This is the easiest smoothie you can make: Five ingredients, five minutes, one blender.
Coconut milk, frozen bananas, and cucumber are the base. (We learned about the health benefits of cucumber in my Cucumber smoothie). Hemp seed is an option for adding healthy fats and proteins. Spirulina is the last ingredient, but certainly not the least.
You guys said yes when I asked on Twitter whether you would be interested in recipes using spirulina. In the notes, I have included information on how to use and where to purchase spirulina.
Spirulina, a blue-green alga, is rich in minerals and B vitamins, including iodine and beta-carotene. It also contains antioxidants and iron. The blue-green algae is 60% protein. It contains all essential amino acids and is a complete protein. One Tablespoon has 4 g of protein.
What’s all the fuss about? Spirulina contains a high concentration of vitamins and minerals and is also detoxifying to the body. This is why many people consider it a “superfood.” It’s a great addition to my smoothies. I love the neutral flavor and its health benefits. This is a great alternative to adding kale.
What is the taste? It tastes like seaweed when eaten directly. When added to smoothies and desserts, the taste is not detectable. Huzzah!
Ingredients
SMOOTHIE
- The original recipe calls for 1 cup of bananas (which is 1 cup if you peel and freeze them).
- Half a cup of sliced cucumbers (organic if possible // skin on).
- Use 3/4 to 1 cup Light Coconut Milk or other non-dairy liquid (less for a thicker smoothie and more for a thinner smoothie).
- You can use chopped spinach or kale, but I prefer to use organic spinach.
- 1 tsp powder spirulina*
- You can also use chia seeds, vegan powder protein, or hemp seeds.
FOR SERVING optional
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (organic if possible)
- 1/4 cup Granola (store-bought or homemade*).
Instructions
- Add the frozen bananas, cucumbers, coconut milk, and hemp seeds (optional) to a Blender*. Blend until smooth and creamy, using a smoothie wand or scraping the sides as necessary.
- If it is too thick, add more water or coconut milk. If the mixture is too thin, add more ice or frozen banana. Add more banana to increase sweetness, more cucumber for freshness, or greens for color. Note about spirulina: brands and how much to use.
- Serve immediately, as is, or, in my favorite, top with more hemp seeds, blueberries, Granola, and more hemp seeds. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two days or frozen for one week. To enjoy frozen food, let it thaw.
