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:
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A good blender
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A plant-based milk
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Frozen banana
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Frozen mango
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Spinach
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Protein powder (optional)
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Collagen Peptides (optional)
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Chia seeds
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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
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 from blue spirulina powder.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Before assembling ingredients, make sure you have frozen mango and a frozen banana in the freezer
- Get out your best blender, and place in the frozen banana, spinach, and frozen mango in
- Add plant-based milk
- Add chia seeds, and powders of choice
- Blend until smooth consistency
- Once desired consistency is obtained, add in the spirulina and blend once more
- Pour into your favorite glass, bowl, or mason jars and enjoy!
Notes
*add desired amount of liquid until desired consistency is obtained. I opt for more milk if I want a "drink" consistency, and less milk for a "thick" consistency.
*have not tested with other fruits, as they will change the flavor of the drink
*add less spinach if a deeper blue color is desired