- Combine blueberries, banana, almond butter, flax meal, almond milk, and ice cubes in a blender.
- Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, for about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour into a glass and serve immediately for optimal freshness and flavor.
- Calories:433 kcal25%
- Energy:1811 kJ22%
- Protein:10 g28%
- Carbohydrates:45 mg40%
- Sugar:20 mg8%
- Salt:50 g25%
- Fat:15 g20%
Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh
Blueberry Banana Smoothie Recipe – Easy Flax & Almond Butter Blend
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, mornings can be… chaotic. Between getting ready and tackling the day, a quick, healthy breakfast is a must. And honestly? This Blueberry Banana Smoothie has been my absolute go-to for years. It’s so simple, so delicious, and gives me the perfect energy boost to start my day. I first whipped this up when I was trying to sneak more healthy fats and fiber into my diet, and it’s been a family favourite ever since!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another smoothie recipe. It’s a powerhouse of goodness packed into one glass! It’s incredibly easy to make – seriously, just a few minutes. Plus, it’s naturally sweet, creamy, and totally customizable. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a post-workout refuel, or just a healthy snack, this blueberry banana smoothie has you covered.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:
- ?? cup blueberries
- 1 banana
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 tablespoon flax meal
- 1 cup almond milk
- ?? cup ice cubes
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients! Getting the right ones makes all the difference.
Blueberries: Varieties & Benefits
I love using regular blueberries, but feel free to experiment! Wild blueberries have a more intense flavour, which is lovely. A cup of blueberries (around 150g) is packed with antioxidants – a fantastic way to start your day.
Banana: Ripeness & Sweetness
The riper the banana, the sweeter the smoothie! I usually use bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness. If your banana isn’t super ripe, you might want to add a touch of honey or maple syrup.
Almond Butter: Choosing the Right Kind
I prefer natural almond butter – the kind where the oil separates. Just give it a good stir before using! It adds a lovely creaminess and healthy fats. About 30g of almond butter is perfect.
Flax Meal: Nutritional Powerhouse & Grinding Tips
Flax meal is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. It’s best to use flax meal rather than whole flax seeds, as your body absorbs the nutrients better when it’s ground. You can buy it pre-ground, or grind whole flax seeds yourself in a coffee grinder. 1 tablespoon (around 7g) is a great amount.
Almond Milk: Unsweetened vs. Sweetened
I usually opt for unsweetened almond milk to keep the sugar content down. But if you prefer a sweeter smoothie, go for sweetened! About 240ml of almond milk works perfectly. You can also use any other plant-based milk you like – oat milk or soy milk are great alternatives.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get blending!
- First, add the blueberries, banana, almond butter, flax meal, almond milk, and ice cubes to your blender. Don’t be shy with the ice – it makes the smoothie nice and thick!
- Now, blend everything on high speed until it’s smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes, depending on your blender. If it’s too thick, add a splash more almond milk. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes.
- Finally, pour your beautiful blueberry banana smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately! Seriously, it’s best when it’s fresh.
Expert Tips
A few little things I’ve learned over the years…
- For extra creaminess: Freeze your banana beforehand! It makes the smoothie incredibly thick and decadent.
- Don’t over-blend: Over-blending can make the smoothie warm and lose its freshness.
- Taste as you go: Adjust the ingredients to your liking. More blueberries for a bolder flavour? Go for it!
Variations
This recipe is a blank canvas! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder and a touch of maple syrup. My son loves this one!
- Tropical Twist: Swap the blueberries for mango or pineapple.
- Green Goodness: Throw in a handful of spinach or kale. You won’t even taste it, I promise!
Vegan Adaptation
This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just make sure your almond milk is vegan-friendly (most are).
Gluten-Free Confirmation
Yep, this smoothie is 100% gluten-free!
Spice Level (Optional – e.g., add cinnamon)
A pinch of cinnamon adds a lovely warmth and flavour. About ¼ teaspoon is perfect.
Quick Breakfast Adaptation
I often prep the ingredients (except the almond milk and ice) in a ziplock bag the night before. Then, in the morning, it’s just a matter of dumping everything into the blender!
Post-Workout Recovery Boost
Add a scoop of your favourite protein powder for an extra boost of recovery.
Serving Suggestions
This smoothie is perfect on its own, but you can also enjoy it with:
- A sprinkle of granola
- A few fresh berries
- A drizzle of honey
Storage Instructions
Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that it may separate, so give it a good shake before drinking.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
Can I use frozen bananas for a thicker smoothie?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas are a game-changer for smoothie thickness.
What if I don’t have almond milk? What can I substitute?
You can use any plant-based milk – oat milk, soy milk, or even coconut milk. Regular dairy milk works too, if you’re not dairy-free.
Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can store it for up to 24 hours. It might separate, so shake well before drinking.
Is flax meal necessary, or can I use chia seeds?
You can definitely use chia seeds instead of flax meal! They offer similar nutritional benefits. Use about 1 tablespoon.
How can I adjust the sweetness of this smoothie?
Add a touch of honey, maple syrup, or dates to sweeten it up. Or, use a riper banana!