Try this Coconut Milk Strawberry Smoothie for a quick and easy, protein-packed breakfast that’s ready in just five minutes!
Growing up in Virginia, May and June marked a special time in our calendar—strawberry picking season. Each year, local farmers would charge a premium rate for strawberries you picked for yourself. My siblings and I would line up, plastic containers in hand, ready to pick to our hearts’ content.
But the best part of strawberry picking season came when we got home. My mom would rinse our freshly picked strawberries and make them into some of the best smoothies we’d ever had! This strawberry smoothie recipe reminds me of those bright spring and summer days. Sweetened with strawberries and Medjool dates, this smoothie tastes like a treat. And with the added vanilla protein powder, this delectable blender creation contains plenty of fuel to start your day.
Are you looking for a nutrient-packed breakfast that’s easy to whip up on the fly? Or are you in search of a healthy dessert or post-workout snack? Whatever you’re looking for, you will absolutely find it in this blend-and-go coconut milk concoction.
Is This Coconut Milk Strawberry Smoothie Healthy?
Not only is this coconut milk strawberry smoothie delicious, but it’s also rich in wholesome and nutrient-packed ingredients. The light coconut milk has less saturated fat than the full-fat variety. The unsweetened coconut flakes are a rich source of fiber and nutrients like manganese. Frozen strawberries are a convenient and easy-to-store ingredient, and they are also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. The Medjool dates in this recipe lend a natural sweetness to the smoothie and provide minerals like iron and potassium. To minimize any added sugar in this recipe, make sure that you opt for unsweetened protein powder and coconut milk. If you still find this smoothie a little on the sweet side, you can experiment with reducing the number of dates you add during blending. To make this smoothie suitable for dairy-free diets, be sure to opt for a non-dairy protein powder.
Exploring The Rise Of The Date
In recent years, dates have become increasingly popular worldwide. They are used as natural sweeteners in everything from smoothies and energy bites to baked goods. This recipe specifically calls for Medjool dates, which are one of the most popular versions of this fruit. Medjool dates were first cultivated thousands of years ago in the dry climate of Morocco. They became popular for their large size and caramel-like flavor, though they were originally reserved for royals or Moroccan nobility. Medjool dates are also known for their rich texture and have become a staple in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. Today, Medjool dates have become especially popular among health-conscious diners the world over. With their luscious texture and natural sweetness, it’s easy to see why the Medjool date is an international favorite.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any smoothie leftovers, pour the remaining smoothie into a mason jar or other airtight container. You can store your smoothie in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. If you prefer, you can also freeze your smoothie for up to 3 months. To enjoy your frozen smoothie, you can either thaw leftovers in the fridge overnight or blend them immediately for more of a soft-serve texture.
Serving Suggestions
Planning to serve this smoothie as part of a healthy breakfast? Try pairing it with Avocado Toast or a Spinach Omelette. If you’re looking for baked goods to serve with this smoothie, I recommend Blackberry Muffins, Nutella Pancakes, or these Banana Pancakes With Coconut Flour. For a post-workout pick-me-up, I suggest pairing your smoothie with these Pumpkin Protein Bars or these Quinoa Protein Bars With White Chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup light coconut milk
- 5 Medjool dates pitted and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes plus additional for topping if desired
- 10 large frozen strawberries
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
- Top with additional coconut flakes and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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