I've got two picky eaters. One way I sneak in extra fruits, vegetables, and nutrition is by offering them smoothies.
This blueberry smoothie recipe is made without bananas, and it's so quick and easy to whip up. When I started making smoothies, I was a little intimidated.
They called for odd ingredients that I didn't have and didn't keep on hand. They also used specialized equipment that I didn't own and didn't want to purchase.
That's why I like this easy blueberry smoothie recipe. I can make it in a blender, which is a common kitchen appliance. It also has easy to find ingredients.
I didn't add any bananas because I don't always have bananas. It is one of the few fruits my kids will all eat, but we buy them on rotation because they eat them in spurts. They will eat them for a few weeks, then they need a few weeks off with another fruit.
Blueberry Smoothie Recipe Without Banana
This blueberry smoothie recipe is delicious, and it makes a great breakfast. I'm not a breakfast eater, but I need some protein in the morning to keep me going. This gives me some protein, and it's easy to sip while I start my morning work.
What Can You Use Instead of Bananas in Smoothies?
Bananas are often used in smoothies because they thicken and sweeten the smoothie. My kids love bananas, but I really don't care for them or the flavor.
Here are some other options to use instead of bananas:
- Old fashioned oats
- Ground chia seeds
- Ground flax seeds
- Sweet potato
- Pumpkin puree
- Avocado
Sweet potato, pumpkin, and avocado work well, but they do alter the taste. I used old fashioned oats and ground flax seeds.
I realize that most families don't always have flax seeds, but I did buy a bag and find them useful. If you grind them, you can sneak them in other foods for some added nutrition.
They are inexpensive at Aldi and most grocery stores. They have a long shelf life, too.
If you want to use a banana, try this blueberry and coconut smoothie for a delicious alternative.
How Do You Sweeten a Smoothie Without a Banana?
Bananas sweeten your smoothie, but you can add other natural sweeteners. I like to coconut sugar, monk fruit, or honey.
I add 1 tablespoon of honey or the equivalent. That would be 1 tablespoon coconut sugar. Depending on your monk fruit or stevia, that would be 1/2 to 1 tablespoon.
If you prefer smoothies without bananas, try my watermelon smoothie recipe or this skinny pina colada smoothie recipe.
Blenders
A lot of people swear by their VItamix blenders for smoothies. I don't own one, so I can't say how they work personally.
I make my smoothies in one of two machines. I have a bullet style blender that I picked up at Aldi. It's similar to the Ninja personal blender.
If I'm making one batch, this is what I use. It's powerful and works really well for smoothies.
I also have a Ninja Blender and Food Processor. I wanted a higher quality blender, but I didn't want to spend a lot of money on something that I don't use that often. I like how it has a smaller food processor too.
For under $50, this is an excellent appliance and price.
I prefer the bullet style blender, but this does a good job too.
Blueberry Smoothie Tips
I use ground oatmeal in several different smoothie and other recipes, so I grind two cups at a time and store it in a container.
I do the same with flax seeds because I sneak them on cereal and in other foods. Shhh don't tell my kids, k?
This recipe works best if you grind the oats and flax seeds first. You can either grind them in the bullet blender first and then add the rest of the ingredients, or you can grind them and store for later like I do.
This makes a thin smoothie. You can add more blueberries as needed. I've used a little over a cup, and it tasted great.
You can also add other fruits or veggies if you want.
I use plain or vanilla yogurt. Try using blueberry, lemon, or strawberry for more flavor.
To make this a keto blueberry smoothie, add 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon MCT oil or MCT powder.
Vegan or Dairy Free Options
If you are vegan or dairy free, use vanilla almond milk for the milk and your favorite dairy free yogurt. I prefer vanilla almond milk, but you can also use coconut milk or oat milk.
You can also try this antioxidant berry smoothie that's made without bananas or dairy products.
Blueberry Smoothie Recipe Without Banana Ingredients
- 1 cup milk or almond milk
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup old fashioned oats, ground
- 1 tablespoon flax seeds, ground
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon MCT oil or MCT powder. (optional for keto)
Directions
Step #1
Grind the oats and flax seed until they are very fine.
Step #2
Combine the milk, frozen blueberries, yogurt, and ground oats and flax. Add honey or other sweetener if desired.
Step #3
Blend until smooth. This may take longer in a blender versus using a bullet blender for smoothies.
Enjoy!
Yield: 2
Blueberry Smoothie Recipe Without Banana
Prep time: 5 MCook time: 10 MTotal time: 15 M
How to make an easy blueberry smoothie recipe without banana.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk or almond milk
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup old fashioned oats, ground
- 1 tablespoon flax seeds, ground
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon MCT oil or MCT powder. (optional for keto)
Instructions:
- Grind the oats and flax seed until they are very fine.
- Combine the milk, frozen blueberries, yogurt, and ground oats and flax. Add honey or other sweetener if desired.
- Blend until smooth. This may take longer in a blender versus using a bullet blender for smoothies.
Calories
210.54Fat (grams)
5.40Sat. Fat (grams)
1.83Carbs (grams)
29.73Fiber (grams)
3.33Net carbs
26.40Sugar (grams)
13.94Protein (grams)
12.40Sodium (milligrams)
86.89Cholesterol (grams)
12.64Nutrition information is approximate and based on cow's milk and honey and without MCT.
Copyright © Koti Beth 2020. All rights reserved.
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This looks sooo good, Cari! It's great to have a smoothie recipe without banana since I often run out.
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