This lightly sweet Coconut Quinoa 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 Immune Boosting Smoothie. Thick smoothies are my favorite an I typically add a banana or avocado to make it creamier and thicker.
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. Quinoa adds so much thickness and creaminess. I am so sure you will love it.
If you are looking for some more healthy and delicious smoothie recipes, you will love this Pineapple Mint Smoothie, Banana Split Smoothie, Blueberry Lavender Smoothie and of course this Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie!
Why You Should Make This Coconut Quinoa Smoothie
Why not try this today and break yourself out of YOUR smoothie rut?
I know you will love this so much and it is always good to mix up routines. Sometimes I need to be reminded of that because there are times where I can eat the same breakfast, lunch, snack or smoothie for days, maybe even weeks.
It's partly because I am lazy, partly because I just like it that much and partly because I know I already love it and it works.
And I think you can all relate to that and we all need great reminders to mix it up.
With that being said, if you have any delicious smoothie recipes you'd like to share. I am always looking for new recipes so please pass them my way.
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!
Three cheers for protein!
I am always looking for easy ways to add more protein to my diet. Protein helps build muscles and helps to keep you full.
And isn't it so easy to just eat carbohydrates all day long? It might be easy, but it will make you feel sluggish and tired.
It isn't always easy to balance it all, but I always try my hardest. No day is perfect but just try your best. That's all we can do.
This delicious coconut quinoa smoothie is a great way to add protein your diet and makes the perfect breakfast or snack.
Recipe Tips
If you don't have quinoa flakes in your house, you can also use cooked quinoa in this smoothie. I just added ¼ cup cooked quinoa and blended util smooth and completely combined.
You can also use quick oats instead of quinoa flakes that will also create a wonderful, thick texture while adding fiber too.
Feel free to experiment with different nut milks too. I have used cashew milk in this and it was delicious with a slightly different taste. This recipe is so adaptable.
Related Recipes
Blood Orange Smoothie from Back to Her Roots
Thirty Flavors of Protein Smoothies from Fit Foodie Finds
Two Minute Green Smoothie from Half Baked Harvest
Protein Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie Bowl from Skinnytaste
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Coconut Quinoa Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 banana frozen
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup quinoa flakes or ½ cup cooked quinoa
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon 100% pure maple syrup or sugar free sweetener of your choice
- cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- Blend all of the ingredients except cinnamon in a blender until smooth.
- Top with cinnamon if desired. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a day for guaranteed freshness.
Taylor
This smoothie was SO delicious! I drink the same smoothie almost every morning and wanted to spice things up. This recipe was perfect for that. Both the flavor and consistency are great!
Toni
This is such a delicious smoothie! Everyone loved it!
Jess
This is one of the best dairy free smoothies that I have tried in the past month! So good!
Lauren Kelly
I am so happy you like it! Thanks Jess!
Jennifer
This smoothie was the best thing ever! So so delicious and such a good way to start the morning!
Lauren Kelly
Great to hear, thank you Jennifer!
Allyssa
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It's really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
Lauren Kelly
Yay! Thank you!
best omega masticating juicer
healthiest smoothie. loved it
lauren.kelly
Yay! Thank you!
Natalie Ellis
Using quinoa in many recipes is the exactly way I do in these days. Yummy ad Healthy!!
lauren.kelly
I love it too, Natalie! Thanks for stopping by!
Desiree
I'm off to the health market right now to pick some up! Can't wait to try this in the morning. 🙂
lauren.kelly
I hope you like it Desiree!
Karyn @ Pint Sized Baker
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!
lauren.kelly
Yes you need to try them!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking
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. 🙂
lauren.kelly
No mine aren't crunchy, they have the same texture as oats Erin!
Megan Keno
I love this idea! I would have never thought to incorporate quinoa into a smoothie!
lauren.kelly
Thank you Megan!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
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!
lauren.kelly
Thank you Ashley!
Kim Beaulieu
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.
lauren.kelly
Yes! Try them Kim, I bet you like them and they are so versatile!
Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen
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.
lauren.kelly
Thanks Heather!
Kristen @A Mind Full MOm
Love this Lauren--will be making soon 🙂
lauren.kelly
Thanks Kristen!
lauren.kelly
I hope you like it!