Superfood Blue Smoothie Recipe

Your wish is my command! I have finally mastered the best, superfood blue smoothie recipe. This recipe not only makes for a beautiful, blue drink–but is filled with nutrients that contain anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

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I first enjoyed a blue smoothie from my local shop Alchemy  back in my hometown. I saw it on the menu and thought, a BLUE drink? From a natural source? No way! I tried the drink, and I fell in love! 

Looking at the ingredients, I came to realize that the color came from a powder called Spirulina. I immediately began to research this ingredient called “spirulina”, and soon learned about all of its benefits. 

 

I didn’t really want to keep paying anywhere from $8-12 each time I wanted a blue smoothie, so I took matters into my own hands, and got some spirulina powder for myself so I could make this at home.

 

What exactly is Spirulina?

 

Spirulina, specifically blue spirulina, is a blue-pigment sourced from a blue-green algae plant. It has one of the highest protein-per-gram amounts in the plant-based world…i.e., you can have a small amount of it but still get a good amount of protein. Not only is it protein-rich, but it is full of B-vitamins and iron, which are known to help enhance energy levels. It  contains many other vitamins and minerals, and it’s a potent source of antioxidants as well.

 

 The plant is deemed a *superfood*, which is a ~controversial~ term used in the wellness world. But I would say that this plant is SUPER! I like to think of the term “superfood” as having a lot of nutrients packed-in, in a relatively small amount. AKA–you get the most bang for your buck!

 

I love adding spirulina to my daily to diet to reduce inflammation, boost my energy, and help protect my immune system. 

 

When blended in my smoothies, I don’t even taste it! Blue spirulina has a relatively neutral taste, for such a small serving (1 tsp), so my smoothies not only look pretty but they still taste great. 

 

I also have green spirulina on-hand in my kitchen, but there is something SO darn special about the blue color from the blue spirulina. Although cheaper, green spirulina is known to have more of a sea-like, fishy taste. I only add around ½ tsp if I am using the green option. 

 

What makes this smoothie taste so great?

 

I am not just about looks with my food. Oh, no…I’m alllll about the flavor profile too! If my smoothie doesn’t taste good, I don’t want it.

 

That being said, I opted to use frozen bananas, frozen mango, and plant-based milk to really take-over the flavor profile. Using frozen fruit is KEY in making a creamy, thick texture. I opt to use a full banana, and ½ cup of frozen mango in comparison to 1 cup of milk, so that my frozen fruit ratio > my liquid. 

 

Smoothies are my favorite way to sneak in nutrients, without feeling overly-full or having the burden to cook a lot of food at once. I love having a smoothie right after a workout to really replenish what I just burned, and get back some key nutrients that will kick-start my recovery process.

 

Adding things like collagen peptides, your favorite protein powder, and omega-3 sources like chia seeds also really up-the-game when it comes to making a SUPER smoothie! These also help to boost the texture-profile, allowing your smoothie to get nice and thick. 

 

What you’ll need for this recipe:

•  A good blender

• A plant-based milk

• Frozen banana

• Frozen mango

• Spinach

• Protein powder (optional)

• Collagen Peptides (optional)

• Chia seeds

• Blue spirulina powder

 

For toppings…I would definitely recommend granola, more fruit, chia seeds/flax seeds, or your favorite superfood!

Key things to note: peel your bananas FIRST, then stick them in an air-tight container in the freezer for a few hours. 

 

Add your frozen fruit first, then your spinach*, then your milk, and then the powders. I typically blend all the ingredients WITHOUT the spirulina first, then once blended, add it in one last time to blend! This has been really working to ensure I get a nice, vibrant blue color. 

*add a small amount to ensure you’ll get a blue color, not a green/aqua one