When I first graduated from college, adding spinach to your smoothie was all the rage. I quickly hopped on the green smoothie bandwagon and never looked back! Anytime I can incorporate veggies to my diet without much effort (or, in the case of spinach in a smoothie, without altering the taste), I’m all about it.
A few months ago, my friend Danielle (the mastermind behind my beloved Paleo Blender Muffins!) shared a picture of a smoothie she made on Instagram that incorporated frozen cauliflower. My interest was instantly piqued because in cooking with cauliflower I’ve found that the cruciferous vegetable often takes on the flavors of the foods and spices around it, so why wouldn’t the same thing happen in a smoothie!? I had to try it for myself!
After my first smoothie with frozen cauliflower, I was hooked. I couldn’t detect even the slightest hint of cauliflower and, if anything, I felt like the cauliflower actually made my smoothie creamier. Heck yes!
Frozen cauliflower quickly became a smoothie staple for me and I love knowing I’m getting a little boost of vitamin C, magnesium, fiber, potassium and vitamin B6 when I toss it in my blender.
Also, for those of you out there who are constantly trying to find ways to get your little ones to eat vegetables (me x 1,000!), frozen cauliflower is a great way to get them to drink their veggies, especially if they’re not into smoothies made with spinach because of the bright green color. Chase happily sips smoothies made with frozen cauliflower (+ frozen banana + peanut butter + strawberries) and and that’s saying something since I can’t get him to eat a piece of fresh or roasted cauliflower to save my life.
While the recipe I am sharing below is a go-to for me, it’s also an easy one to alter based on your personal preferences and cravings. I will often swap out the strawberries for blueberries and add a handful of fresh spinach to the smoothie as well.
Strawberry Banana Hidden Cauliflower Smoothie
Makes two snack-size smoothies
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen cauliflower (preferably riced cauliflower)
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 3/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1/2 avocado
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into glasses and garnish with strawberry and banana slices if desired. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Per serving with unsweetened vanilla almond milk and 2 teaspoons honey: Calories: 244 / Fat: 12g / Sodium: 179mg / Carbs: 34g / Fiber: 9g / Sugars: 19g / Protein: 5g
Ingredient Notes
While frozen riced cauliflower is preferred, frozen cauliflower florets may be used for this Hidden Cauliflower Smoothie, but I highly recommend finely chopping them before blending to ensure they blend smoothly.
If I am making this smoothie in place of a meal, I want it to have a little more staying power and will often add a scoop of protein powder (I love SFH vanilla or Nutiva Hemp Protein Powder in this smoothie) and another heaping spoonful of almond butter.
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