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10 Healthy and Easy Blender Recipes
We enlist the help of a few health experts to bring you a selection of quick and simple meals, smoothies and dips
Last Update January 13, 2017
Trying to beat the bulge around this time of year? With bikini season beckoning, why not give these 10 healthy blender recipes a try and get yourself off to a great start. They’re quick and easy, with just a handful of good-for-you ingredients, and taste so good you’d be forgiven for thinking you were indulging in hedonistic treats! Whether you’re an expert cook or just looking toward a healthier lifestyle, a good-quality smoothie that fills you is fast becoming an essential, time-saving meal.
BREAKFAST
1. Classic Strawberry Banana Smoothie
A classic combination that won’t let you down!
Ingredients:
2 cups frozen strawberries
1 fresh banana, peeled
1 cup milk (or try almond milk)
1 cup ice
Optional: 1 tablespoon honey to sweeten
Method:
Add all ingredients inside a blender, and blend until combined.
2. Dairy-free Yoghurt
by Melissa Thomas
A fantastic alternative ‘yoghurt’ that is the perfect accompaniment to crunchy granola clusters or muesli.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup chilled coconut cream
Few drops vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2-3 strawberries (or other berries/soft fruit of your choice)
Optional: 1 teaspoon date paste or raw honey to sweeten
Method:
Pulse the strawberries in a blender to crush them. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend for about 30 seconds.
3. Green Smoothie Bowl
by Kyla Steenveld
The humble smoothie… only better !
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana (cut into pieces before freezing)
A handful of spinach
1-2 baby marrows
1 kiwifruit
1/4 cucumber (depending on size)
2 tablespoons linseeds
1/2 cup coconut water
1/2 cup water
Optional: 2 tablespoons vegan protein powder, or 1 teaspoon glutamine
Method:
Blend all ingredients together until smooth. If the consistency is a bit thick, add water; or if too liquid, add more linseeds. Serve as a smoothie bowl with some kiwi slices and seeds sprinkled on top.
LUNCH
4. Beet Bang
by Elan Lohmann, founder of Sleek Geek
Bangin’ beets are a right old treat!
Ingredients:
2 small raw beetroots
1 small apple
50g blueberries
1 tablespoon ginger
300ml water
Method:
Blend all ingredients together until desired consistency is reached.
5. Basil Pesto
Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic
Parmesan cheese
Pine nuts
Olive oil
Basil
Salt / pepper
Method:
Place everything in your blender and blend for 30 seconds.
6. Avo Bliss
by Elan Lohmann, founder of Sleek Geek
Greens are a go! Get them in with this deliciously nutritious recipe.
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups cold unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
1 ripe avocado
1 ripe banana
1 apple
1/2 large or 1 small stalk celery, chopped
2 cups lightly packed kale leaves or spinach
A few slices of fresh ginger
Ice cubes
Method:
Add all the ingredients to a blender. Pulse until well combined.
7. Summer Thyme
by Tim Spence of Orchard on Long
Keep it fresh and light with this simple combo.
Ingredients:
200ml coconut water
1/3 cup strawberries
1 banana
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 cup ice
Method:
Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
DINNER
8. Chicken and Coconut Milk Soup
by Riana du Plessis
Versatile, a great use of leftover chicken and simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
400ml coconut milk
2 heaped cups cooked chicken strips
Pinch of fresh rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
1/2 onion, chopped
1/4 cup diced bacon
2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
Method:
Blend ingredients until smooth. Fry topping ingredients in coconut oil, add to the soup and mix until just combined.
Optional: soup can be heated after blending for a wintry delight.
9. Miso and Sea Vegetable Broth
by Natalie Reid from Easy Living Food
Dress up this comforting broth with optional additions such as chilli sauce or oil, fresh ginger slices or juice, lemon juice, fresh coriander, thinly sliced spring onion or spiralized vegetables.
Ingredients:
2 cups hot water
3 tablespoons miso
10-20g sea vegetables cut into thin strips or noodles
Method:
Let the sea vegetables stand in hot water for 10 minutes.
Remove vegetables, pour the water into a blender and blend with the miso.
Place the sea vegetables into a warmed bowl and pour the soup over.
Serve immediately.
10. Summer Greens
by Tim Spence of Orchard on Long
Refreshing and nourishing, this is a perfect sundowner on a hot summer’s evening.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon acai berries
1 banana
1 large kale leaf
1 large spinach leaf
1/4 lemon
200ml coconut water
1/2 cup ice
Method:
Add all ingredients into a blender, and pulse until combined.
Go forth and blend!
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