The days are getting darker- around where I am in New England, the sun is setting around 4pm, and by 7 I’m wondering if it’s time to start thinking about bed. Having so little daylight can really start to get you down, but with the winter solstice approaching it’s important to keep our spirits up. That’s why I put together a collection of vegan sunflower seed recipes- not only do sunflower seeds evoke images of bright faces bathed in light and turned to the sun, but they’re high in B vitamins and are good for your nervous systems health and to decrease stress. Here are a couple other quick tricks to keeping your spirits up this winter-

• Go outside and take a walk. It may be cold, but both the sunshine and the exercise can improve your mood and help you avoid seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
• Eat lots of produce, and exercise more, if possible.
• If you’re really having trouble, go see a doctor. There might be a simple solution they can help you with (such as a Vitamin D supplement) and it’s important to keep yourself physically and mentally healthy. Sunflower seeds won’t fix everything.

Now on to the recipes- these are some of the best and brightest when it comes to sunflower seed cuisine. Starting with baked goods, then energy bites and bars to get you going, lunch, sauces and dips, savory recipes and of course dessert, this roundup will help you imagine vegan sunflower seed recipes at all points of your life.

Baked Goods

Be it for health, a treat, or somewhere in-between, sunflower seeds have a place in your baking. Each of these baked vegan sunflower seed recipes has a bit of added crunch.

Cozy Sunflower Seed Banana Bread by Occasionally Eggs

Vegan Banana Oatmeal Sunbutter Mini-Muffins by Orchids and Sweet Tea

Sunflower Seed Chocolate Cookies by Vegan in the Freezer

Energy Bars and Bites

Since sunflower seeds are high in protein and low in carbs, a lot of people have taken to them as a healthier way to satisfy that snack-y feeling. Check out these five tasty bites that will get you pumped to keep on going through your day.

Sunflower Fig Balls by Veggie Inspired

Sunflower Slices by Unconventional Baker

Mint Chocolate Sunflower Bites by Strength and Sunshine

Sunflower Sesame Homemade Energy Bars by Running on Real Food

Blueberry Sunflower Energy Bites by Spabetty

Time for Lunch

Halfway through the day, it’s time to refuel and carry on. Do it deliciously, in a sunflower-packed burger, wrap or sandwich. With creations like this, vegan sunflower seed recipes aren’t just granola anymore.

Black Bean Sunflower Seed Burger by Vegan Richa

Vegan Egg Salad Sandwiches by Cadry’s Kitchen

Savory Walnut Sundried Tomato Crumble by Vegetarian Gastonomy

Vegan Sushi Wraps by Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen

Sauces and Dips

Vegan sunflower seed recipes for sauces and dips range from a salted caramel to a garlicky creamy dressing. Is there nothing this seed can’t shine at?

Salted Caramel Sauce by Fried Dandelions 

Dilly Sunflower Seed Dip by Glue and Glitter

Vegan Bolognese Sauce by Karissa’s Vegan Kitchen

Garlic Sunflower Seed Dressing by Elephantastic Vegan

Savory Recipes

When you’re looking for something savory to sink your teeth into, try one of these savory vegan sunflower seed recipes. Great for a hearty, seed-filled family dinner.

Cornbread with Roasted Tomatoes and Sunflower Seeds by Very Vegan Val

Sweet Potato Seed Loaf by Trinity’s Kitchen

Creamy Garam Masala Noodles by Fragrant Vanilla Cake

Sun-Filled Desserts

And finally, when the day is done and you’re searching for something sweet, try one of these chocolatey creations to complete your sun-soaked day of vegan sunflower seed recipes.

Nut-Free Raw Chocolate Cake by My Goodness Kitchen

Nut-Free Sunflower Seed Chocolate Cups by Very Vegan Val

Vegan Fudgy Sunflower Seed Brownies by The Vegan 8

Let’s hear from you…

• What vegan sunflower seed recipes are your favorites? How do you like to use sunflower seeds?
• How do you keep yourself sunny and smiling as the days get shorter?
• If you had to choose one, which would you pick- sunflower seeds or beets? (this one is mostly a gentle reminder that I have a collection of beet recipes you could be checking out)

Share your thoughts with us in the comments below

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