Banana & Chia Seed Smoothie
A creamy, nutrient-dense Banana Chia Smoothie with almonds, chia seeds, and a touch of honey. Quick to prepare, naturally sweet, and packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and good fats, this smoothie is perfect for energizing mornings, satisfying snacks, or meal-prep-friendly breakfasts.
Equipment
- 1 Blender
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 tablespoon
Ingredients
- 1 Banana
- 1 cup Milk dairy or plant-based
- 6 Almonds
- 1 tablespoon Chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- ¼ teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Banana: If using fresh bananas, peel and slice them into small pieces. For a colder, thicker smoothie, slice the banana and place the pieces in the freezer for at least one hour. Using frozen banana slices will give your smoothie a creamy, frosty texture without needing ice.
- Soak or Prep Almonds: For a smoother texture, soak the almonds in warm water for 15–30 minutes before blending. This softens them, making the smoothie creamy and easier to digest. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can use raw almonds directly.
- Measure Chia Seeds: Take one tablespoon of chia seeds. These tiny seeds are packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based protein. Measuring them accurately ensures you get the perfect consistency and nutritional benefits.
- Combine Ingredients in Blender: Add the banana slices, soaked or raw almonds, one cup of milk (dairy or plant-based), chia seeds, one tablespoon of honey, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract into your blender. Make sure the blender jar is large enough to avoid overflow.
- Blend Thoroughly: Start the blender on low speed to break down the banana and almonds, then gradually increase to high speed. Blend for 1–2 minutes or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If you prefer small almond bits for texture, blend for a shorter time.
- Adjust Consistency (Optional): Check the consistency of the smoothie. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, and blend again until you reach your desired texture. If it’s too thin, you can add more frozen banana or a few more chia seeds to thicken it.
- Taste and Sweeten: Taste your smoothie. If you like it sweeter, add a small amount of honey and blend briefly. The natural sweetness of bananas combined with honey and vanilla usually provides a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Pour the smoothie into a tall glass. You can garnish with a sprinkle of chia seeds, a few almond slivers, or a light dusting of cinnamon if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor, freshness, and frosty texture.
- Optional Storage Tip: If you need to prepare ahead, store the smoothie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before drinking, but note that the chia seeds may absorb liquid and thicken the smoothie slightly over time.
Notes
- Use frozen bananas to achieve a naturally chilled, creamy texture without ice.
- Soaking almonds for 15–30 minutes before blending creates a smoother consistency and makes them easier to digest.
- For a sweeter taste, adjust honey to your preference or substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance flavor and give a subtle warming note.
- Blend almonds and banana first for a smoother base if you prefer no almond bits in the smoothie.
