When carving pumpkins, it’s an absolute disgrace to toss all those pumpkin seeds with the guts. A DISGRACE! Pumpkin seeds, besides being rather delicious, are excellent sources of magnesium, zinc, omega 3 fats and they’re very high in fibre and protein too. They’re the perfect addition to your diet! You can roast them, or shell them easily (shelled pumpkin seeds are also known as “pepitas”). How you use them is up to you, but here’s some nudges in the right direction…

1. Balsamic Chicken, Brussels Sprouts, Cranberries & Pumpkin Seeds

Now THAT’s a well balanced meal. When all the elements come together in one dish, it’s magical. Pumpkin seeds are a great addition to your savory dinner, adding a mild flavor and crunch, making this dish a homerun.

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2. Vanilla Pumpkin Seed Clusters

Made in 20 minutes with only four ingredients (the biggest one being shelled pumpkin seeds!). These seed clusters are also nut-free, making them the perfect school-safe lunch snack as well. Personally, I think these are a great energy ball for life on the go!

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3. Beetroot Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Okay, so this recipe might be a little out there, especially with its stunning fucia color, but nonetheless a pumpkin seed pesto is genius.

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4. Pumpkin Maple Pecan Granola

Prepare for your morning energy source with a homemade granola that everyone will love, and will last for weeks stored in a mason jar in your cupboard.

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5. Pumpkin Seed Bark

Chocolate barks are wonderful when you need a little chocolate sweet indulgence, but don’t want to break your nutritional goals for the day. Dark chocolate is a great antioxidant, and combined with cranberries and pumpkin seeds, it’s almost a health food.

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6. Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies

Another great on-the-go breakfast option for adults and kids alike. I mean, who doesn’t love cookies for breakfast?!

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7. Bacon Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

There’s a ton of recipes out there for roasted pumpkin seeds, but never have I ever seen one with bacon, until now. This is what we call a “game changer”.

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8. Cauliflower With Pumpkin Seeds, Brown Butter & Lime

Cauliflower is the perfect side, it’s mild in flavor and can be dressed up in so many different ways. This recipe crisps them up with brown butter and the crunch of pumpkin seeds.

http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/cauliflower-with-pumpkin-seeds-brown-butter-and-lime Photo by: Bon Appetit

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9. Oatmeal Molasses Pumpkin Cake

…with caramel glaze and candied pumpkin seed topping. Who would have thought something so decadent looking could have had humble beginning in the middle of a squash?

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10. Chocolate Covered Roasted Pumpkin Seed Turtles

Mmmmmm I love pumpkin seed turtles!!

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11. Pumpkin Seed Brittle

Move over, peanuts! This brittle will squash those nutty cravings, and add a little spice to your life with the addition of cayenne. Oh, snap!

http://altonbrown.com/pumpkin-seed-brittle-recipe/ Photo by: Alton Brown

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12. Pumpkin Seed Butter Cups

Way to my freaking heart, already. Looking for a healthier, nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan version of a Reese’s peanut butter cup? Welp, thar you go.

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13. Raw Pumpkin Seed Hummus

When you blend protein source (pumpkin seeds) with protein source (chickpeas) without any animal byproducts, you have a party friendly, unique dip/spread/eat-off-a-spoon recipe that will certainly be a crowd pleaser.

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14. Pumpkin Seed Salsa

Tomatoes, garlic, cayenne, olive oil and cilantro – all the necessities for a good salsa. But if you want to make it a unique salsa, add raw shelled pumpkin seeds to the mix, blend and serve with all your favorite salsa accompanied meals. Or again, off a spoon. No judgment here.

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15. Quinoa & Roasted Pumpkin Seed Side Dish

Perfect fall side, and with pumpkin seeds easily roasted and stored to be lasting in your cupboard, you can easily make this well into the winter months. This also would make just a delicious lunch bowl in my opinion!

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16. Pumpkin Seed Pesto Pizza

There’s that pesto idea again, however this time used as a sauce base on a vegan pizza. However you doctor it up with toppings, that nutty creamy texture of the pumpkin seed pesto will delight your taste buds, and give you a boost of plant-based protein. Pizza can be health food if you justify it with things like that!

https://delishknowledge.com/vegan-pesto-pizza/#_a5y_p=5322778 Photo by: Delish Knowledge

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17. Pumpkin Seed & Oat Squares

These are not like regular oat bars that are crunchy, crispy, and fall-aparty (yeah, that’s a word). These are soft, chewy, brownie-like in texture and oh-so-needed  in everyone’s life. These are so good for you, even as a breakfast.

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18. Pumpkin Tortellini With Pumpkin Seeds

The rich creaminess of pumpkin combined with the crunch and nuttiness of pumpkin seeds makes quite possibly the most perfect fall pasta dish you can whip up.

http://blog.williams-sonoma.com/pumpkin-tortelloni/ Photo by: Williams Sonoma

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19. Lazy Thai Ginger Pumpkin Soup

This Thai soup is easily made at home in only 15 minutes of actual prep, and finished in under an hour. Made with coconut milk, this makes it lifestyle adaptable for almost everyone! Definitely one to consider keeping the pumpkin seeds for.

http://www.honestlynourished.com/lazy-thai-ginger-pumpkin-soup-with-coconut-cream/ Photo by: Honestly Nourished

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20. Vegan Pumpkin Seed Cocoa Brownies

Another plant powered recipe using two versions of pumpkin seed with the use of pumpkin seed butter, and shelled pumpkin seeds as a crunchy topping. These brownies have a dough made of spelt flour and dates (and much more) and will be a happy healthy alternative to the refined sugar and flour versions you might be used to.

http://www.simplebites.net/vegan-pumpkin-seed-cocoa-brownies/ Photo by: Simple Bites

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21. Salted Caramel Pumpkin Seeds

I don’t know when the whole “salted caramel” thing came about, but I hope we never go back to those dark times before it. It’s the epitome of salty and sweet and an incredible addition to the classic pumpkin seed recipes.

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22. Copy Cat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread

Here’s the thing, and not to give too much credit, but Starbucks pretty much made pumpkin flavor the level of popular that it has become. They cornered us, with all our basicness, to fall in love with a latte that tasted like pie, and slices of bread that just brought it all home. It’s seasonal, and addictive, and will make you broke if you let it. So just do a homemade version and indulge away! Don’t deny your inner basic, but it’s totally cool to save some coin while you succumb.

http://www.copykat.com/2012/12/09/starbucks-pumpkin-bread/#_a5y_p=2148958 Photo by: Copy Kat