There’s something about summer that brings out the sugar addict in all of us. The insatiability makes us want to hit a 7/11 for a Slurpee as soon as the thermostat hits above 25. Or we trade our black coffee for a cold brew that somehow has 30 grams of added sugar. It is possible to cool down with summer blender recipes that actually cool your hot body, all with a boost of vitamins, minerals, fibre and protein. Here are the healthy blender recipes we’re loving right now, that can all be made in the new, countertop-friendly Vitamix that we’re giving away on our Instagram page (NBD).
Peach Soy Sherbert
Finding dairy-free treats is a part-time job for us. Case in point, we once taste-tested eight dairy-free ice creams (read the blunt reviews here). This homemade version tracks, and it’s easy to make completely vegan — just forgo the honey, honey.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup soy milk
- 2 pitted dates or 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional_
- ¾ lb frozen peach slices
Instructions
Add ingredients to the blender, and blend on the lowest speed. Now, Increase the speed to the highest level until sides of blender are coated. Stop the blender and remove it from the base. Safely use a tamper press to remove mixture from the blades. Return the blender to the motor and blend for 30 to 60 more seconds until 4 mounds form. That means it‘s done, be careful not to overmix. Serve with peach slices.
Key Lime Smoothie
Yes, curb that slushie craving for a sour taste, skipping artificial dyes and high-fructose corn syrup. And this recipe delivers on that tart front, without all the additives.
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Ingredients
- 1 lime
- ½ cup water
- 4 medium kiwis
- 2 large pear, halved, seeded
- 6 pitted dates, ¼ cup honey, optional
- 2 cups ice cubes
Instructions
Remove the peel and white pith from the lime. And remove the skin from the kiwi, leaving just the flesh. Combine all ingredients in the blender, starting on the lowest speed and gradually increasing to the highest. Then, blend for 30 seconds and serve.
Avocado Freeze
I used to live for chocolate avocado mousse (it’s better than pudding), but I’m not sure why it didn’t occur to me to freeze it. This is an easy, healthy dupe for chocolate ice cream that is loaded with healthy fats, potassium and fibre.
Ingredients
- 1 banana, peeled
- ¼ avocado, pitted and peeled
- 2½ tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ tbsp date syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- 1¾ cup ice cubes
Directions
Toss all the ingredients in the blender and start blending on the lowest speed. Quickly increase to the highest speed for 30 seconds. Stop the blender, removing the glass pitcher from the base, and safely use a tamper press to remove mixture from the blades. Return your blender to the motor and blend for 30 to 60 more seconds until 4 mounds form. That means it’s done, be careful not to overmix. Freeze and serve.