Strawberry Cinnamon Coconut Smoothie with a surprise veggie

You’d never guess this strawberry cinnamon coconut smoothie is actually a green smoothie. Both the color and flavor disguise the healthy veggie hidden inside.

What is the secret ingredient? Broccoli!

One morning I was out of dark leafy greens. In the midst of making my daughter’s before-school smoothie, I tossed in a handful of frozen broccoli florets instead. I was pleasantly surprised with the results.

The frozen broccoli chilled and thickened the smoothie without adding a strong flavor. It’s also a great way to add extra nutrients.

Broccoli’s Health Benefits

Broccoli is well known for its cancer fighting properties. However, I was surprised to discover it can also be an important food if you are vitamin D deficient. Thanks to my fair skin and Northeast location, I recently learned I'm low on vitamin D.

According to whfoods.org, when you take a vitamin D supplement, “ample supplies of vitamin K and vitamin A help keep [your] vitamin D metabolism in balance. Broccoli has an unusually strong combination of both vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) and vitamin K.”

Strawberry Cinnamon Coconut Smoothie

While I enjoy broccoli in salads and other dishes I can’t say I’ve ever been compelled to add it to my morning oatmeal. This strawberry cinnamon coconut smoothie is a great way to add this healthy veggie to your breakfast. Of course it also makes a great snack.

The smoothie has a creamy mild flavor with a pleasant blend of cinnamon and coconut. You’d never know the broccoli is in there!

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Strawberry Cinnamon Coconut Smoothie with a surprise veggie

You'd never guess this vegan strawberry cinnamon coconut smoothie includes a veggie. Broccoli adds nutrients and creaminess without adding a strong flavor.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 -2

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 banana ripe
• 1 cup frozen broccoli florets
• 1 cup frozen sliced strawberries
• 2 Tbsp. hemp seeds
• 2 Tbsp. unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 medjool date pitted
• ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon

Instructions

• Place ingredients in a high-speed blender in the order they are listed.
• Begin blending on lowest setting and slowly turn up to highest setting.
• Blend on high for approximately 30 seconds.
• Serve immediately.

 Note: I do not include nutrition information with my recipes because I subscribe to the theories presented in the book Whole and believe we should focus on eating a variety of whole foods instead of counting calories or keeping track of individual nutrients.