute a pleasant crunch and a mild, nutty note that complements the earthy buckwheat. They also help increase the bread’s protein, fibre and healthy fat content, making each slice more satisfying and nourishing whether enjoyed toasted for breakfast or as part of a sandwich.
In our Gut-Healthy Superfood Salad recipe, sunflower seeds play a starring role in adding crunch, texture and nutrition that complement the rest of the vibrant ingredients. Sprinkled over the mix of leafy greens, chickpeas, quinoa and other superfoods, the sunflower seeds bring a mild, nutty flavour and a satisfying bite that balances the softer vegetables and grains. They also contribute plant-based protein, healthy fats and fibre, supporting digestive wellbeing and helping to make this salad both filling and nourishing for your gut and overall health.
In our Date Bark recipe, sunflower seeds add a delightful crunch and wholesome nutrition to this naturally sweet treat. Mixed with dates, nuts and other seeds, the sunflower seeds help balance the texture while contributing plant-based protein, healthy fats and fibre, making the bark more satisfying and nourishing than typical sugary snacks. Their mild, nutty flavour blends beautifully with the sweetness of the dates and the richness of the nuts, turning this simple recipe into a tasty, nutrient-rich bite.
In our Thai Rainbow Crunch Salad recipe, sunflower seeds are sprinkled over the colourful mix of crunchy vegetables and zesty dressing to add extra texture and a mild, nutty flavour. They pair beautifully with the rainbow of cabbage, carrots and fresh herbs, giving each bite an added layer of satisfyingly crisp richness. Beyond taste and texture, sunflower seeds also contribute plant-based protein, healthy fats and fibre, helping to make this vibrant salad more nourishing and filling as part of a light lunch or side dish.
In our Sunflower Seed Pâté recipe, sunflower seeds are the foundation that gives this spread its creamy texture and rich flavour. When blended with herbs, seasonings and a splash of olive oil, the seeds transform into a smooth and satisfying dip that works beautifully with crackers, bread or fresh vegetables. Alongside adding a mild, nutty taste, sunflower seeds also bring plant-based protein, healthy fats and fibre, helping to make this pâté both nourishing and enjoyable as part of snacks, lunchboxes or shared platters.
Sunflower Seed, Nut, Cacao & Fruit Energy Balls
In our Sunflower Seed, Cacao & Fruit Energy Balls recipe, sunflower seeds are one of the key ingredients that give these bites their satisfying texture and nutrition. Combined with dried fruit, cacao and other seeds or nuts, the sunflower seeds add a gentle crunch and help bind the mixture while contributing plant-based protein, healthy fats and natural fibre. Their mild, nutty flavour pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit and rich cacao, making these energy balls both delicious and nourishing—perfect for a snack on the go or a post-workout pick-me-up.
In our Sunflower & Artichoke Dip recipe, sunflower seeds are blended together with artichokes, herbs and seasonings to create a creamy, flavourful dip without the need for dairy. The seeds give the dip its smooth, rich texture and subtle nutty taste, while also adding plant-based protein, healthy fats and fibre. This makes the dip not only delicious with crackers, crudités or toasted bread, but also more nourishing and satisfying than many traditional dips.











