It’s official. I’m retroactively making last week plant based protein week. First, I shared 15 protein-filled vegan breakfast recipes, then these pinto bean brownies and finally this coconut quinoa porridge. And today I’ve got this Peanut Butter & Berry Quinoa Smoothie for ya.
To be honest, there isn’t much to say about this PB & berry quinoa smoothie except that I already know it’ll be a favourite in my kitchen this summer. As much as I love toppings, there are days when I just couldn’t be bothered to turn my breakfast into an IG worthy production.
Smoothies these days can get a little crazy. Everyone is always adding a spoonful of this and a teaspoon of that to turn their smoothies into a superfood power shake. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a little turmeric and black pepper in my drinks sometimes.
But some days it’s nice to ditch the spoons for straws and just take it back to basics.
You know those days when you wake up starving and need to fill your belly in 0.009420 seconds? Well, this PB & berry quinoa smoothie is tailor made for that situation. It isn’t as thick as a smoothie bowl and obviously doesn’t have all the bells and whistles (read: toppings). But it’s still seriously yummy and filling AF thanks to all the plant based protein.
And the best part is, the most obscure ingredient on the list is quinoa, which is basically mainstream these days anyway. The rest of the ingredients are things you probably have in your kitchen at all times.
Peanut Butter & Berry Quinoa Smoothie
First, we’ve got berries. I used frozen mixed berries (bleubs, strawbs, raspberries & blackberries), but any berries would work here. And if you don’t have frozen, just use fresh and throw in some ice.
Then comes the peanut butter. Honestly, you can use any nut or seed butter here as well. But PB is my all time fave and the only one I have on hand at all times so it was obviously my first choice.
Next is the quinoa, which is obviously my new favourite ingredient. I had a tonne leftover after making the coconut quinoa porridge, so I decided to throw some in. Best decision ever.
Finally, the almond milk and bananas which are key for maximum creaminess. I didn’t use frozen bananas because I didn’t want a super thick smoothie, but you can easily run these into smoothie bowls by using frozen.
And that’s it. Just 5 ingredients and a blender and you’ve got a creamy, protein-filled peanut butter & berry quinoa smoothie bowl, perfect for breakfast on the go.
Oh, and if you make this pb & berry quinoa smoothie, I’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment and rate the recipe or take a pic and tag me @ExSloth on Instagram!
- 1 large banana
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
- ¼ cup cooked quinoa
- ½ cup almond milk
- 1 - 2 tbsp peanut butter, plus extra for topping
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth
- Pour into two glasses and devour
Want more quinoa smoothies? Try this one:
Orange Kale Quinoa Smoothie Bowl
Liked this recipe? Scroll over the image below to pin it for later:
What about you?
- Do you prefer smoothie bowls or regular smoothies in glasses?
- What’s your favourite ‘out there’ smoothie ingredient?
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Oh my this looks amazing, Giselle! So creative too!
Annmarie recently posted…Lebanese Fattoush Salad {Gluten Free, Vegan}
Thanks Annmarie!
I have never heard of adding quinoa to smoothies. I must be out of the loop! I do have all these ingredients on hand so the next time I want a smoothie i’ll give it a shot (possibly later today :D) Thanks for the recipe-I’m pinning it so I don’t lose it!
TriGirl recently posted…Happy National Running Day!
I LOVE adding quinoa to my smoothies. I used to add oats, but one day I was out and decided to add quinoa instead and it was life changing. You should definitely give it a try with your next smoothie. And let me know what you think! 🙂
I had it! What a tasty smoothie! I didn’t really taste the quinoa, though I did find my blender didn’t really break it down so I was chewing it 😀
TriGirl recently posted…I Joined Cardio Run Camp and I Love it!
It’s so pretty!
Not really out there, but frozen cucumber…SO amazing for a creamy smoothie!
I’m not a huge fan of cucumbers in general but I actually really like them in my smoothies. So I’ll have to give this one a try. Thanks for the rec, girl! <3
I love the addition of quinoa in this for extra nutrition! This looks refreshing and STUNNING!
rachel @ athleticavocado.com recently posted…Banana Bread Fruit Pizza { Paleo + Vegan option} + 2nd Blogiversary!
Thanks Rachel! Quinoa in smoothies is always a huge boost 😀
Quinoa in a smoothie?! :O this is amazing Giselle! I bet this smoothie would be so filling 😀 and I love just the colours of the berries & the PB, beautiful swirls happening there <3
Kyra @ Vie De La Vegan recently posted…Meal Plan Printable
Thanks Kyra! And this is definitely one of the more filling smoothies I’ve had, even without toppings.
Ok that seriously looks like a piece of ART!!! I bet when you took those pics you were like — “MAKE LOVEEEEEEE TO THE CAMERA PF BERRY QUINOA SMOOTHIE”… “WORK IT!!” 😉
GiGi Eats recently posted…Teenage Mutant Mint Chip Ice Cream
haha it was definitely one of the more fun shoots I’ve done. I almost didn’t want to stop cuz all the pics were so pretty lol
Oh these look absolutely delicious! I’ve never heard of putting quinoa in a smoothie and was a bit hesitant, but from the looks of it, I will definitely try these!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
It’s actually really really good. You should give it a try the next time you have any leftover quinoa!
That peanut butter swirl is calling my name!! Yum!
Definitely my fave part! Love doing swirls with newly opened jars. They’re always soooo creamy and perfect for swirling 😀
your photos are gorgeous! i seriously want to make that smoothie!!! i love peanut butter and berries!!!
glenneth recently posted…Memorial Day Weekend 2016
Thanks Glenneth! You should def give the smoothie a try. It’s one of my new faves <3
I’ve made 100s and 100s of smoothies but I’ve never added quinoa. Time to change that. Pinning for menu planning.
Jill Conyers recently posted…20 Minute Inspired to be Fit Upper Body Blast
Jill!!! you need to try quinoa in a smoothie. It’s honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Pretty sure you’d love it 🙂
“the most obscure ingredient on the list is quinoa, which is basically mainstream” << winning.
sharing this with my step dad because he loves smoothies that are supah creamy and he'd love this!!
masala girl recently posted…Race for the Cure & Weekly Workouts & Foods
hahah glad you liked that line <3
If he loves creamy smoothies, he'll definitely adore this one. Soooo much creamy goodness.
Ok, I have put a lot of strange ingredients into my smoothies, but I’ve never tried quinoa! I’ll absolutely try this – I always purposely cook extra quinoa when I make so I have leftovers to use. Thanks!!
Christina Bauer recently posted…Zucchini Bread Protein Breakfast Loaves
You need to try it Christina! It’s a game changer. And be sure to let me know what you think 🙂
This smoothie looks gorgeous! I would never have thought to put quinoa in a smootie, yum!
Amber at Eat 2 Save Your Life recently posted…Suspension System Upper Body Workout
Thanks Amber! You should def try adding quinoa to your next smoothie. So good 🙂
WOW! This smoothie looks incredible! Pretty much all of my favorite things in one glass! YUMMMMM! Beautiful photography too 🙂
Thanks Natalie 🙂 <3
Those look nothing short of amazing and your photos are stunning!!!
Thanks Julie! Glad you like them 😀
I love adding grains to my smoothies! Gives them some staying power so you aren’t starving 0.0005 seconds after having it! I actually have some Manitoba grown quinoa (YES we grow it here!) and it’s a little more nutty – I bet it would taste awesome in this smoothie!
Melissa @ Mango About Town recently posted…8 Creative Ways to Eat Lentils
Whoa I did not know that quinoa grew in Manitoba. I’ll have to see if I could find it somewhere in waterloo. Is there a specific brand I should look out for?
How do you get the two-tones if you throw everything together?
Hi Sara, I just decorated the glass itself with a little more peanut butter for the photos but that part is optional!
Oh my peanut butter! I will definitely try this. Looks so delicious!
I love smoothies! So yummy and refreshing. They lift my mood :). This one sounds absolutely amazing and delicious! Can’t wait to try out your recipe next weekend on my birthday party!
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