Smoothies have always been one of my favourite breakfast foods and I’ve been craving them more than ever since I haven’t been eating meat. My most recently smoothie obsession has been this Pineapple Quinoa Green Smoothie and I finally charged my camera battery so I could share it with you today.
One thing I’ve learned about not eating meat is that getting enough protein in my diet isn’t always easy, especially since I try not eat soy often. I’m so used to just adding some kind of lean meat to my meal, that having to consciously think about where my protein is coming from has been a major adjustment. Luckily, I actually like beans, which are a great source of plant based protein, so finding options for lunch and dinner haven’t been too hard.
But, protein filled breakfasts weren’t so easy for me without the help of my usual turkey bacon or chicken sausage and they’re only so many days in a row I can have eggs. I made an effort to add nuts, flax, chia and/or hemp seeds to my breakfasts quinoa has been a real life saver.
Quinoa, unlike most grains, can serve as a complete source of protein in our diets. Over the last two weekends, I’ve made a big batch of quinoa and added it to most of my lunches and dinners. I even incorporate it into some of my breakfasts, like quinoa ‘porridge’ instead of oats and these chewy chocolate quinoa oat bars.
Last Saturday, I was craving a smoothie like nobody’s business but had a little leftover quinoa that I needed to get rid of before it went bad. So I thought, ‘why not throw it in the smoothie?’. Thankfully, it worked. This pineapple quinoa green smoothie is creamy, refreshing, super filling and packs an impressive protein punch thanks to the quinoa. Basically, it a smoothie champion.
- 1 banana, frozen
- 1 cup pineapple, fresh or frozen
- 1 heaping cup baby spinach
- ½ cup cooked quinoa*
- 1 cup unsweetened non dairy milk (I used coconut)
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth
- Pour into a glass, garnish with extra pineapple if desired, and drink immediately
What about you?
- What’s your favourite non meat protein source?
- Do you eat quinoa for breakfast? How?
- Have you ever put quinoa in a smoothie?
Share in the comments below!
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The more quinoa you can have in your life, the better!
This looks so tasty! I ate a lot of quinoa when I was a vegetarian. And even though I’m back to eating meat, I still make a big batch to enjoy during the week. Thanks for sharing!
Ree recently posted…five things
Mmm, two of my favorite things right now 🙂 I’ve never considered putting quinoa in a smoothie before. Thanks for the idea!!
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. recently posted…Ten 2-Ingredient Summer Snacks
Love the idea of using real food for a protein source in a smoothie– I default to whey protein (I am allergic to most plant based protein powders– legume allergy). I’ve heard of adding quinoa, but haven’t stepped up to it yet. Will try it now! Beautiful photos.
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine recently posted…Strawberry Kiwi Shortcakes, Gluten-Free
I am always in search of a good smoothie recipe and this is a great one! Pinning to my ‘smoothies, smoothies, smoothies’ board!
Serena @ Simple Holistic Girl recently posted…11 Ways to Stay Healthy During the Summer + Giveaway
Hmm I struggle to make protein with eating meat so I’m sure it’s tough without! I lean on protein shakes and beans. I love quinoa in parfaits! And hmm now that I think about it I don’t think I’ve ever put it in a shake. I’ll have to try.
Mrs.BarBelle recently posted…The Games Are Coming!
I’ve never thought of putting quinoa in a smoothie – that’s super interesting.
I still need to try quinoa porridge too.
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs recently posted…4 Tips for Sun Safety
Love the color of this smoothie, Giselle! I definitely eat with my eyes first and would absolutely love having this for breakfast. Awesome idea to use the leftover quinoa in here; I like that you didn’t waste it! Thanks for joining the Meatless Monday link-up!
Meghan recently posted…Vanilla-Almond Chia Pudding Recipe | A Guest Post on Confessions of a Mother Runner
This sounds SO refreshing, and I love that you add quinoa to yours! How clever! I love to add oats, but I love quinoa more so this sounds better! Thanks so much for linking up with us for meatless monday lovely lady!
Tina Muir recently posted…Meatless Monday-Hawaiian Vegetable Rice
Can’t go wrong with a green smoothie and I bet the quinoa makes this one really filling, perfect for breakfast!
Sarah recently posted…Strawberry Watermelon Cucumber Spinach Salad
I’m so glad I found your blog. My morning smoothie routine is getting old and I need some new recipes. This looks AMAZING!!!
Jenn @ Optimization Actually recently posted…#LiteraryLadies Summer Reading Challenge – My Book Picks
i never would have thought of adding quinoa to a smoothie. Vertices! Thanks for linking up today. Happy Meatless Monday
Deborah @Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Vanilla-Almond Chia Pudding w Berries & Cherries
Sounds good! I’ve never thought about putting quinoa in a smoothie before!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask….
I’ve not used quinoa in a smoothie before but this looks great! I’ve got a nice big pineapple in the fridge too!
Marcia recently posted…It’s a Sickness
Mmmm, the smoothie looks so refreshing!
Akaleistar recently posted…June Wish List: Chambray
pineapple is one of my favorite flavors. yum!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…Wineglass Marathon Training Recap Week 2
Quinoa in a smoothie?!? Genius!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon Training Log – Week 7
There are very few ingredients (within reason) that I haven’t tried adding to a smoothie. Quinoa is one of them. Now I have to try it! Thanks.
jill conyers recently posted…10 Tips for Healthy Grocery Shopping
Ohh, yummy! This looks really good. Your pictures looks great love following your Instagram
Ivanna recently posted…eShakti Summer Lookbook Review
I would have never thought to put Quinoa in my smooth. Great idea.
GinaB @ Mirror Watching recently posted…What Is A Body Positive Athlete?
Lovely. I do tend to rely on protein powders and Greek yogurt for protein. I am not really a grains eater but going to try some puffed quinoa this morning actually. Your smoothie looks very good and your pictures are beautiful!
Elle recently posted…DROPPS Review and Giveaway
You know I make the same big batch of quinioa and have never put it in a smoothie – that has got to change!!! Love this combo of flavors! Pinning!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Cashew Walnut Coconut Butter
This looks delicious! I would have never thought to add quinoa to my smoothies!
patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training Week 2
Very interesting! I would never have thought to put quinoa in a smoothie!
Jenn recently posted…race recap link-up
such a great idea adding quinoa in a smoothie! gonna try that 🙂
Bethany recently posted…Baba Ghanoush Turkey Burgers and Love Grown Foods GIVEAWAY!!!
I never thought of using Quinoa in a smoothie!
Carmy recently posted…Monday on the Run #27
Thank you for the informative article. Great choice of healthy smoothies and they all look delicious! I love that you’ve included some smoothie bowl recipes too. They’re a great alternative to smoothies and they’re also more calorie dense so they’re more likely to fill you up for longer!