Strawberry Cashew Smoothie Recipe – Easy Vegan Breakfast Idea

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Strawberry Cashew Smoothie Recipe – Easy Vegan Breakfast Idea

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, mornings can be… hectic. Between getting ready and tackling the day, a quick, healthy breakfast is a must. And honestly, sometimes I just crave something fruity and refreshing. That’s where this Strawberry Cashew Smoothie comes in. It’s become a total staple in my kitchen, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This smoothie isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly easy to make. Seriously, it takes just 5 minutes! It’s also wonderfully creamy thanks to the cashews, naturally sweetened, and packed with goodness. Plus, it’s vegan, making it a great option for everyone. It’s the perfect way to start your day, or even a lovely afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful smoothie:

• 1.5 cup strawberries
• 1 medium banana
• 0.25 cup soaked cashew nuts
• 0.5 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 tablespoon Nectevia with steviva
• 1 – 1.25 cup water

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can really elevate this smoothie.

Cashew Nuts: Soaking & Benefits

Soaking the cashews is key to that super creamy texture. I usually soak about ¼ cup (30g) of raw cashews in water for at least 3-4 hours, or even overnight. It makes them blend so much smoother! Soaking also helps make the cashews easier to digest.

Strawberries: Choosing the Best Quality

Fresh, ripe strawberries are best, of course! Look for bright red berries that smell sweet. If you can’t find really good fresh ones, frozen strawberries work beautifully too (see FAQs!). About 150g of strawberries is perfect.

Nectevia with Stevia: A Natural Sweetener Option

I love using Nectevia with steviva because it’s a natural sweetener that doesn’t spike your blood sugar. But feel free to use your favourite sweetener – maple syrup or dates would also work well! Adjust to your taste, of course.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending!

1. First, make sure your cashews have had a good soak. Drain the water from the soaked cashews.
2. Now, add the soaked cashews, chopped strawberries, banana, vanilla extract, Nectevia, and water to your blender.
3. Blend everything together until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 30-60 seconds, depending on your blender.
4. Give it a taste! If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more Nectevia. If it’s too thick, add a splash more water.
5. Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately. Seriously, it’s that easy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned while making this smoothie over and over again:

• For extra chill: Pop your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before pouring in the smoothie.
• Blending power: If your blender struggles with cashews, blend the cashews and water first, then add the remaining ingredients.
• Don’t overblend: Overblending can warm up the smoothie and make it less vibrant.

Variations

This smoothie is a great base for experimentation!

Vegan Adaptation

Good news – this recipe is already vegan! No changes needed.

Spice Level Variation (Adding a Hint of Cardamom)

My grandmother always added a pinch of cardamom to her fruit drinks, and it’s a lovely touch here too. Just a tiny pinch (about ⅛ teaspoon) of ground cardamom adds a warm, fragrant note.

Festival Adaptation (Summer Cooling Drink)

During the hot summer months in India, we love cooling drinks. This smoothie is perfect as is, but you could add a few mint leaves for an extra refreshing twist. My friends and I often make a big batch for picnics!

Serving Suggestions

This smoothie is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

• Toppings: Sprinkle with chia seeds, shredded coconut, or a few extra sliced strawberries.
• With Granola: Layer the smoothie with granola for a bit of crunch.
• As a Dessert: It’s healthy enough to enjoy as a guilt-free dessert!

Storage Instructions

This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have leftovers…

• Refrigerate: You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It might separate a little, so give it a good stir before drinking.
• Freezing: Freezing isn’t ideal as it can change the texture, but you can freeze it in popsicle molds for a healthy treat!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

How long can I store leftover smoothie?

As I mentioned, best enjoyed fresh! But you can keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work wonderfully. You might need to add a little extra water to get the right consistency.

What can I substitute for Nectevia?

Maple syrup, honey, dates, or any other sweetener you prefer will work. Adjust the amount to your liking.

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the ingredients (chop strawberries, measure cashews) ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Is this smoothie suitable for kids?

Yes! It’s a healthy and delicious option for kids. You might want to reduce the amount of sweetener if you’re making it for little ones.