Blueberry Smoothie with Banana and Almond Milk

Blueberry smoothie blends into a deep purple drink with a thick, soft texture. Banana supplies creaminess and orange adds brightness, while almond milk keeps the base mild. Chia seeds thicken the drink further as it stands, so it is best served soon after blending. Frozen blueberries make ice unnecessary. Check frozen-fruit labels before using them uncooked, and choose an unsweetened milk so the flavour comes mainly from the fruit.

Recipe at a glance

Yield: 2 servings; about 800 ml. Prep: 10 minutes. Cook: 0 minutes. Total: 10 minutes, including 0 minutes of additional resting, cooling, chilling or draining where stated. Times are estimates; follow the doneness checks.

Equipment

Blender, knife and two glasses

Ingredients and directions

Doneness checks

Add almond milk, orange, banana and chia to the blender, then blueberries. Blend 60 seconds or until smooth, scraping once if necessary. Pour into two glasses. Add a spoonful of cold water only if the mixture is too thick to pour.

Helpful tips

• Check berry package instructions.
• Use a ripe banana.
• Add milk first.
• Serve before chia thickens the drink.

Troubleshooting

• Yes. Chill them first; the drink will be less thick than with frozen berries.
• Check berry package instructions.

Serving ideas

• Pair with oatmeal.
• Offer with breakfast toast.
• Serve in small snack glasses.
• Add beside a yogurt bowl.

Substitutions

Use dairy milk, oat milk or water instead of almond milk; texture and allergens change.

Variation

Add 1/2 tsp vanilla for a softer flavour.

Make ahead

Freeze measured fruit portions in advance. Add milk and chia only at blending time.

Storage and reheating

Best fresh. Refrigerate covered up to 1 day, stir before drinking, or freeze portions up to 1 month.

Food safety

Use clean utensils and wash produce. Keep perishable ingredients refrigerated at 4°C (40°F) or below. Refrigerate perishable leftovers promptly, within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 32°C (90°F).

Frequently asked questions

Can I use fresh blueberries?

Yes. Chill them first; the drink will be less thick than with frozen berries.

Does almond milk make it dairy free?

Yes if all labels agree, but it contains almonds and is unsuitable for an almond allergy.

How to tell when it is ready

Add almond milk, orange, banana and chia to the blender, then blueberries. Blend 60 seconds or until smooth, scraping once if necessary. Pour into two glasses. Add a spoonful of cold water only if the mixture is too thick to pour.

Tips

• Check berry package instructions.
• Use a ripe banana.
• Add milk first.
• Serve before chia thickens the drink.

Troubleshooting

• Yes. Chill them first; the drink will be less thick than with frozen berries.
• Check berry package instructions.

Substitutions

• Use dairy milk, oat milk or water instead of almond milk; texture and allergens change.

Variations

• Add 1/2 tsp vanilla for a softer flavour.

Serving suggestions

• Pair with oatmeal.
• Offer with breakfast toast.
• Serve in small snack glasses.
• Add beside a yogurt bowl.

Make ahead

Freeze measured fruit portions in advance. Add milk and chia only at blending time.

Storage

Best fresh. Refrigerate covered up to 1 day, stir before drinking, or freeze portions up to 1 month.

Food safety

Use clean utensils and wash produce. Keep perishable ingredients refrigerated at 4°C (40°F) or below. Refrigerate perishable leftovers promptly, within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 32°C (90°F).