| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 180 | 3g | 1g | 36g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 5g | 6g | 0.1g |
There’s an absolute joy that comes from preparing and enjoying the Salal Berry Smoothie. Inspired subtly by my Italian-American culinary journey, this smoothie packs a sweet-tangy punch that’s delightfully refreshing and extremely nutritious too. And yes, this is not your typical spaghetti or meatball dish that my kitchen generally churns out, yet this fruit-based powerhouse has quickly become a family favorite.
A Trip Down the Memory Lane
Every time I blend together the fresh Salal berries, ripe bananas and other ingredients into this luscious purple delight, it conjures up memories similar to my days spent hiking through the wild trails of New Jersey. There’s something about the crisp freshness of the outdoors that is mirrored perfectly in this drink. Moreover, it’s a perfect grab-and-go breakfast for those early morning hikes I enjoy so much.
Health Benefits and Complements
Aside from its pleasingly sweet flavor, the Salal Berry Smoothie offers a variety of health benefits that make it more appealing. Salal berries have a high concentration of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, making them a natural health booster . Additionally, bananas provide potassium and fiber, Greek yogurt adds a punch of protein and probiotics, while a touch of honey offers natural sweetening; altogether creating a wholesome and nutritious treat.
Furthermore, the smoothie pairs incredibly well with a light breakfast bowl, perhaps of granola or fresh fruit. It’s also similar to other fruit-based smoothies you may have enjoyed, such as a classic strawberry and banana blend. Yet, the unique inclusion of Salal berries ensures this smoothie stands out from the crowd, a symbol of the fusion of Italian-American culinary heritage with the incredible bounty of nature present in New Jersey.
Finally, if you ever find yourself in the mood for an indulgent dessert, this smoothie can be transformed into a delightful smoothie bowl, topped with a generous sprinkle of mixed nuts, seeds, and chocolate shavings! Just another reason why I absolutely adore the Salal Berry Smoothie.
What You’ll Need
- 2 1/2 cups fresh Salal berries
- 3 bananas
- 2 cups vanilla almond milk
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by gathering all your ingredients: fresh Salal berries, bananas, vanilla almond milk, Greek yogurt, honey, ice cubes, and optional vanilla extract.
Step Two
In a blender, combine the 2 1/2 cups of fresh Salal berries and 3 bananas. Blend until a thick, chunky paste is formed.
Step Three
Next, add in the 2 cups of vanilla almond milk and 1 cup of Greek yogurt to the blender. Continue to blend until the mixture becomes creamy and well-incorporated.
Step Four
Proceed to add in 1/2 cup of honey to the mixture in the blender. Blend again until the honey is fully incorporated.
Step Five
With the blender still running, slowly add in 2 cups of ice cubes. Continue to blend until the texture of the smoothie becomes icy and thick.
Step Six
For an added touch of flavor, add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This step is completely optional and can be skipped if preferred.
Step Seven
Once all the ingredients are thoroughly blended together, taste the smoothie. Make any necessary adjustments to your liking, such as adding more honey for sweetness or more almond milk for creaminess.
Step Eight
Pour the smoothie into a glass or a smoothie cup and it’s ready to serve! Enjoy this refreshing Salal Berry Smoothie as a nutritious breakfast or a delightful mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
