Smoothies Love Nuts!

• Date posted:  06/15/2021 
• Posted in:
• Nut Usage Ideas,

Meals in a glass have become more popular in recent years with busy schedules and the desire for healthy portable options. However, they can sometimes leave us hungry an hour after we’ve consumed them. Many people opt for protein powders and other processed ingredients to thicken up smoothies and provide more satiety; but have you ever tried adding tree nuts (almonds, Brazils, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts) to your smoothie?

Nuts are nature’s perfect package, providing protein, valuable fats, vitamins and minerals. And, they add a delicious flavor and texture, as well as an appealing crunch if you sprinkle them over the top as well. Think of the classic White Gazpacho with cucumber, grapes and almonds – silky, nutritious and sustaining.

Here are a few tasty combinations to try:

Banana Yogurt – Freeze bananas (just loose in freezer), add milk or milk substitute, yogurt or kefir, ice and blend until smooth. Sprinkle with some chopped walnuts, or, for a burst of color and variety, pistachios.

Strawberry and Rhubarb – Make the most of the abundance of fresh seasonal strawberries and rhubarb with a delicious blend of the fruit with some fresh squeezed juice to offset the sharpness of the rhubarb. Add a few spoonfuls of tree nuts such as macadamias, cashews or hazelnuts for some creamy thickness.

Citrus Smoothies – You can find so many wonderful citrus fruits in most markets these days, such as Cara Cara and Blood Oranges, Ruby Grapefruit and Heirloom oranges. To maximize the valuable fiber and bioflavonoids in the pith, remove most of the skin, dice and blend with water, ice and some other fruit of choice – great with ripe peaches, apricots or papaya. Try diced or sliced almonds on top, or even pine nuts for a Middle Eastern twist.

Green Meanies – The trend these days is to jam as much kale, cucumber, celery, fresh herbs and other greens into a blender with apple juice or coconut water for a power packed nutrient bullet. The greens are lovely with the toasty richness of added pecans or almonds. 

Red Veggie Antioxidant Boost – Beets, radish, red chard, and other red vegetables make a great smoothie full of antioxidants. Give it an added boost with a mixture of tree nuts.

So, have fun and make your own designer smoothie with your favorite fruits, vegetables and nuts!

Bon Appétit!