Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe – Flaxseed & Bell Pepper Boost

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe – Flaxseed & Bell Pepper Boost

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for quick, healthy, and delicious breakfast or snack options. This Strawberry Banana Smoothie is a total lifesaver – it’s packed with goodness, takes just 5 minutes to whip up, and honestly, it tastes like a treat! I first made this when I was trying to sneak more veggies into my kids’ diets, and they didn’t even notice the bell pepper! It’s become a family favourite ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average strawberry banana smoothie. We’re adding a secret weapon: red bell pepper! Don’t worry, it doesn’t taste like pepper, I promise. It just adds a lovely subtle sweetness and a huge boost of Vitamin C. Plus, the flaxseed gives it a healthy dose of Omega-3s. It’s the perfect way to start your day or refuel after a workout.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:

• 1.5 cups strawberries (about 190g)
• 0.5 banana (about 60g)
• 0.25 cup red bell pepper (about 30g)
• 0.5 cup 100% apple juice (120ml)
• 1 tablespoon Barlean’s seriously delicious Omega-3 Flax Strawberry Banana smoothie (15ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right makes all the difference.

Strawberries: Choosing the Best

Look for bright red, plump strawberries that smell sweet. Local and in-season strawberries will always have the best flavour. If you can’t find perfect strawberries, frozen ones work beautifully too!

Bananas: Ripeness & Freezing Tips

The riper the banana, the sweeter the smoothie. I like to use bananas that have a few brown spots – they blend up so nicely. For an extra creamy smoothie, peel and freeze your bananas beforehand. Just slice them before freezing so they’re easier to blend.

Red Bell Pepper: The Unexpected Boost

Don’t skip this! Red bell pepper adds a subtle sweetness and a ton of Vitamin C. It really blends in and you won’t even taste it, I promise. Remove the seeds and white membranes before adding it to the blender.

Apple Juice: 100% Juice is Key

Make sure you use 100% apple juice, not juice concentrate. This ensures you’re getting all the natural sweetness and nutrients. You can also experiment with other juices like orange juice, but apple juice complements the strawberry and banana flavours perfectly.

Barlean’s Omega-3 Flax Strawberry Banana Smoothie: Benefits of Flaxseed & Brand Spotlight

Barlean’s is a brand I trust for quality flaxseed products. Flaxseed is a fantastic source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain. Their Strawberry Banana flavour adds a lovely boost to the smoothie. If you can’t find this specific product, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of regular flaxseed meal and a little extra banana for sweetness.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending!

1. First, add the strawberries, frozen banana (if using), red bell pepper, apple juice, and Barlean’s Omega-3 Flax Strawberry Banana smoothie to your blender.
2. Now, blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a couple of times to make sure everything gets incorporated.
3. Finally, pour your beautiful smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately! Add a few ice cubes if you like it extra cold.

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years:

Blending Techniques for Smoothness

A high-powered blender will give you the smoothest results. If your blender struggles, add the apple juice gradually while blending.

Adjusting Sweetness & Consistency

If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more apple juice. If it’s not sweet enough, add a little honey or maple syrup.

Sneaking in Extra Nutrients

Want to boost the nutritional value even further? Add a handful of spinach or kale – you won’t even taste it! A scoop of protein powder is also a great addition.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Strawberry Banana Smoothie

This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your Barlean’s product to ensure it’s vegan-friendly.

Gluten-Free Strawberry Banana Smoothie

This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level: Adding a Kick (Ginger, Cinnamon)

My friend loves adding a tiny pinch of ginger or cinnamon to her smoothie for a little warmth. It’s delicious!

Festival Adaptations: Summer Refreshments & Healthy Options

This smoothie is perfect for summer festivals or picnics. It’s a healthy and refreshing alternative to sugary drinks.

Serving Suggestions

This smoothie is great on its own, but you can also enjoy it with:

• A sprinkle of granola on top
• A few fresh strawberry slices
• A side of whole-wheat toast with almond butter

Storage Instructions

This smoothie is best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It may separate, so give it a good shake before drinking.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work just as well and can even make the smoothie thicker and colder.

What are the health benefits of adding bell pepper to a smoothie?

Red bell pepper is packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibre. It’s a great way to boost your immune system and get an extra dose of nutrients.

Can this smoothie be made ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the bell pepper and freeze the banana, then just throw everything in the blender when you’re ready to go.

Is Barlean’s Omega-3 Flax Strawberry Banana smoothie essential for this recipe? What can I substitute?

It’s not essential! You can substitute with 1 tablespoon of regular flaxseed meal and a little extra banana for sweetness.

How can I adjust the sweetness of this smoothie?

Add a little honey, maple syrup, or a few dates to sweeten it up. You can also use a riper banana.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Strawberry Banana Smoothie! Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think. Happy blending!