Wait. I promised you summery recipes and I give you… a bean smoothie? Adding beans to your smoothie may sound strange, but it’s actually a great idea! Why?
- Beans add a nice, creamy texture
- Beans up the protein and fiber for a nutritious boost that helps keep you full
- ‘Bean smoothie’ sounds cool (don’t argue with me here, just roll with it)
It’s finally berry season here, so this smoothie is really just an excuse to enjoy more strawberries. But whether you use this recipe or try adding beans to your own personal favorite smoothie, I really would recommend you give it a try. And of course, I would love to know what you think in the comments below!
Summer White Bean Smoothie
Course: On-the-Go, SnacksDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes300
kcalFresh berries lend the taste of summer and the beans add creaminess, protein, and fiber to this delicious bean smoothie (don’t knock it until you try it!).
Ingredients
1 cup cooked white beans of your choice (cannellini, navy, butter, etc.) or Mayocoba beans – recommend no salt added for this smoothie
1 cup strawberries (fresh, or frozen for a thicker smoothie)
2 large VERY over-ripe bananas, frozen in chunks
1/2 cup milk of choice
1/4 cup yogurt – plain or a flavor that goes well with your smoothie, like strawberry, strawberry banana, or vanilla
Optional additions for a sweeter smoothie: honey, maple syrup, Medjool date, splash of pineapple or other juice
Directions
- If using frozen strawberries in addition to the frozen banana, you may want to give the fruit a few minutes to defrost, to make it easier to blend. If you have a high-powered blender, this may not be necessary.
- Drain and rinse beans very well.
- Add the beans, milk, and yogurt to a high-powered blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
- Add the fruit and puree again until desired texture is reached, scraping down sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust if necessary by adding in optional sweetener.
- Serve cold.
Notes
- Tip about the bananas: think banana bread style bananas and use realllllly over-ripe bananas. Peel them, break them into chunks or slices, and freeze them in a sealed container or plastic bag. Another tip for free: even if you’re in a rush, don’t freeze them without peeling first. It just…really doesn’t work out well, trust me.
- Try this with 1/2 cup of beans the first time and adjust up or down next time, based on your preference.
- Add more strawberries or another berry of your choice, to taste. Using frozen berries will make this smoothie have a thicker consistency.
- Feel free to use all yogurt or all milk instead of a mix, whatever floats your boat (aka whatever you have on hand).
Bean Smoothie Nutrition Facts
This is an approximation of the nutrition facts for this bean smoothie that I created in Nutritionist Pro. Of course, this will vary slightly based on the ingredients you use, if you add sweetener, etc. There is no added sugar, just the sugar naturally occurring in bananas, strawberries, and milk. Check out the fiber and protein in just 1 serving – go beans!!
More Bean Smoothies and Refreshing Treats
Looking for more refreshing treats with legumes? I assume you are because – aren’t we all?? Check out these for ideas:
- Chocolate Banana Black Bean Smoothie
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Ice Cream (aka Nice Cream)
- Fruit Smoothie with a Surprise Ingredient
This sounds yummy!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy! 🙂
My first thought when I read this recipe was “strawberries and bananas – absolutely, but NO BEANS”! Though I thoroughly enjoy beans and use many different types in my various lunches or dinners, the thought of including beans in my morning smoothie was a definite turn off. However, I finally decided (after many months) to give it a shot. I first tried adding black beans to my standard morning smoothie, which consists of almond milk, banana, peanut butter, cacao powder and dates. Much to my surprise, I couldn’t taste the beans at all, and I was pleased to know I was now getting both more protein and fiber in my diet. The next day, I tried garbanzo beans – with the same result. I now add beans to every morning smoothie! The icing on the cake is that the beans definitely add a creamier texture, too. I would strongly encourage all of my fellow doubters to give bean smoothies a try – I think you’ll be very pleasantly surprised.
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful comment! Yes, beans are amazing! Pretty perfect that they boost protein, fiber, and creaminess all at once. Plus, it can be fun to surprise people with a “secret ingredient.” Adding dates sounds fantastic. I make a black bean chocolate smoothie – I’ll have to try that with dates. Thank you for the recommendation!