“My kids absolutely love the electric blue color of this smoothie. I suggest adding a little ice to get the texture just right.”
~ Jeanie
Blue Horchata, a seasonal Juice It Up smoothie recipe, is a variation on the standard Horchata smoothie but with the addition of algae-based protein, copper, and B vitamin loaded blue Spirulina. Sweet dates and bananas, with a dusting of spicy cinnamon, in a creamy almond milk and nonfat frozen yogurt base. Tastes great, awesome electric blue, with sustainable body-nourishing nutrients from the sea!
Everything You Need
Key Ingredients
The Juice It Up Blue Horchata smoothie ingredients are:
- bananas
- dates
- almond milk
- nonfat frozen yogurt
- chia seeds
- cinnamon
- spirulina
Health Benefits
Bananas – Bananas are very healthy, readily available, and one of the least expensive fruits you can buy. They have relatively few calories, are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, are full of potent antioxidants including flavonoids and animes, and are high in dietary fiber. Studies have shown that bananas can improve insulin sensitivity and may improve kidney health.
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Dates – Dates are the sweet and chewy fruit of a palm tree that are typically consumed dried. They are highly nutritious, containing significant vitamin B6, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, and potassium. Dates are abundant in disease-fighting antioxidants and have been shown to improve brain function by reducing inflammation and preventing plaque formation.
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Almond Milk – Almond milk is a popular nut-based milk replacement that is naturally lactose-free, dairy-free, and completely vegan. It has a surprisingly diverse set of nutrients, including significant amounts of vitamin D, vitamin E, and calcium. Almond milk is also a heart-healthy beverage for those interested in lowering their cholesterol.
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Chia Seeds – Chia seeds are small in size, but big in nutritional value. They are absolutely loaded with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and are rich in dietary fiber. In addition, the compounds in chia seeds have been shown to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals, assist with lowering blood pressure, and reduce inflammation.
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Cinnamon – Cinnamon is an ancient spice that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It is high in powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, and is loaded with cinnamaldehyde, which also provides significant health benefits. Cinnamon is a known anti-inflammatory, helps reduce cholesterol, improves sensitivity to insulin, and aids in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
[Amazon Fresh]
Spirulina – Spirulina is a type of cyanobacteria that is commonly referred to as blue-green algae. Frequently consumed by the ancient Aztecs, it has recently become wildly popular as an excellent source of protein, copper, and B vitamins.
[Amazon Fresh]
Equipment Needed
A standard blender is all that is required to make these delicious smoothies. If you are making it for just one person, we recommend using the truly amazing personal NutriBullet Ultra as it is super-quick to set up and very easy to clean.
If you are making them for more than one person, we recommend a higher-end Vitamix blender that can process larger loads more efficiently.
For overnight storage, we recommend using a glass or BPA-free airtight container with a resealable lid.
How To Make The Juice It Up Blue Horchata Smoothie
The Juice It Up Blue Horchata smoothie is very easy to make:
- Step 1: Place bananas, dates, almond milk, nonfat frozen yogurt, chia seeds, cinnamon, and spirulina into a blender and secure the lid.
- Step 2: Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Step 3: Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Step 4: Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Recipe Tips And Substitutions
For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
If you don’t have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
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Juice It Up Blue Horchata Smoothie Recipe
Juice It Up Blue Horchata smoothie recipe tastes like a seasonal milky Horchata smoothie, but with the addition of algae-based nutritious blue Spirulina. This recipe will show you how to make one.
Ingredients
- 1 banana, frozen, sliced
- 1/2 cup dates, pitted
- 1 cup almond milk, unsweetened
- 1 cup nonfat frozen yogurt
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon, ground
- 1 tbsp spirulina
- 1/2 cup ice
- 1 scoop Collagen Boost, optional
Instructions
- Place bananas, dates, almond milk, nonfat frozen yogurt, chia seeds, cinnamon, and spirulina into a blender and secure the lid.
- Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Notes
- For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
- If you don't have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
Recommended Products
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 344Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 415mgCarbohydrates: 188gFiber: 14gSugar: 137gProtein: 30g
Smoothie Frequently Asked Questions
Blue spirulina is derived from a blue-green algae known as Arthrospira platensis. The ‘blue’ in blue spirulina comes from a pigment called phycocyanin, which is extracted from the algae. Phycocyanin is known for its antioxidant properties and is what gives blue spirulina its vibrant color.
You can substitute any dairy-free milk, such as almond, coconut, or oat milk for the nonfat frozen yogurt to make this delicious smoothie dairy-free. Just add a little extra ice.
More Juice It Up Smoothie Recipes
→ If you liked this delicious Blue Horchata smoothie, try more of our copycat favorites on our Juice It Up Smoothie Recipes page.
Source
Juice It Up: Website
