Best and Tastiest Quinoa Smoothie Recipes

Last Updated: August 29, 2022

Quinoa is a staple on any vegan grocery list, and one glance at the nutrients in this ancient grain makes it obvious why.

In addition to having the highest protein content of any whole grain, at 4 grams per ½ cup serving, it also offers all nine essential amino acids and is an excellent source of fiber, iron, zinc, and potassium.

While typically served as a savory side dish or tasty salad topping, you can power up your mornings with a nutrient-rich quinoa smoothie. It adds a thick, oat-like texture that will help you avoid pre-lunch snacking.

Need some inspiration for your quinoa-infused breakfast blend? Read on!

How to Use Quinoa in Smoothies

You’ll notice that most of these recipes call for quinoa flakes, a version of the grain that requires special processing to flatten the seed.

While this doesn’t change the taste, it does make the ingredient easier to integrate into smoothies.

If you can’t find flakes, you can also use raw or cooked quinoa with a little extra preparation.

Raw Quinoa

You can use the whole seed raw, so long as you soak it first.

The grain has a protective outer coating of saponin, a completely natural, bitter-tasting repellant that makes it unpalatable to birds and insects.

Most commercially available raw quinoa is pre-rinsed, but it’s better to give it a quick rinse to prevent an unpleasant, soapy taste.

You’ll want to use a food processor to turn the grain into a powder or soak the seeds for ½ an hour before adding them to your smoothie.

Cooked Quinoa

If you’re thinking ahead, cook your quinoa and chill overnight. The softened seeds will easily blend into your smoothie, adding a distinctive creaminess that is irresistibly yummy.

Quinoa Smoothie with Berries

Succulent berries and hearty quinoa are an excellent combination for a sweet but satisfying breakfast smoothie or afternoon snack.

Feel free to swap out any berries included in the recipe for an equivalent amount of seasonal options available to you, but be sure to freeze them before first.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Quinoa Smoothie

Quinoa, strawberries, and peanut butter come together in perfect harmony for a filling start to your morning. This smoothie is a brand new way to enjoy this nostalgic childhood staple.

You’ll Need:

1 frozen, quartered banana
1 cup frozen raspberries
½ cup quinoa flakes
1 cup almond or other plant-based milk
2 tablespoons peanut, cashew, almond, or sunflower seed butter.

Instructions:

Add banana, raspberries, quinoa flakes, almond milk, and your choice of nut butter to a blender.
Mix until smooth and creamy.

Creamy Smoothie Bowl with Quinoa and Berries

When you have time to sit down and enjoy your breakfast, acai berry bowls are an excellent alternative to on-the-go, sippable smoothies.

You’ll want to cook your quinoa for a heartier texture, so prepare the night before to give this good-for-you grain plenty of time to chill.

You’ll Need:

Frozen acai berry packet
1 frozen, quartered banana
½ cup cooked quinoa
½ cup frozen strawberries
2 tablespoons almond milk, more as needed
Toppings, like fresh, sliced berries, granola, coconut flakes, cacao nibs, a drizzle of almond butter, etc.

Instructions:

Add acai berry packet, frozen banana, quinoa, frozen berries, and 2 tablespoons almond to blender. Pulse 3-4 times.
Check the texture of your puree. It should be thick enough to eat with a spoon but still smooth.
Add in additional liquid one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired thickness.
Pour puree into a bowl and add your choice of toppings. Enjoy!

Wild Berry Blend Quinoa Smoothie

Enjoy a bountiful harvest of strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries in a vitamin- and protein-rich quinoa smoothie.

You’ll Need:

¼ cup frozen strawberries
¼ cup frozen blackberries
¼ cup frozen blueberries
¼ cup frozen raspberries
1 ½ cup almond milk
½ cup quinoa flakes
Lemon zest, optional

Instructions:

Add the berry mix, almond milk, and quinoa flakes to a high-powered blender.
Blend until smooth, then top with lemon zest for a subtle, citrusy twist.

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Quinoa Smoothie with Coffee

Coffee has a centuries-old history that continues to serve as the perfect way to perk up before we begin our busy day.

Mix up your morning routine and skip the line at your favorite cafe by transforming your cup of joe into a nourishing breakfast smoothie with protein-packed quinoa.

Banana Coffee Breakfast Quinoa Smoothie

This extra creamy coffee smoothie is an excellent option for busy mornings. Thanks to filling bananas, nut butter, and quinoa, it will keep you satisfied until lunchtime.

You’ll Need:

1 cup chilled cold brew coffee concentrate
1 cup ice
1 frozen, quartered banana
½ cup coconut milk
½ cup quinoa flakes
Sweetener, to taste

Instructions:

Add cold brew, ice, banana, coconut milk, quinoa flakes, and sweetener to the blender.
Blend until smooth.

Cinnamon Quinoa Smoothie with Coffee

Cinnamon is such a warm and pleasant spice! I recommend making a batch of cinnamon simple syrup to keep on hand, but a dash straight from the spice jar works in a pinch.

You’ll Need:

4 cubes of frozen espresso or cold brew coffee concentrate
8 ice cubes
¾ cup almond or other plant-based milk
½ cup quinoa flakes
2 tablespoons cinnamon simple syrup (instructions below)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender.
Blend until smooth.

How to Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup:

Combine 2 cinnamon sticks and 1 cup of water in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.

Turn off the heat and strain to remove the cinnamon sticks. Add the water and 1 cup of sugar back to the pot. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Once cooled, pour into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Cocoa Coffee Quinoa Smoothie

Prefer mochas over a standard iced coffee? This recipe is a chocolatey and indulgent jolt of morning energy.

You’ll Need:

1 tray of frozen coffee cubes
1 cup almond milk or other plant-based milk
½ cup quinoa flakes
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sweetener, to taste
Wildly Organic Vegan Chocolate Syrup or your favorite alternative

Instructions:

Add the entire tray of frozen coffee cubes, almond milk, quinoa flakes, chia seeds, cocoa powder, and sweetener to a blender.
Blend until smooth and pour into your cup. Drizzle with chocolate syrup.

Quinoa Smoothie with Coconut

Subtly sweet and slightly nutty, coconut brings a palate-pleasing complexity to your favorite smoothie recipes.

Almond Joy Coconut Quinoa Smoothie

Who says you can’t have dessert for breakfast? The Almond Joy Coconut Quinoa smoothie is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and garnished with homemade, agave-sweetened chocolate syrup.

You’ll Need:

1 ½ cups light coconut milk
½ tray of coconut water ice cubes
1 frozen, quartered frozen banana
½ cup quinoa flakes
2 tablespoons cocoa powder, unsweetened
2 tablespoons almond butter
2 tablespoons homemade vegan chocolate syrup, plus more for drizzling (recipe below)
Coconut whipped cream, optional
Toasted almond slivers, optional

Instructions:

Add coconut milk, coconut water ice cubes, banana, quinoa flakes, cocoa powder, almond butter, and chocolate syrup to your blender.
Blend ingredients well.
Top with coconut whipped cream and almond slivers, followed by a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

How to Make Homemade Vegan Chocolate Syrup:

Stir together ¼ cup agave syrup and 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder.
Keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Stir well before using.

Pina Colada Quinoa Smoothie

When you can’t escape for a beachfront vacation, this pina colada quinoa smoothie is the next best thing. It’s a little taste of sunshine in every sip.

You’ll Need:

1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1 frozen, quartered banana
¼ cup coconut water
¼ cup full-fat coconut milk
½ cup quinoa flakes
Toasted coconut flakes, optional

Instructions:

Combine pineapple, banana, coconut water, coconut milk, and coconut flakes in your blender.
Blend until smooth.
Top with toasted coconut flakes, if desired.

Tropical Coconut Kiwi Quinoa Smoothie

You’ll need to whip up a batch of vegan Greek yogurt for this tropical treat, but it’s worth the extra work to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.

You’ll Need:

1 portion of vegan Greek yogurt
2 frozen kiwi, peeled and diced
½ avocado
¾ cup coconut water
¼ cup full-fat coconut milk
½ cup quinoa flakes
Toasted coconut flakes, optional

Instructions:

If you can’t find frozen kiwi at the grocery store, start by carefully peeling away the fuzzy skin and dicing the fruit. Freeze overnight.
Add vegan Greek yogurt, frozen kiwi, avocado, coconut water, coconut milk, and quinoa flakes to the blender. Mix until smooth.
If desired, add a crunch with toasted coconut flakes.

Conclusion

Vegan quinoa smoothies are a delicious way to provide your body with the protein it needs to stay focused and full all morning long.

From juicy berry blends to cinnamony-sweet coffee, the ingredient options are virtually limitless! Don’t be afraid to get creative by swapping out your favorite alternatives or adding an extra dose of delicious with fun toppings.

What’s your favorite quinoa smoothie recipe? Let us know in the comments!

Sources:

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/quinoa/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7121976/https://www.pbs.org/food/the-history-kitchen/history-coffee/

https://www.pbs.org/food/the-history-kitchen/history-coffee/

About the author

Jason Hughes

"Hey there, I'm Jason, and you've just landed on the most exhilarating spot on the web - my VL universe! Here's the deal: I'm wildly obsessed (in the best way possible!) with all things diet, strength training, fitness, health, and wellness. It's not just a passion; it's a lifestyle!

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