Strawberry Banana Chia Smoothie

Strawberry Banana Chia Smoothie

This smoothie is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day or enjoy a refreshing snack. The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy banana, boosted by chia seeds, makes for a satisfying and healthy treat.

Yields: 1 serving Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Smoothie Base:
  • 1 cup (about 150g) fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled (if using fresh)
  • 1 ripe banana, fresh or frozen (for a colder, thicker smoothie, use frozen banana)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk of your choice (dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk all work well)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) plain yogurt (Greek yogurt for extra protein and thickness, or regular yogurt)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (for blending into the smoothie)
  • 1-2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar (optional, adjust to your sweetness preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, enhances flavor)
  • A pinch of salt (optional, balances flavors)
• For Garnish (as seen in image):
  • 3-4 fresh strawberries, whole or sliced
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds

Equipment:

• Blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Drinking glass

Instructions:

1. Prepare your ingredients:

   • If using fresh strawberries, make sure they are hulled.
   • If you want a very cold and thick smoothie, slice your banana and freeze it for at least 2 hours prior to making the smoothie.
   • Gather all your ingredients near your blender.

2. Add liquid first: Pour the milk of your choice into the blender. This helps the blades move smoothly and prevents ingredients from getting stuck.

3. Add the remaining smoothie base ingredients: Add the strawberries, banana, yogurt, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds (for blending), optional sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar), vanilla extract, and pinch of salt (if using) to the blender.

4. 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 chunks of fruit. This usually takes about 30-60 seconds, depending on your blender. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk (1-2 tablespoons at a time) and blend again until desired consistency is reached.

5. Taste and adjust: Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness if desired. You can add more honey/maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter, or a squeeze of lemon juice if you want a little tang.

6. Pour into a glass: Carefully pour the prepared smoothie into your desired drinking glass.

7. Garnish: As shown in the image, carefully place 3-4 fresh strawberries on top of the smoothie. Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of chia seeds generously over the top of the smoothie, around the strawberries.

8. Serve immediately: Enjoy your refreshing and nutritious Strawberry Banana Chia Smoothie right away!

Tips and Variations:

• For extra protein: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
• For hidden veggies: A handful of spinach or kale can be added for extra nutrients without significantly altering the flavor.
• Make it thicker: Add more frozen fruit (strawberries or banana), or a few ice cubes.
• Make it thinner: Add more milk.
• Nut butter boost: A tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter can add healthy fats and a richer flavor.
• Spice it up: A tiny pinch of cinnamon or cardamom can add a warm note.
• Make ahead (partially): You can pre-portion and freeze fruit (strawberries and banana) in individual bags for quick smoothie making. Just add the liquid and other ingredients when you’re ready to blend.
• Soak chia seeds: If you prefer, you can soak the 1 tablespoon of chia seeds in the milk for about 5-10 minutes before blending to help them soften and create a slightly gummier texture.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Banana Chia Smoothie!