All the time captivated by vibrant blue drinks, I created this blue spirulina smoothie that delivers these dreamy poolside trip vibes as a wholesome drink! Made with pure blue spirulina, you may add protein to make it a filling snack or breakfast.
I’ll admit it—I’m obsessive about blue drinks. There’s one thing about that vibrant colour that immediately makes me must style it. Now, most blue drinks I’ve seen are blue cocktails just like the Blue Hawaii. However the different day, a good friend posted a blue smoothie she obtained at a brand new store, and I knew I needed to recreate it!
As somebody who loves cooking with pure components, I used to be decided to create a wholesome blue smoothie that will fulfill my cravings and ship precise vitamin. After a number of take a look at batches in my kitchen, this blue smoothie has grow to be my go-to—I’ve already made it 4 instances this week. Even higher? My youngsters suppose it’s the best factor ever!
Elements on this spirulina smoothie
Listed here are the important thing components on this lovely blue puree:
- Coconut milk or Greek yogurt base: Both full-fat coconut milk OR Greek yogurt (thinned with a little bit of water) offers the right creamy texture. Coconut milk makes a extra tropical blue smoothie, whereas Greek yogurt provides further protein.
- Contemporary banana: Utilizing a recent (not frozen) banana creates very best smoothness with out making the smoothie too thick.
- Frozen pineapple: Offers tropical sweetness and tanginess, whereas being frozen helps create that excellent smoothie texture.
- Orange juice: Provides brightness and helps the blender course of all the things easily.
- Shredded coconut: Enhances the tropical taste profile and provides attention-grabbing texture.
- Blue spirulina powder: Simply ¾-1 teaspoon transforms this right into a vibrant spirulina smoothie with out affecting the style.
- Protein powder: For a extra filling smoothie, add a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
- Further ice: Alter the thickness of your spirulina smoothie by including roughly ice.
What’s blue spirulina?
The important thing ingredient that transforms this from an bizarre smoothie to a shocking smoothie is blue spirulina. Now, the spirulina you sometimes discover in shops is inexperienced (I realized this when my husband Alex by chance purchased the incorrect form!). What’s the distinction? Each come from algae, however they’re fairly totally different in smoothie functions:
- Blue spirulina (phycocyanin) is an extract with a light style, making it excellent for blue smoothies the place you need vibrant colour with out an overwhelming taste. The gorgeous blue hue comes from the phycocyanin pigment that’s extracted and concentrated.
- Inexperienced spirulina is the entire algae with a stronger, extra “pond-like” taste that may overpower smoothies. Whereas extremely nutritious, it’s not very best if you’re going for tropical flavors and that excellent blue colour.
We purchased this pack of blue spirulina—keep in mind you solely use a teaspoon or so at a time, so it ought to final fairly some time!
Mixing the right blue smoothie
The order of components issues for the most effective consistency and vibrant colour:
- Begin with liquids: Add the coconut milk (or Greek yogurt combination) and orange juice to the blender first.
- Add gentle components: Subsequent add the recent banana, shredded coconut, and blue spirulina.
- Add frozen components: Add about 1 cup of the frozen pineapple (reserving ¼ cup for later) and mix till easy.
- End with ice and remaining pineapple: Add the ice cubes and remaining ¼ cup pineapple, then mix once more till fully easy.
A number of variations
When you’ve mastered the fundamental tropical spirulina smoothie, attempt these variations:
- Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder and an additional ice dice or two for a extra filling breakfast choice.
- Blueberries: Add ¼ cup frozen blueberries together with the pineapple. The blueberries add antioxidants and a delicate berry taste with out altering the gorgeous blue colour.
- Smoothie bowl: Make a smoothie bowl and prime with attractive toppings: extra shredded coconut, sliced banana, pineapple chunks, and a sprinkle of chia seeds.
Dietary notes
This spirulina smoothie recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Ceaselessly requested questions
By no means! In contrast to inexperienced spirulina, blue spirulina has a really gentle, barely noticeable style that’s fully masked by the tropical flavors on this spirulina smoothie.
The style stays scrumptious when made forward, however the vibrant blue colour is most spectacular when freshly made. If you happen to prep forward, retailer in an hermetic container and eat inside 24 hours.
This pure spirulina smoothie is ideal for youngsters. The tropical taste is kid-friendly, and so they’ll love the enjoyable blue colour.
Sure, however you’ll probably want so as to add a bit extra liquid to realize the best consistency. Contemporary banana blends extra simply with the opposite components.
This recipe proves that spirulina smoothies might be each nutritious and exquisite! I hope this blue creation brings somewhat sunshine to your day, whether or not you’re sipping it poolside or at your desk dreaming of your subsequent seashore trip. If you happen to do that spirulina smoothie recipe, I’d like to see your creation! Tag me on social media together with your images.
Blue Spirulina Smoothie
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook dinner Time: 0 minutes
- Whole Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 massive smoothie or 2 small 1x
- Class: Drink
- Methodology: Blended
- Delicacies: Smoothie
- Food plan: Vegan
- ¼ cup full fats canned coconut milk OR ¼ cup Greek yogurt plus 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 ripe banana (not frozen)
- 1 ¼ cups frozen pineapple
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 3/4 to 1 teaspoon blue spirulina (see Notes)
- 3 ice cubes
- Optionally available: 1 scoop protein powder + 3 ice cubes
- Mix all the things apart from the ice and ¼ cup of the pineapple, stopping and stirring as needed. Mix once more with ice and the ultimate ¼ cup pineapple. If you happen to’d just like the smoothie thicker, you may add extra ice. Shops as much as 1 day refrigerated.
Notes
We purchased this bundle of blue spirulina—keep in mind you solely use small quantities at a time, so the bundle ought to final fairly some time! Ensure that to purchase blue spirulina; common spirulina is inexperienced. If you happen to can’t discover it, you may all the time add just a few drops of meals coloring for a similar impact.