Deep Purple Blueberry Smoothie with Black Quinoa Recipe

Recipe Overview

This vibrant, nutrient-dense smoothie marries the earthy depth of black quinoa with the sweet-tart brightness of blueberries, creating a "deep purple" blend that’s both visually striking and nutritionally balanced. Perfect for a quick, energizing breakfast or post-workout refreshment, it highlights a color-coordinated approach to healthy eating, leveraging antioxidants from berries and complete protein from black quinoa.

Recipe Rating

4/5 (Based on 147 reviews) | Read 7 comments

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (fresh for peak flavor; frozen works year-round)

• ½ cup cooked black quinoa (pre-cooked or quick-cooked for minimal prep)

• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond milk, coconut milk) or filtered water (adjust for desired consistency)

• 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste; omit for unsweetened)

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for enhanced flavor depth)

Preparation & Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Cooked Black Quinoa

If using raw black quinoa: Rinse ¼ cup dry quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness. Combine with ½ cup water in a small pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender. Drain excess water and let cool completely. (For speed, use pre-cooked quinoa from the pantry or a microwaveable quinoa packet.)

Step 2: Blend the Smoothie

Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender:

• Fresh/frozen blueberries

• Cooked black quinoa

• Plant-based milk/water

• Sweetener (if desired)

• Vanilla extract (if using)

Blend on high for 1–2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency by adding more liquid (if too thick) or extra berries (if too thin).

Step 3: Serve

Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy immediately. For added flair, garnish with a sprinkle of extra blueberries or a light dusting of cacao powder.

Nutrition Highlights (Estimated, per serving)

• Antioxidants: Blueberries provide anthocyanins, which support heart health and cognitive function.

• Complete Protein: Black quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a plant-based protein powerhouse.

• Fiber: Both quinoa and berries contribute dietary fiber, aiding digestion and sustained energy.

Pro Tips

• Seasonal Swaps: Frozen blueberries eliminate the need for ice cubes while retaining flavor.

• Grain Alternatives: Substitute black quinoa with purple rice varieties (e.g., Alter Eco Purple Jasmine Rice, Lotus Forbidden Rice) for color and texture variation.

• Customization: Boost greens by adding a handful of spinach or kale (no visible color change!) or a scoop of protein powder for added nutrition.

This recipe was featured in "What Else Can We Add to a Smoothie?" for its innovative grain-fruit pairing.