5-Minute Quinoa Smoothie with Coffee

This Quinoa Smoothie with Coffee is the perfect healthy way to start the day! With coffee, quinoa flakes, ground flax, cocoa powder and banana, your energy levels will soar.  Perfect for busy mornings, this recipe is a cinch to throw together - and you can even mix the dry ingredients the night before.  

I have tried for years to make smoothies a regular part of my diet because it is such an easy way to pack in the nutrition!

It has only been in the last nine months that I've done this consistently.

Life has been crazy, and more than a little difficult at times.

Smoothies are the perfect meal to help me with my weight loss goals. (The struggle is real.)  They help keep me away from the cracker box when I've got a million things to do and am hangry.

(Sadly, this is all too often.  I get busy and forget to eat and wind up crazy hungry.   I have a big weakness for carbs with empty calories when I am stressed.)

Like a lot of you, I am a huge fan of green smoothies that make the rest of my family run for cover.

(I've been meaning to try a green smoothie bowl, and this one looks amazing!)

As much as I love green smoothies, there are days when I crave something different.

Something like this Quinoa Smoothie with Coffee.

If I am having a smoothie first thing in the morning, this is my go-to recipe.

It is indulgent enough to keep me from running to that bag of chocolate covered almonds in the fridge. Plus this vegan smoothie is perfect for those busy mornings when there isn't enough time for both coffee and breakfast. 

The idea of putting quinoa in your smoothie may seem strange to you - but stick with me on this one.

People have been putting oatmeal in smoothies for years. This is a great alternative for those who are so gluten-sensitive that they have to avoid oats, or those looking to add a complete source of plant-based protein.

If you use cooked quinoa rather than flakes, remember to not cook it in broth. Because that would be....just, gross. Instead, water or juice is a much better alternative here.

Step by Step:

1. Gather Your Ingredients - You will need brewed coffee, almond milk, a frozen banana, quinoa flakes, ground flax seeds, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and the sweetener of your choosing.

2. Place them in your blender!

Tools for Making a Quinoa Smoothie Recipe

• A high-speed blender is recommended to make this quinoa smoothie. This is less important if you are using quinoa flakes, which blend easily into a smoothie. A low powered blender will have a difficult time getting cooked quinoa blended.  (i.e., you may end up needing to chew your smoothie.)

Tips for Making a Raw Quinoa Smoothie

I recommend sprouting it first.

1. Rinse well to remove the saponin.
2. Place in a jar and cover with water. Top with a sprouting lid.
3. Soak for 6 hours and then drain.
4. Rinse well and drain. Tilt the jar over a bowl so that all of the water can run out.
5. Every six hours, drain the water and rinse.
6. Sprouts should form in two to three days.

You can read more about sprouting quinoa here.

Variations for this Recipe:

• Omit the coffee and add your favorite fruit. Great options include strawberries, blueberries or pineapple. You may want to add in additional almond milk or water to achieve the desired texture.
• Increase the chocolate factor by adding an additional tablespoon or two of cocoa powder.
• I sometimes add a chocolate greens powder to this smoothie. Barlean's is my go-to.  When I do this I omit the cocoa powder.

If You Like This Recipe You May Also Like:

• How to Make Quinoa
• How to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker
• Iced Mocha Latte
• Coffee Protein Shake