Flaxseed Smoothie Recipe
What's not to love about a good old-fashioned smoothie? When it comes to this cold and icy drink, there is a whole lot to love, and there is a ton of variety. This particular recipe gives you a good serving of fruits and veggies, including banana, blueberries, and spinach. Recipe developer Hayley MacLean is the brains behind this wonderful recipe, and it hits the spot on several different occasions. Whether you need a pre-work pick-me-up or something healthy to feed the kids before school or after a game, this smoothie is filled with lots of nutrients that will keep you full and happy.
We know that there is plenty to love about this sweet treat, but MacLean explains her fave the best: "I love that this recipe tastes just like a blueberry creamsicle. It is lightly sweet, super creamy, and full of blueberry flavor — and the flaxseeds give it such great texture!"
Keep reading to find out how to make this incredible sweet treat.
Gather the ingredients for this flaxseed smoothie
Now that you know you want to make the smoothie, it's time to gather all of the ingredients. First, you will need a banana. As a reminder, be sure it's ripe when you get it or that it has time to ripen until you're ready to use it. You will also need to get a cup of frozen blueberries. Then, grab some baby spinach and flax milk. "The flax milk can be substituted for any other dairy-free milk of your choice!" MacLean says. "I enjoy the light, sweet, nutty flavor it adds to this smoothie, but if unavailable, almond, cashew, or oat milk make great alternatives."
In addition, you will need to pick up some honey and flaxseeds. Those are the only few items that you need for this smoothie, making it super simple and relatively affordable.
The health benefits of bananas and blueberries
Bananas are one of the best fruits you can put in your body! "Bananas serve as the base for this recipe, as they give such a smooth silky texture to the smoothie. Bananas are very high in potassium and vitamin C, both of which help lower the risk for many cardiovascular diseases," MacLean shares. "They are also great sources of both soluble and insoluble fibers, which help maintain both heart and gut health!"
And guess what? Blueberries are also really good for you! "Blueberries are little drops of nutritional goodness! They are loaded with antioxidants called flavonoids that help protect the cells of your body against aging and oxidation," MacLean shares. "Additionally, they help with heart health by aiding in regulating blood pressure and lowering cholesterol."
Place the fruits and veggies in the blender
Now, grab your blender and place it on the counter. We always like to remind people to put the blender in a safe spot on the counter where no kids or dogs can yank on the cord. Trust us, it can happen. Open the lid of the blender and start adding in the fruit. Start with the banana first. As a reminder, it should already be ripe. Next, toss in the frozen blueberries. The frozen blueberries add a little bit of iciness to the smoothie but add more flavor than plain ice.
At this time, you can also add the only veggie: your spinach.
Add the flaxseed and liquids
There are still a few more things that you need to add to the blender, so don't close the lid just yet. Next, you will want to add in all the liquids. This includes the flax milk and the honey. Then, you can throw in the flaxseed. "Flaxseeds are one of the best vegetarian sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are extremely important for heart health! A small amount also provides a great amount of protein and fiber, both of which are important for helping to control blood sugar," MacLean shares. "Together with the other ingredients, this is one super healthy smoothie!"
Next, turn the blender on and blend the mixture until it's smooth. "This smoothie should be blended for one to two minutes, or until smooth," MacLean shares. "To make an even smoother, thicker smoothie, a handful of ice can be added, which helps keeps it cool as well!"
Serve, and enjoy
Once you finish blending the smoothie, pour it into glasses of your choice and serve. This smoothie is great by itself, but you can also add some fresh fruit to the top of it. Drink it straight from the glass or use a straw. "This flaxseed smoothie is perfect for breakfast or as a snack between meals! It can be enjoyed in a glass or made into a smoothie bowl with more fruits and other toppings," MacLean suggests.
We hope you loved this healthy pick-me-up as much as we do!
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- ½ cup baby spinach
- 1 cup flax milk
- ½ tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons flaxseeds
- Place the banana, frozen blueberries, and spinach in a blender.
- Top with the flax milk, honey, and flaxseeds.
- Blend until smooth. Serve and enjoy.
| Calories per Serving | 178 |
| Total Fat | 6.0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.0 |
| Cholesterol | 0.0 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 31.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.2 g |
| Total Sugars | 18.9 g |
| Sodium | 6.6 mg |
| Protein | 3.1 g |
