Protein. Always a topic of discussion and concern for those of us eating a plant based diet. When it comes to diet in general, I always advocate for one consisting of MOSTLY whole foods. I say mostly because we all need to indulge every now and then, it keeps us sane right? Some of my indulgences are whole foods based, and some are not. I have yet to be visited by the diet police, so I think you’re safe too 😉 The good news it that I have finally found a way to get in extra protein without added extra ingredients. It’s also super low fat AND low carb. It’s PEA PROTEIN and I am beyond excited about it! This vegan strawberry banana spinach smoothie is the perfect way to start my day and keep me FULL. Read until the end because I have another option for those days you don’t feel fruity, I like to mix it up with my pea protein smoothie!
I have never been much of a protein powder person, but I’ve always shared my favorite ones on the market because I know so many of you use them and if I can help out with finding the good ones, I’m in. But when I found this pea protein from NOW Foods, I was hooked. There is literally one ingredient, PEAS. Pure non-gmo peas. And once I saw that, I was sold. Hook. Line. Sinker. The best is that it is low fat and low carb, not a common find in the whole food protein vegan world. It’s like the unicorn of protein! Peas are also highly bioavailable and earth friendly, they have no major allergens and this protein keeps me full! As soon as I tried it, I was on a mission to make pea protein smoothies like it was nobody’s business. And out came this spring fresh, absolutely delicious, vegan strawberry banana spinach smoothie!
So let’s talk breakfast. Particularly the “omg I have no time to eat so I’ll grab a few nuts or skip it” type of breakfast. NOT okay. I’m talking to myself here too. I have 3 kids and when it’s just me at home trying to get everyone fed, including a diabetic cat, I have found myself putting me last and in a position where I can barely grab a handful of nuts. It starts my day off terribly and I’m off my game all day. Until that is, I found a fabulous little trick to keep me on point. And I’m going to share it with you! I now am able to quickly make a fabulous pea protein smoothie, particularly this vegan strawberry banana spinach smoothie! But don’t despair non fruity fans, read until the end because I have another version for you!
Who remembers this little sneak peek from Instagram? Seven 8-ounce jelly jars. That’s all you need to get yourself in check. One jar for each day. One jar that you fill with all the dry ingredients ahead of time, then quickly and easily dump into a blender with a few more things to get your day started right. For the mostly fruity smoothie, you can also have a set of jars for the freezer to keep all the fruit in. Or just use your set there and keep the dry ingredients to a minimum. The possibilities are endless with this pea protein smoothie! The point is to keep yourself organized with easy access to a quick way to start your day. I have gotten into a rhythm now, throw my smoothie ingredients in and turn the blender on while I get the boys breakfast ready. By the time I serve them I can pour my strawberry banana spinach smoothie into a glass and start drinking as I prep everything else for the day. Worst case scenario, I take it with my on the drive to school! Bam! Day started right.
Scroll on down and check out the recipe for this vegan strawberry banana spinach smoothie, and because I love you, I am including a bonus recipe for a non fruit flavored pea protein smoothie. Switch it up and keep it exciting! Read the notes section in each to give you hints on how to organize the ingredients for super quick mornings. Don’t forget to leave me a comment here, find me on Instagram (tag me at veggiesdontbite AND #veggiesdontbite so I don’t miss it) or on Facebook! I LOVE reading all you have to say, and hearing the spins you put on things. It really makes my day! Love to all of you!!
Sophia DeSantis | Veggies Dont Bite
Yields 1 smoothie
Start your day with this whole foods based pea protein vegan strawberry banana spinach smoothie. Keeps you full, and you'll never guess it's dairy free!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup non dairy milk of choice
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ cup frozen strawberries
- ¼ cup frozen blueberries
- 1 scoop NOW Foods Pea Protein , natural unflavored
- 1 tablespoon mesquite powder
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean powder
- pinch Himalayan pink salt
- 1 Medjool date (if needed for extra sweetness)
- 1 cup non dairy milk of choice
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 scoop NOW Foods Pea Protein , natural unflavored
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon mesquite powder
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground espresso
- 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2-4 Medjool dates depending on the level of sweetness you want
- 15 ice cubes or 1 frozen banana and 5-7 ice cubes
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
Notes
Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothie: The mesquite powder adds a nice flavor, but it’s still good without it. You can add more or less of the fruit to get the flavor you prefer. You can also use vanilla extract if you don’t have vanilla beans or powder. Tips to prep ahead: Put pea protein, mesquite, vanilla bean, salt and date in a jar. Make one for each day of the week. Alternatively you can put banana, strawberries and blueberries in a jar and keep the jars in the freezer. Remove a few minutes before using to allow to thaw a bit. You can also have jars for both frozen and dry ingredients. Baby/toddler food idea: Make as is.
Cacao Vanilla Espresso Smoothie: The mesquite powder adds a nice flavor, but it’s still good without it. You can also use vanilla extract if you don’t have vanilla beans or powder. Using ice cubes makes it more icy where using some banana or even all banana will make it a smoother frothier type smoothie. If you sue banana don’t forget to lower how many dates since you get the sweetness of the banana. Tips to prep ahead: Put pea protein, cacao, mesquite, vanilla bean, espresso, salt, cinnamon and dates in a jar. Make one for each day of the week. Baby/toddler food idea: Make without espresso.
Oh cool! I haven’t seen that pea protein in stores, but now I will keep an eye out.
Becky Striepe recently posted…We are growing garlic, and you can, too!
Thanks Becky!! It’s my favorite and I love that it’s only peas!
What a gorgeous color!!! And I love that the protein powder is ONE ingredient. You don’t find that very often (or ever!). I also love that sound of that mesquite powder..I need that. I think it would be great in brownies too! Yum!
Jenn recently posted…Taco Burger
Thanks Jenn! I know, right?! ONE!!! It’s the best and keeps me full which I need. The mesquite is SO good!!!
I’m considering adding a plant-based protein to my diet now so this post couldn’t be more timely! Thanks for the suggestion.
That’s awesome to hear Christine! I definitely recommend this pea protein. It’s such an easy add. You could put it in oatmeal or even bake with it too. Let me know if you try it!
A fruity smoothie post, yay! Even with the spinach in there, it still came the most beautiful bright purple pink. And the non-fruity version sounds ridiculously coffee-shop good too! I haven’t yet tried any of the one-ingredient protein powders, but I do like the versatility to just sneak them into any smoothie 🙂
Thank you Natalie! The one ingredient is the way to go for me. I love it! I mean, how could you not when all that’s in there is peas?!
Lovely recipe! I’m curious at the combination of flavor 8 in these! I’m not really vegan but there are many recipes that are delicious without animals products too. This is a good example! I’m learning 🙂
Thanks Simon!! So much is naturally plant based or can be easily and deliciously made plant based. Smoothies are one of the easiest! If you want an indulgent smoothie to really blow your mind on vegan smoothies try this one : http://www.veggiesdontbite.com/salted-caramel-cashew-cacao-chunk-smoothie-the-silk-brand/
Looks yummy! Pea protein is new to me. With all these berries sounds great!
Thanks Uma! Pea protein is awesome. Give it a try, you’d love it!
I’m not much of a protein powder fan either and have never gotten into it, but I’ll have to check out this pea protein, especially if it’s ONLY made with peas! Your espresso version sounds awesome…and at least once out of the week I’m scrambling around to grab a handful of nuts before running out the door (this is AFTER my workout which is horrible)…love the glasses btw!
Yep. Only peas! It’s fantastic and the perfect start to my day. It’s SO not good to go without a good breakfast especially with workouts! Thanks so much!
Pea protein is a great source for us plant eaters, and is definitely one that I regularly use. I am loving the look of that espresso smoothie . . . coffee and smoothie and spinach and protein all in one. Best deal!
Thanks Laura! I was so excited to discover this pea protein! I don’t like added ingredients in my every day stuff so it’s perfect for me!
Oh this sounds absolutely DELISH!! I can’t wait to make them! And what pretty cups! Love the photos too 🙂
Thank Mahy! I had to include both recipes since I switch it up to keep it nice and fresh!
Oh my heavens, these smoothies sound amazing! So much more exciting than my banana/chocolate protein powder/ almond butter go-to….thanks for the inspiration and realization that I need to step up my smoothie game!! 🙂
Haha Sarah! Thank you! I love the banana chocolate almond butter too! it’s just nice to mix it up so we don’t get bored!
What gorgeous colour you have in the smoothie! love a good protein smoothie to help fight the mid morning hunger
Thanks Jayne!! Aren’t they the best?!
im always looking for new ways to get more protein in the morning..the idea of pea protein is new to me…and i will have to check it out, esp since it is unflavored
It’s great! I prefer unflavored for sure. Starting my day off like this is a huge help!
Pea protein is my new favorite dairy-free option! I haven’t tried the NOW foods one yet, but like that brand in general – will have to look for it. And that smoothie … needless to say, it looks like a whole lot of yum.
Alisa Fleming recently posted…Matcha Latte Mini Muffins
Isn’t it great?! I was so happy to find it! Thanks Alisa!
LOVE the colour of that smoothie! When I had spinach to smoothies it never looks that good 😀
Aimee / Wallflower Kitchen recently posted…Carrot & Coriander Soup (Vegan)
Ha! Thanks Aimee!! It’s the added berries that help!
Pea protein sound amazing Sophia! I love my hemp one but you really got me excited about yours 😉 And that smoothie looks incredible! Such vibrant color, love it!
Thank you Lucie! I used hemp every day until I found this. I love the hemp but I like that the pea is lower in fat. Then I can add some nut butter for flavor and not be so high on the fat content. I was shocked to find such a simple powder!
What a great smoothie and such a gorgeous colour. Pea protein is such greta stuff!
Thanks Mel! Isn’t pea protein awesome?!
Girl, that Cacao Vanilla Espresso smoothie is calling to me! Also, you are a damn genius with thinking to divide and prep all of the dry ingredients ahead of time. That’s the most tedious part for me!
You can hear it too?! Thank god I’m not the only one who hears their food 😉 YES! Isn’t it SUCH a pain to scoop, spoon, sprinkle a million things every darn morning?! I thought, there HAS to be a better way. Smoothie prep!! I swear it makes my mornings so much better. Just pour some milk, handful of spinach and bam! There ya go.
Your posts always make me laugh, Sophia! Diet police 😉 haha! These two smoothie variations sound SO good!! We don’t use protein powder much anymore, but when we do, I prefer ones that are unsweetened and with very minimal ingredients…but this is by far the simplest option I’ve heard of! I’ll definitely have to keep my eyes out for it. And what an awesome tip about prepping for the week – mornings can be kind of chaotic, so it’s nice to have a way to make life a little easier! <3
Mandy recently posted…Blender Vanilla Cake with Coconut-Raspberry Frosting
Haha! Thank you Mandy! I can’t stand it when people think they are the police. It makes me want to sing the song from Frozen, LET IT GO!!! You would love this powder. It really truly is just peas!! I get it on amazon sometimes too. Check it out! A giant tub for not too bad of a price! And I highly recommend the jars, it makes our mornings so much less hectic!
OMG!!!! Once again you’re cracking me up! But I totally know what you’re talking about…perfect song choice 😉 Awesome, when we get down to the last of what we have, I’m going to have to check this out because out of all the protein bases out there, pea protein is my favorite! Thanks for sharing!
Mandy recently posted…Blender Vanilla Cake with Coconut-Raspberry Frosting
Thanks for always being so awesome!
Pea protein is the best. Alex just told me about a new pea milk product that’s on the market. Can you only imagine what people will think when you tell them that you like pea milk-hahaha! That smoothie looks so good, Sophia. Gorgeous color.
Linda @ Veganosity recently posted…What This Vegan Eats to Train for a Marathon
Totally cracking up. Hi, I’m Sophia and I drink pea milk…HA! Thanks for the laugh and kind words!
Yum yum power to the pea! Legumes rock!
And I feel like a smoothie is never a smoothie unless you add the veggies! (i.e. there must be some greens in there even if you can’t see ’em!)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Friday Finisher 4/29/16
Power to the pea is right! Who knew those little buggers were so great?!
I love the color and no kidding, back when I used to make smoothies each day for breakfast, it was always spinach, strawberries, blueberries and usually some lemon or orange juice so I’m totally cracking up how you made this. It looks SO GOOD. Even though you know I don’t eat much fruit, I LOVE fruity smoothies because they are so darn fresh and delicious. I always used Sprout vanilla protein powder back then. I don’t use them anymore because of yeah, too many sweeteners and don’t feel they are that healthy, so seeing this is only peas is awesome. I have one protein powder they sent me that is ONLY pumpkin seeds, I have yet to try it though. I am however, drooling over the espresso one, which is no shocker to you I’m sure, LOL! I am craving the fruity one now though since it’s been so long since I’ve had one and that color is so pretty. Mine always turn out more reddish purple but I think that’s because I don’t use the banana and I use a ton of blueberries. I love how naturally sweet it makes them!
The Vegan 8 recently posted…Fudgy Vegan Low-Fat Brownies (Gluten-free and Oil-free!)
That’s so funny! It’s a great combo and the flavors work great together. I knew you’d like the espresso one. I only add a touch because I can’t do caffeine but it’s just enough. I probably should go and add a not saying you can add more. The vanilla powder though really adds great flavor with it too!! Thanks for all your kind words always!
Smoothies make such a quick n filling breakfast/any-time meal. Love the combination of strawberry-banana-spinach.
Molly Kumar recently posted…Thin-Crispy Zucchini Fritters Vegan-Glutenfree
Thanks Molly! I so agree!
Wow! That color is just stunning, Sophia! Yummy! 🙂
Vegan Heaven recently posted…Vegan Tiramisu with Strawberries
Thanks Sina!
This would make a brilliant post run smoothie. Pea protein has such a distinctive flavour though, I can only have it occasionally. Stunning photos !
That’s interesting you say that because I don’t taste the pea protein at all in these smoothies. I wonder if some taste stronger than others. I love that it’s low fat and low carb but keeps me so full. I need that with my workouts! Thanks Hedi!
Pea protein is pretty cool! I have it as well and I’m super happy with it 🙂
The banana/strawberry combo is deffo a great base for that powder, cool stuff 🙂
Hauke Fox recently posted…Creamy Asparagus Risotto – Awaken the Italian in You! (Vegetarian, 25 Min)
Thanks Howie! I love it and it’s the perfect base for me and what I need right now!
Love this post! 🙂
Plus LOOK at that color – wow!
Thanks Greg!!
Wow looks thick and creamy, good to know that Now carries pea protein!
Thanks Michelle!!
It should be mandatory to drink this berry smoothie. I mean just look at that color!! Who needs a flower centerpiece this smoothie is crazy gorgeous.
Meg @ Noming thru Life recently posted…Spring Pea & Roasted Radish Risotto
Ha! Thank you so much Meg!! I’d gladly have a smoothie centerpiece! LOL!!