Effortless and energizing, breakfast smoothies are a simple way to start your summer mornings. Here are 10 frosty favourites starring fruits, spices, nuts and dairy. They’ll be a hit with the whole family.
Tip: We love the trick of starting a smoothie with a frozen banana for instant cold creaminess. Keep a bunch on hand, and you’ll always have the basics covered. First, allow bananas to ripen fully to bring out their natural sweetness. Then peel, cut into chunks and place in the freezer on a cookie tray before transferring to a resealable bag once frozen (they’re good for up to two weeks). Now you’re ready for smoothie sailing!
1. Three-Ingredient Banana Boost
Even the sleepiest soul can manage this simple smoothie! Place one frozen organic banana in a blender. Add 1/2 cup(125 mL) of Greek yogourt (or skip the measuring altogether by using a single-serve cup). Drop in a spoonful of honey and blend, thinning with water if needed. To round out the meal with minimal effort, add 2/3 cup(150 mL) of water to a single-serve Compliments Mixed Berry Multigrain Oatmeal cup and pop it in the microwave for a fruit-filled start to the day. Serves 1.
2. Pitcher o’ Peaches
Many mouths to feed? Peel and slice two large or three medium fresh peaches and place in a blender. Add one frozen organic banana, 1 cup (250 mL) of peach yogourt, 2 cups (500 mL) of orange juice, 1 heaping tablespoon (15 mL) of honey, a handful of ice cubes and a pinch of nutmeg. Blend until smooth. Serve with Compliments Wild Jumbleberry Belgian Waffles for a summery brunch. Serves 4 to 6.
3. Nuts for Pears
A touch of ginger will put pep in your step: core and chop one fresh pear, then place in a blender. Add 1 cup (250 mL) of almond milk, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of almond butter, 1/2 teaspoon (5 mL) of grated fresh ginger, a dash of cinnamon, a handful of ice cubes, and honey to taste. Blend until smooth, then enjoy with Gluten-Free No-Cook Breakfast Bars for a super-nutty breakfast to go. Serves 1.
4. Rockin’ Raspberry-Mint
Load up on antioxidant-rich raspberries with a refreshing minty twist. Brew a cup of Peppermint tea with Compliments and allow to cool. Blend 1 cup of frozen raspberries with 1/2 cup (250 mL) of organic plain yogourt, 1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) of vanilla extract, 3/4 cup (175 mL) of cooled peppermint tea (add more for desired consistency), a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprig of fresh mint. Sweeten with a few drops of sweetener or a spoonful of honey to taste. Serves 1.
5. Peach Powerhouse for Two
This smoothie is packed with complex carbs, perfect for refuelling after a morning workout. In a blender, place 1 cup of vanilla-flavoured almond or soy milk, 1 package of uncooked Compliments Balance Regular Instant Oatmeal, one large or two medium peeled fresh peaches, two pitted Medjool dates, a handful of raw walnuts and a dash of cinnamon. Blend until smooth, then let stand for five minutes, allowing the oats to absorb some liquid. Add a handful of ice cubes and continue blending until smooth. Serves 2.
6. Coconut Lovers
Transport your taste buds to the tropics! Blend 1/4 cup of canned light coconut milk with 1/2 to 3/4 cup of coconut water, 1 tablespoon of unsweetened shredded coconut, one frozen organic banana and a scoop of vanilla protein powder (optional). For a vitamin and colour boost, add a handful of chopped stemmed kale leaves. Serves 1.
7. Avo-Berry Blast
Not just for guacamole, nutrient-rich avocados lend mouth-pleasing creaminess to smoothies. Blend 1/4 of an avocado with 1 cup of Compliments Wild Blueberries, 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds, 1/2 cup of strawberry yogourt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Add in water or milk as needed to reach desired consistency. Serves 1.
8. Jumpin’ Chocolate Pumpkin
Some mornings, only caffeine will do, and this smoothie delivers. First, pour unsweetened pumpkin purée into ice cube trays and freeze overnight. In the morning, brew a cup of double-strength coffee and let cool before adding to a blender with 1/3 cup of milk, a scoop of chocolate protein powder, three or four frozen pumpkin cubes and a dash of nutmeg. Blend until smooth. Serves 1.
9. Superfood Reviver
Top up on electrolytes and omega-3s by blending one frozen organic banana with 1 cup of coconut water, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseeds, 1 tablespoon of Compliments 100% Natural Smooth Peanut Butter and two pitted Medjool dates. Blend until smooth. Serves 1.
10. Citrus Kicker
For more adventurous palates, a dash of cayenne gives this smoothie eye-opening zip without the caffeine. In a blender, add a handful of fresh baby spinach (or greens of your choice), two peeled medium seedless oranges, a generous splash of fresh lemon juice, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and Compliments Organic 100% Pure Maple Syrup to taste. Serves 2.
