Banana Oatmeal Smoothie Recipe

Banana Oatmeal Smoothie Recipe

This recipe yields one serving.

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 0 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, peeled and cut into chunks (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
• 1 cup milk (dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk all work well)
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla, optional, for extra creaminess and protein)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• 4-5 ice cubes (if using fresh banana and prefer a colder, thicker smoothie)
• Optional toppings: a sprinkle of extra oats, chia seeds, flax seeds, a drizzle of honey, or a few sliced almonds.

Equipment:

• Blender

Instructions:

1. Soak the Oats (Optional, but Recommended for a Smoother Texture): For the smoothest consistency, you can soak the 1/2 cup of rolled oats in about 1/4 cup of the milk for 5-10 minutes before blending. This helps soften them. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step, but your smoothie might be slightly grittier.

2. Combine Ingredients in Blender: Add the banana chunks, soaked oats (if applicable, otherwise add dry oats), remaining milk, Greek yogurt (if using), honey or maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract (if using), and cinnamon (if using) to your blender. If using fresh banana and you want a colder smoothie, add the ice cubes now.

3. Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender. Start blending on a low speed, then gradually increase to high. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible oat chunks. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes, depending on your blender. If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes or a tablespoon of chia seeds (let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken).

4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness if desired by adding more honey or maple syrup. You can also add more cinnamon for extra flavor.

5. Pour and Serve: Pour the banana oatmeal smoothie into a tall glass.

6. Add Toppings (Optional): Garnish with your favorite toppings like a sprinkle of extra oats, chia seeds, flax seeds, a drizzle of honey, or a few sliced almonds for added texture and nutrition.

7. Enjoy Immediately: Serve and enjoy your refreshing and filling banana oatmeal smoothie immediately!

Tips for the Best Banana Oatmeal Smoothie:

• Use Ripe Bananas: Ripe bananas (with brown spots) are naturally sweeter and blend more easily, giving your smoothie a better flavor.
• Frozen Bananas for Thickness: If you want a thicker, colder smoothie without adding ice (which can dilute the flavor), use a frozen banana. Just cut ripe bananas into chunks and freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag.
• Adjust Liquid: The amount of milk can be adjusted based on how thick or thin you like your smoothie.
• Boost Nutrition:
  • Protein: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder (vanilla or unflavored work well).
  • Fiber & Omega-3s: Add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flax seeds. They also help to thicken the smoothie.
  • Healthy Fats: A tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter can add richness and healthy fats.
  • Greens: A handful of spinach or kale can be blended in; you won’t taste it much, but it adds a nutritional boost.
• Make Ahead (Limited): While best enjoyed fresh, you can make this smoothie a few hours ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It might thicken slightly, so you may need to add a splash of milk and stir before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Banana Oatmeal Smoothie!