This creamy Flaxseed Smoothie is a nutritional powerhouse that tastes like a delicious milkshake while delivering incredible health benefits in every sip. The ground flaxseed adds omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein without overwhelming the flavor, creating a smooth and satisfying drink that keeps you full and energized for hours. Blended with sweet fruits and creamy liquid, the flaxseed becomes completely smooth and undetectable, making this the perfect way to sneak extra nutrition into your day. Whether you need a quick breakfast on the go, a post-workout recovery drink, or an afternoon energy boost, this smoothie delivers both convenience and nourishment. The natural sweetness from fruit means no added sugars are needed, though you can customize the flavor and consistency to suit your preferences perfectly.
Serves: 1-2 people (makes about 16-20 oz)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
Base Smoothie:
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (flax meal)
- 1 medium frozen banana, sliced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup ice cubes (if using fresh fruit)
Optional Boosters:
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for chocolate version)
- 1/4 avocado (for extra creaminess)
- Handful of fresh spinach (you won’t taste it!)
Garnish Options:
- A sprinkle of ground flaxseed
- Fresh berries
- A drizzle of honey
- Coconut flakes
- Chopped nuts
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
If using fresh fruit, make sure your banana is ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness. If your banana isn’t frozen, add extra ice to get the right consistency. Measure out all your ingredients and have them ready to blend.
Start with Liquid
Pour the almond milk into your blender first. This helps the blades move more easily and creates a smoother blend. Add the Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and salt.
Add the Flaxseed
Add the ground flaxseed to the liquid ingredients. This gives the flaxseed time to start absorbing some liquid and helps prevent clumping during blending. Let it sit for about 30 seconds while you prepare the fruit.
Add Fruits and Spices
Add the sliced frozen banana, mixed berries, and ground cinnamon to the blender. If you’re using any of the optional boosters like nut butter, protein powder, or cocoa powder, add them now.
Blend on Low First
Start blending on low speed for about 30 seconds to break up the larger pieces of fruit and distribute the flaxseed evenly. This prevents the mixture from getting stuck or creating air pockets.
Increase Speed and Blend Thoroughly
Increase the blender speed to high and blend for 60-90 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. The flaxseed should be completely incorporated with no visible specks or grittiness. If using a less powerful blender, you may need to blend longer.
Check Consistency
Stop the blender and check the consistency. The smoothie should be thick and creamy but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add more milk a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more frozen fruit or a few ice cubes.
Taste and Adjust
Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness if needed. Remember that frozen fruit can dull sweetness slightly, so you might want to add a bit more honey or maple syrup. You can also adjust the cinnamon or add other spices to taste.
Final Blend
Give the smoothie one final 15-second blend to incorporate any adjustments, then pour immediately into glasses.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Flaxseed Smoothie immediately in tall glasses, garnished with fresh berries and a light sprinkle of ground flaxseed on top. For an extra special presentation, rim the glass with coconut flakes or chopped nuts. This smoothie is perfect for breakfast paired with whole grain toast, as a post-workout drink, or as a healthy afternoon snack.
Storage Tips
This smoothie is best enjoyed immediately while fresh and cold. However, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in a covered container. The mixture will separate, so stir or shake well before drinking. You can also pour the smoothie into popsicle molds for a healthy frozen treat that will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Recipe Notes
Ground flaxseed is essential for this recipe – whole flaxseeds won’t blend properly and can create an unpleasant texture. If you only have whole flaxseeds, grind them in a coffee grinder or high-speed blender before using.
For the smoothest texture, use a high-powered blender. If you have a less powerful blender, let the ground flaxseed soak in the liquid for 5 minutes before blending, and blend for a longer time.
Frozen fruit creates the best texture and eliminates the need for too much ice, which can water down the flavor. If using fresh fruit, freeze your banana ahead of time for better results.
The Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess, but you can substitute with silken tofu for a vegan option, or simply use more milk for a lighter smoothie.
This smoothie is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by using plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey.
If you’re new to flaxseed, start with 1 tablespoon and work your way up to 2 tablespoons to allow your digestive system to adjust to the increased fiber.
The smoothie will thicken as it sits due to the flaxseed absorbing liquid, so drink it promptly or thin with additional liquid as needed.
For meal prep, you can pre-portion all the ingredients except the liquid into freezer bags. When ready to blend, just add the liquid and blend from frozen for an instant smoothie.
