10 Best Pumpkin Seed Recipes: From Sweet to Savory and Everything in Between

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that often gets overlooked. These tiny powerhouses are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients like protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Whether you’ve carved a pumpkin for Halloween or simply bought a bag of pumpkin seeds at the store, you’re in for a treat! In this blog post, we’ll explore ten fantastic pumpkin seed recipes that cover a wide range of flavors and cuisines. From sweet to savory, raw to roasted, and even some Indian-inspired delights, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of pumpkin seed culinary creativity.

1. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds – A Classic Snack:

Roasted pumpkin seeds are a beloved classic, perfect for snacking or sprinkling over salads and soups. To prepare them, start by scooping out the seeds from your pumpkin and cleaning off any pumpkin flesh. Then, follow our easy recipe for perfectly crispy and flavorful roasted pumpkin seeds.

Ingredients:

• Fresh pumpkin seeds
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Optional seasonings (such as paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Rinse the pumpkin seeds under cold water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
3. Toss the seeds with a drizzle of olive oil and seasonings of your choice.
4. Spread the seeds on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Let them cool before enjoying.
7. Sweet Pumpkin Seed Brittle – A Sweet Delight:

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love this pumpkin seed brittle recipe. It combines the rich, nutty flavor of pumpkin seeds with a sweet caramelized sugar coating. This crunchy treat is perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they start to pop and become fragrant. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
2. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it turns a deep amber color.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
5. Add the toasted pumpkin seeds and mix until they are evenly coated.
6. Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it out with a spatula.
7. Let it cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
8. Raw Pumpkin Seed Pesto – Nutrient-Packed Sauce:

Raw pumpkin seed pesto is a vibrant and healthy alternative to traditional basil pesto. It’s bursting with flavor and perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or using as a dip.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the raw pumpkin seeds, basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
4. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and pulse again to combine.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Healthy Pumpkin Seed Granola – A Nutrient Boost:

Adding pumpkin seeds to your homemade granola not only enhances its flavor but also increases its nutritional value. This healthy pumpkin seed granola is an excellent source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or pecans)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, pumpkin seeds, and chopped nuts.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.
5. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the granola is golden brown.
7. Let it cool completely before adding dried cranberries or raisins, if desired.
8. Pumpkin Seed Crusted Chicken – A Savory Delight:

Take your dinner to the next level with this savory pumpkin seed crusted chicken recipe. The crunchy coating made from ground pumpkin seeds adds a unique twist to a classic dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a food processor, pulse the raw pumpkin seeds until they are finely ground.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pumpkin seeds, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Coat the chicken with the pumpkin seed mixture, pressing it firmly onto the chicken.
6. Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.
7. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 2-3 minutes per side.
8. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
9. Indian Spiced Pumpkin Seed Curry – Exotic Flavors:

For those looking to explore Indian cuisine, try this Indian spiced pumpkin seed curry. It’s a flavorful and nutritious dish that highlights the versatility of pumpkin seeds in a traditional Indian recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• Cooked rice or naan bread for serving

Instructions:

1. In a dry skillet, toast the pumpkin seeds over medium heat until they start to pop and become fragrant. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pan and cook for a few minutes, breaking them down with a spoon.
6. Pour in the coconut milk and toasted pumpkin seeds. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the pumpkin seed curry over cooked rice or with naan bread, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
9. Pumpkin Seed and Cranberry Energy Bites – On-the-Go Snack:

These pumpkin seed and cranberry energy bites are a convenient and nutritious snack that will keep you energized throughout the day. They’re packed with wholesome ingredients and make for a perfect on-the-go option.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. In a mixing bowl, heat the almond butter and honey in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or until they are easy to mix.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
4. Add the oat and seed mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until everything is well combined.
5. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
6. Refrigerate the energy bites for at least 30 minutes to firm them up before enjoying.
7. Pumpkin Seed and Avocado Salad – Fresh and Vibrant:

This pumpkin seed and avocado salad is a refreshing and healthy option for a light meal or side dish. It combines the creaminess of avocado with the crunch of pumpkin seeds and a zesty vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, avocado slices, pumpkin seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately as a refreshing and nutritious side dish.
5. Pumpkin Seed Salsa – A Tangy Twist:

Pumpkin seed salsa is a unique and flavorful twist on traditional tomato salsa. It’s a delightful dip that combines the earthy taste of pumpkin seeds with the brightness of lime and cilantro.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions:

1. In a dry skillet, toast the raw pumpkin seeds over medium heat until they start to pop and become fragrant. Remove them from the skillet and let them cool.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, lime juice, fresh cilantro, and chopped jalapeño pepper.
3. Add the toasted pumpkin seeds to the mixture and stir to combine.
4. Season the salsa with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Refrigerate the salsa for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve with tortilla chips for a unique and delicious snack or appetizer.
7. Pumpkin Seed-Crusted Salmon – A Healthy Dinner Option:

Conclusion

Pumpkin seeds are not only a delicious and versatile ingredient but also a nutritional powerhouse. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there’s a pumpkin seed recipe to suit your taste. From classic roasted seeds to Indian-inspired dishes and healthy snacks, these recipes demonstrate the many ways you can incorporate pumpkin seeds into your culinary adventures. So, the next time you carve a pumpkin, remember to save those seeds and get creative in the kitchen.