Summer might be just about over, but that doesn’t mean smoothie season has to end quite yet.
Most breakfast blends rely heavily on warm-weather staples like berries or tropical fruits. But many of fall’s freshest ingredients are surprisingly delicious in smoothies, too. And we’re notjusttalking about the usual pumpkin. (Though if you can't get enough of the squash, try these5 tasty ways to eat more pumpkinthis fall.) Pears, figs, sweet potatoes, and even veggies like cauliflower and beets all work well in smoothie recipes.
Now's the time to hit up the farmers' market and try your fall finds in these seven tasty recipes—before it gets too chilly.
Looking for ways to get more energy into your diet? Check out these easy food swaps, too:
Pear Smoothie with Vanilla, Honey, and Lime Zest
Just like summer’s berries, fall’s pears add natural sweetness to smoothies (along with an antioxidant punch and nearly a quarter of your daily fiber). Laura fromA Beautiful Platebrings out their fresh floral flavor with vanilla and honey, along with an unexpected ingredient: grated lime zest. Plain low-fat kefir adds a shot of protein, while hemp seeds deliver a dose of healthy fats like omega-3s. (Did you know hemp seeds pack 10 grams of protein per serving? Try these6 delicious ways to eat them.)
Almond Chai Green Smoothie
Fall means a return to all things spiced—including cozy chai. Davida fromThe Healthy Mavenloads up this banana- and almond butter-based smoothie with warm flavors like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg. Got some cool-weather greens like kale or collards hanging out in the fridge? Try swapping them in for the baby spinach.
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Carrot Cake Oatmeal Smoothie
Pumpkins aren’t the only orange veggie that hit their peak this time of year. Carrots are also at their sweetest during the fall and winter. Arman fromThe Big Man’s Worldblends them up with oats, plant milk, vanilla protein powder (our go-to:NorCal Organic Vanilla Whey Protein), and warming spices like cinnamon. The result is a cozy, satisfying drink that tastes just like a slice of carrot cake—except it’s actually good for you. (For a hint of sweetness in your coffee, try these6 new ways to flavor your cup without added sugar.)
Fig and Beet Fall Protein Smoothie
Sure, beets might seem like a strange choice for a smoothie. But one taste of this drink from Julia ofThe Roasted Root, and you’ll probably be hooked: The earthy beets are sweetened up with fresh figs and banana, while a generous scoop of almond butter adds nutty richness. The original recipe calls for unsweetened almond milk, but using full-fat coconut milk makes the texture even more decadent, she says.
MORE:7 Awesome Ways To Make Comfort Carbs From Beets
Pumpkin Pie Green Smoothie
No fall smoothie roundup would be complete without at least one pumpkin drink, right? Dana fromMinimalist Bakermakes a blended beverage with all the flavors of your favorite pumpkin spice latte. But unlike the classic coffee shop drink, this one isn’t packed with added sugar andsketchy additives. It’s sweetened naturally with banana—and best of all, it gets an extra antioxidant (and color!) boost from frozen baby spinach. (Psst!Here's why you should put the banana—peel and all—in your smoothie.)
Sweet Potato Mango Smoothie
Not ready to say goodbye to summer quite yet? Try this smoothie by Lisa ofHealthy Nibbles and Bits. It combines sunny mangos with hearty baked sweet potatoes and a drizzle of maple syrup for a seriously delicious seasonal mashup. A spoonful of chia seeds delivers healthy fat along with a little bit of protein. But for even more staying power, consider adding a spoonful of cashew butter or a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
MORE:6 Surprising Ways To Add More Protein To Smoothies Without Protein Powder
Malted Chocolate Cauliflower Smoothie
How can you make cauliflower taste like a frothy milkshake? Blend up frozen, riced florets with almond milk, chocolate protein powder, maca powder, and cacao nibs, says Brittany ofEating Bird Food. Yes, it sounds weird, but the cauliflower will give your drink a surprisingly rich, creamy texture. And since the flavor is pretty neutral, all you’ll taste is sweet, chocolate-y goodness. C’mon, you know you want to see what it’s like. (While you're at it, check out these8 high-protein veggies you didn't know you could sneak into sauces and smoothies.)
The article 7 Surprising Smoothie Recipes To Make With Fall Produce originally appeared on Prevention.
From:
Marygrace Taylor
Marygrace Taylor is a health and wellness writer for Prevention, Parade, Women’s Health, Redbook, and others. She’s also the co-author of Prevention’s Eat Clean, Stay Lean: The Diet and Prevention’s Mediterranean Kitchen. Visit her at marygracetaylor.com.
