“Hey Mom!”
“What?”
“Could you make me a smoothie? But I don’t want it to taste all powdery and pasty with all that health stuff you put in it?”
“Oh…okay, thanks for letting me know.”
So, I do admit when I make a smoothie for myself I often add protein powder and flax powder and other “healthy” ingredients. I’ve been trying to pass those off on my boys too. I figured why not up the protein level of their snacks. They will be more full and will stop eating the other “not-so-healthy” snacks I bought them. Makes sense right? I knew you would agree.
Anyway, their taste buds are soooooo sensitive they can pick out almost anything, especially flax and vanilla protein powder…apparently. However, they CANNOT pick out the quinoa, or chia seeds or wheat germ I’ve added. They have no idea it’s even there.
So basically I have been beefing up their smoothies with a few undetected health items. Is that so bad? Oh, I’ll tell them about it one day, but for now they are drinking quinoa and they are loving it.
The reason I love this whole grain is that it is high in protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids…making it a “complete protein”.
Did you know chia seeds are the richest plant source available for Omega-3’s. In fact, they contain more Omega-3 than salmon, a true superfood. I also add wheat germ for B vitamins and more fiber. It seems this healthy trifecta doesn’t make the smoothie taste “healthy”, even though it is. It’s the perfect after-school snack and fills the kids up until dinner is on the table. Much better than sodas or cookies.
Just try it! And here are the cute lids for the jars.
Strawberry-Banana Quinoa Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana
- 1 (6 oz) low-fat vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 Tablespoon wheat germ
- 2 cups frozen strawberries (if you have fresh, freeze them first)
- 1-1/2 cups vanilla almond milk (such as Pacific brand, much less calories than others)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 teaspoon xantham gum, optional (for a thicker smoothie)
Directions
- Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth, about 45 seconds.
Sues says
Quinoa in a smoothie?? I often add flax and/or chia, but have never even thought about quinoa. What a great idea… these look fabulous! đŸ™‚
p.s. I love your mason jar covers!
Cathy says
Thank you! I know, the quinoa adds such a protein boost and it is undetectable…I love it!!
Jamie says
Try this!
To get your kids to eat flaxseed buy non-hydrogenated peanut butter (the kind with oil on top) stir in the oil as usual then mix in Ground Golden Flaxseed to thicken and make it easy to spread. You cannot taste it I swear. It also keeps the peanut butter and oil from separating and makes it easy to spread.
Cindi says
Thank you! Bought a lot of quinoa and am happy to know how to use in smoothies!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
I would have never thought to add quinoa to a smoothie! It’s genius!
Cathy says
It’s such a great healthy ingredient!
Gale says
Great combination of ingredients! Where did you get your mason jar lids from? They are so very cute!
Cathy says
Thanks Gale, I got them on Amazon http://astore.amazon.com/nobpigvinwin-20/detail/B008HU67P2
natalie@thesweetslife says
I’m on a huge smoothie kick–why have i not tried quinoa yet? love this idea!
Cathy says
Thanks Natalie, give it a whirl!
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting says
Okay I totally need to try this right now. I have a bag of chia seeds sitting in my cupboard and I haven’t figured out how to use them. I know there are like a zillion recipes that probably use chia seeds but I need something quick and easy. Strawberry banana shakes are my favorite!
Cathy says
I put them in everything, just a Tablespoon sprinkled here and there is all you need.
Joanne @ Fifteen Spatulas says
hahaha! I love this story. It cracks me up that you snuck the quinoa in there, undetected!
Cathy says
Yep and I serve it to them with a big smile!
DessertForTwo says
I love the idea of quinoa in a smoothie! My smoothies never fill me up for very long, probably because they lack protein. But I’ll be adding quinoa from now on!
Cathy says
I know what you mean, smoothies can turn into this carb laden, fattening drink if you let it and you’re hungry an hour later. I’ve found protein is key when comes to making one. The quinoa is something everyone has access to instead of protein powder.
Priscilla | ShesCookin says
Yes, kids can have a very keen taste for healthy additives đŸ™‚ I always add chia seeds, but cooked quinoa in a smoothie is something I’ll have to try!
Cathy says
Please do try it, it will go unnoticed.
Christine (Cook the Story) says
What a fantastic idea! You know, I don’t make smoothies for myself very often and so don’t think of making them for the kids. But they do love them when we’re in restaurants. This would be such a great way to boost their nutrients. Thanks for a great idea!
Cathy says
I know but once you get in the habit it’s a quick snack the kids love. Have a great evening!
katie says
I love that your still able to trick them!!! These sound awesome!
Cathy says
Sometimes we do what we have to do:).
Sara Swart says
Do you need a really good blender to disguise the Chia seeds, or is it that the taste is neutral so they don’t mind the texture? My basic blender doesn’t puree the seeds.
Cathy says
Well, I do have a Blendtec which is very high-powered so I don’t know how it would be with another blender. If I were you I would soak the chia seeds in the milk for 15 minutes prior to making the smoothie, they turn into a gel and then maybe won’t be an issue.
Maegan @ The BakerMama says
Love this idea! We always have a little leftover quinoa and now I have a great way to use it the next morning! Sounds delicious and nutritious!
Cathy says
Thanks Maegan, it does make the smoothie a little more filling. Thanks for coming by!
Kate | Food Babbles says
Oh my goodness! I am a smoothie addict. It’s my breakfast each and every morning. Usually I make green smoothies. I’ve never had a smoothie with quinoa in it! How inventive. I love quinoa and I can’t wait to try drinking it đŸ˜‰ I’ll be making this tomorrow morning for breakfast!
Cathy says
It really gives the smoothie staying power so you don’t get so hungry after enjoying one.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
What an interesting smoothie! I bet it’s lovely – can’t wait to try!
Cathy says
Thanks Katrina!
Des @ Life's Ambrosia says
I love this! I always add chia seeds to my smoothies. Never thought to add quinoa, nice addition since I use it several times a week already đŸ™‚ . And can I just say that the tops of your jars are super cute!
Cathy says
Thanks Des!
April says
This sounds so perfect. I’m looking for more protein sources for my dairy free daughter. Have you tried this without the yogurt by any chance or will that not hide the quinoa/chia enough? Thanks!
Cathy says
I make every smoothie with yogurt so I’m not really sure.
Brendan says
I’m definitely going to try this. I find my fruit smoothies don’t fill me up for very long. (I know one person has suggested adding silken tofu, but I don’t love the idea of so much soy). Anyway, a smoothie I bet your kids would like is one I make a lot. I use a vegan protein powder mix (I think it has hemp, brown rice, pea, and chia) and I use the chocolate flavored one. It tastes good but has a slightly off aftertaste (as protein powders often so). So I put it in my blendtec with almond milk, a heaping spoon of almond butter, a frozen banana, and a teaspoon of extra cacao. The nut butter totally masks the weird aftertaste. The final product has a chocolate peanut butter milkshake taste to it. It does have a bit more fat than your average smoothie, but its a good source of fats, and its very filling and delicious.
Esther says
YUM!!! Just curious if you’ve ever calculated calories on this shake. I make one similar snd mine came out at 377. Just curiosity đŸ™‚
Cathy says
Sorry, I haven’t.
Health Freek says
How to cook quinoa? Do i need to soak it overnight?
Cathy says
Follow the directions on the package of the quinoa or just Google search it.
Helen says
Has Quinoa got to be cooked to put in a smoothy ? Or can it be added as is ?
Cathy says
Cooked.
Johanna Lalite says
i have being trying to get my daughter who is 9 years to use Quinoa and chia but to no avail. I definitely will give your recipe a try. Thanks for the tip.
Michael says
What is the nutritional and calorie count on this?
Cathy says
I’m not sure. Feel free to pop into a program like My Fitness Pal and it will give you the info.
Jill Roberts @ WellnessGeeky says
Strawberry banana quinoa smoothie definitely looks yummi! I look forward to trying this. I love your recipe cuz it contains healthy ingredients! I’m also gonna pin this post on my Pinterest board my followers will love it. Thanks for sharing, Cathy
Bella Hardy says
I finally got to make this strawberry banana quinoa smoothie this past weekend and it was such a hit!! Wonderful recipe, Cathy. Have a great weekend.
Cathy says
So glad to hear it.
Jessica @FitnessEquipmentsLab says
Hi Cathy, great smoothie! They look very nice. cups very pleasant!