This lightly sweet smoothie is packed with protein and is the perfect way to start the day!
I love smoothies because they are easy, convenient and healthy. But let’s be honest, making the same smoothie daily can get boring. Yawn. I’ve tried mixing up what fruit I am using. I’ve tried using different vegetables and nut butters. Eh. Still feeling bored. And then I remembered an oldie-but-a-goodie, my Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie. I love adding oats to my smoothies because it makes them thicker and adds a wonderful texture. And that’s when it hit me, why not add quinoa instead?
We all know that quinoa is a seed that is loaded with plant-based protein, right? But have you tried quinoa flakes before? Basically they look just like oats but they are quinoa instead. I know, absolutely brilliant!
These quinoa flakes are so versatile. I love them for breakfast (picture it looking just like oatmeal), adding them to meatballs, using them in my overnight oats and now SMOOTHIES! They add a wonderful thick texture and most of all, protein!
Coconut Quinoa Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 banana frozen
- 1/2 cup quinoa flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup
- cinnamon for topping
Instructions
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Blend all of the ingredients except cinnamon in a blender until smooth.
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Top with cinnamon if desired. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a day for guaranteed freshness.
So why not try this today and break yourself out of YOUR smoothie rut?
Love this Lauren–will be making soon 🙂
Thanks Kristen!
I hope you like it!
What a great idea! I love using quinoa flakes in granola bars, but never thought about putting them in a smoothie…it’s happening soon. These sound like the perfect way to start the day.
Thanks Heather!
I’ll have to look for the quinoa flakes next time I grocery shop – never heard of them before! This looks like a great smoothie to try…I always make the same ones over and over and need to switch it up!
Thank you Ashley!
Dude, I didn’t even know these existed. The flakes, not the smoothie. Bah ha ha. I need to scope out my local grocery store to see if they have them. Likely not because I live in the culinary black hole. I suppose I could order them from Amazon, right? Going on my “to try” list. My IBS can actually tolerate quinoa pretty well, which surprises me quite frankly. Anyhow, totally trying this, because….coconut. My favourite kind of smoothie.
Yes! Try them Kim, I bet you like them and they are so versatile!
I love this idea! I would have never thought to incorporate quinoa into a smoothie!
Thank you Megan!
I do have quinoa flakes but never use them! Are yours crunchy? I just can’t get past the crunchy bit. And this smoothie looks delicious. 🙂
No mine aren’t crunchy, they have the same texture as oats Erin!
I’ll have to look for flakes next time I’m in the store. Sounds like a great way to change up my smoothie and get a little extra punch in it!
Yes you need to try them!
I’m off to the health market right now to pick some up! Can’t wait to try this in the morning. 🙂
I hope you like it Desiree!
Using quinoa in many recipes is the exactly way I do in these days. Yummy ad Healthy!!
I love it too, Natalie! Thanks for stopping by!