These spiced sunflower seeds are loaded with savory flavors and have a satisfying crunch. Sprinkle them on top of salads, soups, dips, or pasta (like this creamy tahini pasta). They’re perfect for entertaining or whenever you want to elevate a dish by adding an easy and delicious garnish. Or simply enjoy them on their own for a snack.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Be sure to use raw, shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds when making this recipe. Or if you must use salted sunflower seeds then you can omit the salt in the recipe.
I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil in this dish but you can substitute any other oil you like.
I spiced these sunflower seeds with garlic powder, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. You can substitute regular paprika if necessary but I love the hit of smoky flavor the smoked paprika adds.
Or if you prefer to serve these sunflower seeds with sweet dishes as opposed to savory, you can omit the garlic powder, thyme, and smoked paprika and substitute 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and a pinch of nutmeg and/or cloves. Then sprinkle them on top of oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream.
How to Make Spiced Sunflower Seeds
Start by adding the sunflower seeds, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and salt to a large pan on the stove set to medium heat.
Cook, stirring constantly, for 4-5 minutes or until the sunflower seeds are toasted and fragrant.
Remove from the heat and allow the sunflower seeds to cool to room temperature before serving.
Spiced Sunflower Seeds Recipe
Equipment
- Large frying pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw sunflower seeds (shelled and unsalted)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the sunflower seeds, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and salt to a large pan on the stove set to medium heat.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for 4-5 minutes or until the sunflower seeds are toasted and fragrant.
- Remove from the heat and allow the sunflower seeds to cool to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Store these spiced sunflower seeds in the fridge for up to seven days.
Nutrition
More Easy Recipes to Try
- These soft, fluffy flaxseed muffins are a tasty and filling make-ahead breakfast or snack.
- This simple maple vinaigrette is sweet, savory, and flavorful.