This nutritious broccoli smoothie recipe transforms the wholesome green vegetable into a deliciously creamy delight! It only takes 5 minutes to prepare, tastes fantastic, and is packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein.
If you’re looking to incorporate more broccoli into your diet or aim for healthier eating overall, smoothies are an excellent method to achieve this. This broccoli smoothie sweetens the vegetable flavor, making it creamy enough that you can hardly notice it’s there!
To be truthful, my household is filled with broccoli enthusiasts who don’t require my stealthy vegetable integrations. However, if you need a quick, nutritious breakfast or snack, this broccoli smoothie is a delightful choice. The key lies in the balance: creating synergy between the earthy vegetable and vibrant, sweet fruits!
Ingredients you’ll require
This broccoli smoothie merges fruit and yogurt with the green florets to create a remarkable taste. My son quickly devoured this and immediately asked for more.
Of course, there’s no genuine trick involved. This smoothie primarily consists of fruits such as apple, banana, and pineapple that contribute to a delightful treat. Here’s the concise list:
– **Broccoli:** Cut it into small florets and toss it in.
– **Apple:** I prefer using green apples for their sweet-tart flavor and green hue, but any apple works.
– **Banana:** Banana is essential for achieving a creamy consistency.
– **Frozen pineapple:** The frozen pineapple introduces the perfect frosty texture and sweetness. You can swap with frozen mango if you prefer!
– **Greek yogurt:** Greek yogurt is ideal for smoothies because of the additional protein and probiotics that aid digestion and gut health.
Broccoli smoothie variations I enjoy
If you’re aiming for a greener smoothie or something cold and icy, here are a few alternatives to this broccoli smoothie:
– **Spinach:** Incorporate 1 cup of baby spinach for an even deeper green shade (I often do this; you won’t notice the difference!)
– **Ice:** Toss in ½ to 1 cup of ice for a lighter, icier smoothie.
– **Cinnamon:** Add a bit of flair with ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon.
– **Berries:** Replace frozen strawberries or blueberries for the pineapple. This alteration will change the color and make it slightly more tart, so you might want to sweeten it with a bit of maple syrup.
How to create a dairy-free or vegan version
Enjoying vegan smoothies? You can turn this broccoli smoothie vegan by following these steps:
– **Skip the Greek yogurt and use almond or oat milk instead of water.** Begin with ½ cup and adjust as needed to achieve the desired blend and texture. You might also want to throw in some ice to enhance the frothiness.
– **If preferred, incorporate protein through nut butter.** Since Greek yogurt is protein-rich, consider adding nut butter like cashew or almond as a vegan substitute.
Nutritional advantages of broccoli
This green vegetable is among the healthiest options available! Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable belonging to a family that includes cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and kale. Here’s why you should add broccoli to your smoothies:
– **It’s an excellent fiber source.** A cup of raw broccoli contains 2.3 grams of fiber, or about 5 to 10% of your daily requirement.
– **It’s very high in Vitamin C.** Just a ½ cup supplies 70% of your daily value of vitamin C.
– **It’s relatively high in protein for a green vegetable.** A cup contains 3 grams of protein (comparable to asparagus and potatoes).
Storage and preparation tips
This smoothie is best enjoyed immediately, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in a covered jar. Be sure to stir it well before consuming, as separation is natural.
You can also pour any leftover smoothie into ice cube trays. These frozen cubes can enhance future smoothies or be thawed for a quick snack.
Dietary notes
This broccoli smoothie recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. For a plant-based, dairy-free, and vegan option, refer to the details above.
Magic Broccoli Smoothie
A broccoli smoothie makes consuming this nutritious vegetable effortless! Blended with fruit and yogurt, it’s a fabulously healthy snack.
– **Prep Time:** 5 minutes
– **Total Time:** 5 minutes
– **Yield:** 1 large or 2 small smoothies
Ingredients:
– ½ cup Greek yogurt*
– ½ cup water
– 1 cup small broccoli florets, chopped
– 1 large green apple, diced
– 1 banana (at room temperature)
– 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in the blender, adding the liquids first and breaking the banana into pieces.
2. Blend until you reach a smooth consistency.
3. Consume immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 day in a covered jar.
*For a vegan smoothie, eliminate the Greek yogurt. If you’d like a