Sneaking vegetables into smoothies so you cannot taste them is my new favorite healthy food hack. It sort of feels like I'm cheating at life. Having something that tastes so sweet and decadent but is secretly full of loads of veggies seems so deceiving. But, I'm very pregnant and the majority of this pregnancy I have had a vegetable aversion so this has been a great way to ensure I'm getting a variety of vegetables into my diet. Plus, my kids love it too.
This smoothie looks and tastes like pure, creamy blueberry bliss but contains four vegetables: cauliflower, zucchini, peas and spinach. I even added avocado, hemp seeds, raw almond butter and bee pollen for added nutrients.
I find frozen riced cauliflower has no flavor at all and works best in smoothies. I have tried cooking and freezing cauliflower myself but not only is that a process but I find cooking the vegetable gives it more of a flavor in the smoothie. The frozen riced cauliflower is easy to blend in and adds zero flavor. It just thickens the smoothie and makes it extra creamy. In another recipe I added cauliflower to a chocolate smoothie which was also a great way to hide it.
For the zucchini, I simply cut it up raw and freeze the slices overnight in the freezer. I buy the frozen peas and typically use fresh spinach although you could use frozen. Just make sure it is raw to minimize the flavor.
This smoothie also offers plant-based protein from the almond butter, almond milk, bee pollen and hemp seeds. So in one glass you are getting fruits, vegetables, plant-based protein, fiber and healthy fats. It really packs in a lot of nutrition while tasting refreshing and sweet and looking vibrant and beautiful.
I truly hope you enjoy this hidden veggie smoothie recipe as much I do. It has been a huge hit with my young girls and my husband (who are all not vegetable lovers). I promise you that you really will not taste the vegetables at all in this smoothie.
If you give this recipe a try, please snap a pic and tag #eatingbyelaine and @eatingbyelaine on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook so I can see you enjoying your awesome creations.
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Blueberry Veggie Smoothie
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
This healthy, vegan smoothie is the perfect way to sneak in lots of veggies and nutrients into one tasty treat! It offers four different vegetables, healthy fats, fiber and plant-based protein. It is extremely filling and an excellent way to jump start a nutritious day.
Ingredients
- 3 dates, pitted
- 2 tablespoons raw almond butter (or any nut or seed butter, I find raw almond butter provides the best flavor)
- 3 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 2 teaspoons bee pollen (optional for added protein, strict vegans may want to skip this)
- 2 handfuls spinach
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 cup frozen riced cauliflower (uncooked frozen riced cauliflower provides the best flavor)
- ¼ cup frozen peas (provides protein)
- ¼ cup frozen zucchini (raw for best flavor)
- ¼ avocado (optional for added creaminess and added nutrients)
- 1 ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the order listed above in a high speed blender and puree until smoothie and creamy.
- You may need to add more liquid if your blender is not powerful enough to handle all these frozen ingredients. If possible, try to keep it to 1 ¼ cup of liquid for a thicker and creamier smoothie. You may want to add a handful of ice to make it frostier or additional frozen blueberries to make the color extra purple.
- In the photos I garnished with blueberries and hemp seeds.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Category: Smoothie
This recipe is inspired by my friend Laney's Wild Blueberry Zucchini Smoothie recipe. Check out her amazing food blog, www.LifeisButaDish.com, for more recipes.
Michelle Levey says
Delicious. Shared it with my sisters. Nice way to have veggies with fruit. I recommend it highly!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Michelle! Glad you all enjoyed this one! 🙂
Darlene Ungard says
I’m one of the sisters! Made few subs using super greens+spring mix and half an unfrozen zucchini but love this veggie forward smoothie. Sharing the yum with my daughter.
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much for letting me know, Darlene! I'm so happy you enjoyed this one! I love your subs! This really is an anything goes smoothie for sure! So happy to hear your daughter got in on the action as well! Best, Elaine