Blueberry-Almond Smoothie

This vibrant purple smoothie combines the sweet-tart flavor of blueberries with creamy almond elements for a nutritious and satisfying breakfast or snack. The recipe comes together in minutes and delivers both incredible taste and valuable nutrients to fuel your day.

I created this recipe during a particularly hectic work week when I needed something nutritious I could take on my morning commute. Now it's become my daughter Violet's favorite breakfast request hence the name.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk: provides a light nutty base that lets the fruit flavors shine while keeping calories low
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries: these little powerhouses give the gorgeous color and are loaded with antioxidants always choose organic if possible
• 1 medium banana: adds natural sweetness and creates that perfect creamy texture ripe with some brown spots works best
• 1 tablespoon almond butter: delivers protein healthy fats and a rich almond flavor that pairs beautifully with the berries
• Pinch of sea salt: seems minor but actually enhances all the flavors in the smoothie flaky sea salt works wonderfully here

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients:

Gather everything before starting to ensure smooth blending. If using a fresh banana rather than frozen peel it and break into chunks for easier processing. Measure your almond milk accurately as this determines the final consistency.

Combine Everything:

Add almond milk to the blender first this helps create a vortex that pulls other ingredients down. Follow with frozen blueberries banana almond butter and that pinch of salt. Starting with liquid prevents the dreaded blender jam.

Blend Until Smooth:

Start on low speed for about 10 seconds then gradually increase to high. Blend for approximately 45 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth with no visible fruit chunks. The color should be a vibrant purple indicating the blueberries are fully incorporated.

Adjust Consistency:

If the smoothie seems too thick add almond milk one tablespoon at a time and pulse briefly between additions. For a thicker smoothie you can add a few ice cubes and blend again.

Serve Immediately:

Pour into a tall glass and enjoy right away for the best flavor and texture. The smoothie will start to separate if left sitting too long.

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My favorite part about this smoothie is how the almond butter creates little ribbons of nutty flavor throughout. My daughter Violet first tried it when she was four and declared it the most beautiful drink she had ever seen hence we named it after her and her favorite color.

Make It Last Longer

This smoothie is best enjoyed immediately after blending but you can prepare components ahead of time. Portion blueberries and sliced banana into freezer bags for grab and blend convenience. The natural acids in the banana will cause oxidation and color changes if prepared too far in advance.

Simple Variations

Transform this basic recipe by adding a handful of spinach for extra nutrition without changing the flavor. For protein boost include a scoop of vanilla protein powder or Greek yogurt. During summer months fresh blueberries work wonderfully but you might want to add a few ice cubes to achieve the right temperature and thickness.

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Nutritional Benefits

Blueberries are considered a superfood for good reason. They contain anthocyanins powerful antioxidants that give them their deep blue color and help reduce inflammation in the body. Combined with the healthy fats from almond butter this smoothie provides slow release energy rather than a quick sugar spike and crash that many breakfast options deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh blueberries instead of frozen. However, frozen blueberries give the smoothie a thicker, colder texture without needing ice. If using fresh, consider adding a few ice cubes to achieve a similar consistency.

→ Is there a substitute for almond milk?

Absolutely! This smoothie works well with any milk alternative like oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. You can also use regular dairy milk if you don't need a dairy-free option.

→ How ripe should the banana be?

A medium-ripe to slightly overripe banana works best as it provides natural sweetness and blends smoothly. Spotty bananas with some brown marks are ideal for the best flavor.

→ Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

While it's best enjoyed immediately after blending, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. The smoothie may separate slightly, so give it a good shake or quick reblend before drinking.

→ What can I add for extra protein?

To boost the protein content, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder, Greek yogurt, or silken tofu. These additions won't significantly alter the flavor but will make the smoothie more filling.

→ Why add sea salt to a smoothie?

A pinch of sea salt enhances the overall flavor profile by balancing the sweetness and bringing out the fruit flavors. Salt is a flavor enhancer that makes everything taste more like itself!