Blueberry protein smoothie with vanilla
Enjoy a burst of flavour with our protein smoothie with blueberry! This delightful blend combines the creamy richness of vanilla quark with the vibrant tang of fresh lime and orange juice, enveloping the natural sweetness of blueberries and bananas. Smooth, fruity, and satisfying – a delicious choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
|
Orange juice
|
150 ml |
|---|---|
|
Quark, vanilla
|
270 ml |
|
Blueberries, frozen
|
65 g |
|
Banana
|
½ |
|
Lime fruit
|
Pressed juice of 1 |
Freeze the banana for a thicker blueberry protein smoothie
For a creamier and more indulgent texture, consider freezing the banana beforehand. Here’s how: Peel and slice: peel ripe bananas and cut them into slices about 1-1.5 cm thick (or roughly ½ inch). This size ensures even freezing and easier blending. Flash freeze: Arrange the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze them for about one to two hours until they're solid. Store properly: Transfer the frozen slices into a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to prepare your protein smoothie with blueberry, simply add the frozen banana slices directly into the blender with the other ingredients.
Pulse blend for an extra creamy consistency
To achieve a rich, velvety texture, pulse blending is a great technique. If your blender has a pulse function, use short bursts – blend for one to two seconds at a time – then pause and repeat until the ingredients start to combine, followed by a longer blend to finish. If your blender doesn’t have a pulse setting, you can easily mimic the effect by manually turning the blender on for a second or two, then off, repeating this stop-and-go motion several times before blending continuously. This gradual blending process helps incorporate air and prevents over-blending, resulting in a thicker, creamier smoothie.
Save some quark and blueberries for a luxurious topping
For an extra touch of indulgence, set aside a spoonful of vanilla quark and a few whole blueberries before blending your smoothie. Once poured, swirl the quark gently on top and scatter the blueberries for a beautiful and creamy topping. Not only does this add visual appeal, but it also brings bursts of flavour and texture with every sip, turning your smoothie into a truly luxurious treat. For an even more eye-catching twist, try dipping the blueberries in quark, placing them on a skewer, and freezing them for 30-60 minutes. Serve the frozen skewer on top of the smoothie or alongside it: cool, creamy, and irresistibly fun to eat!
Questions about this blueberry protein smoothie
Whether you're looking to mix up your smoothie routine or simply enjoy a refreshing blend, our protein smoothie with blueberry is a delicious choice. Below, we address some of the most common questions about this flavourful recipe to help you perfect your blending skills and enjoy every sip.
Is this protein smoothie with blueberry suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this drink for easy, long-term storage. Simply pour the mix into large ice cube trays and freeze. Once solid, move the cubes to freezer-safe bags to keep it fresh and flavourful. When you're ready to enjoy a smoothie, thaw the needed amount in the fridge overnight or for a few hours. If you're in a hurry, blend the cubes directly for a quick, cold drink. Remember not to freeze smoothies in glass containers as they might break due to the cold.
Why is my smoothie lumpy?
A lumpy smoothie usually means that some ingredients haven’t fully broken down during blending. This can happen if you're using frozen fruit or dense ingredients like banana or quark. To avoid lumps, start by placing softer ingredients at the bottom of the blender so the blades can catch and break everything down more easily. If your blender struggles, try blending in short bursts – either using the pulse function or mimicking it manually as described in the tips section above – for a smoother, creamier result.
Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh blueberries instead of frozen in this recipe. The flavour will still be delicious, but the consistency may be a bit thinner and less chilled. If you’re aiming for a thicker, colder smoothie, try experimenting with half fresh and half frozen blueberries, or test different combinations – such as all fresh or all frozen – to find the texture you enjoy most.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
170 Kcal
| Fibre | 3.1 gram fibers |
| Protein | 2.6 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 37.3 gram |
| Fat | 0.9 gram |
Other recipes
Leftover blueberries? Here's what to blend next
If you’ve got some blueberries left over, there are plenty of tasty ways to use them up. Our berry protein smoothie is a refreshing and vibrant mix of tangy raspberry quark, sweet blueberries, and a hint of lemon – perfect when you’re craving something light and zesty.
For a chia-inspired twist, this chia seed protein shake blends blueberries with yoghurt, honey, and chia seeds, creating a smooth, creamy texture with a gentle hint of crunch. It’s a simple variation that adds a bit of interest while keeping the flavour fresh and balanced.
Or, if you’re craving something extra creamy, this blueberry protein shake combines blueberries with thick quark, smooth vanilla yoghurt, and a touch of fresh ginger for a rich, dessert-like experience. Each recipe highlights a different side of the blueberry, offering an easy way to change things up while keeping the ingredients simple.
Enhance flavours with cinnamon and extracts
To deepen the flavour of your protein smoothie with blueberry, consider enhancing it with warm spices or aromatic extracts already in your kitchen. A pinch of ground cinnamon can complement the sweetness of the banana and blueberries while adding a subtle, cozy note.
A few drops of vanilla extract can boost the flavour of the vanilla quark, making the smoothie taste even richer. You can also experiment with other extracts like almond for a nutty warmth, lemon for extra brightness, or coconut for a tropical twist. These small touches can elevate the smoothie’s taste without changing its core ingredients, giving you a more layered and satisfying flavour experience.
Pick the freshest ingredients with these simple tips
The flavour and texture of your smoothie start with the quality of your ingredients, so choosing the freshest produce makes a big difference. Look for firm, plump blueberries with a deep blue-purple colour and a silvery sheen. Avoid any that are shrivelled or leaking juice.
For bananas, opt for ones that are ripe with a few brown spots for natural sweetness and easy blending.
When using citrus like lime or orange, pick fruits that feel heavy for their size and give slightly when gently squeezed, as they tend to be juicier.
