They’re also great if you like to get creative and play mad scientist in the kitchen.
Here, I get some fellow dietitians to share their favorite strange-but-seriously-delish smoothie ingredients.
First, decide if it’s a snack or a meal.
Another thing to keep in mind is that portions count.
Be mindful not to go overboard on fruit.
Choose just a few to focus on or use smaller servings if you want variety.
Cauliflower
My personal favorite weird-is-good smoothie ingredient is frozen cauliflower.
The cauliflower actually lends a creamy consistency without any of that funky cauliflower taste.
Because it’s white, it doesn’t impact the color, which is great for vegetable skeptics.
Cauliflower is a bona fide superfood with tons of antioxidants, B-vitamins, potassium, and fiber.
ThisBlueberry Cauliflower Smoothiefrom dietitian Lindsay Livingston ofThe Lean Green Beanis a delicious way to get your fix.
Beets
Beets have a mildly earthy sweet taste that blends really well with other flavors.
They’re also an antioxidant powerhouse.
They’ve been touted for theiranti-inflammatory benefitsthanks to betalain, the pigment that gives beets their bright red color.
Looking for a handy shortcut?
Buy them pre-cookedfresh and frozen varieties are both available.
Dietitian Gabrielle Vetere ofMacrobalancedloves beets in her smoothies.
This protein-rich recipe from Vetere pairs beets with cherries, another antioxidant powerhouseperfect for a post-workout meal!
Butternut squash and kabocha squash provide similar benefits.
Use cooked, canned, or even frozen.
Citrus peels
Yes, way.
Dietitian Michelle Loy ofGo Wellnesstosses citrus peels into her blender.
Just be sure to wash well before tossing in there.
Plus, it makes smoothies really creamyalmost like a milkshake consistency."
In this recipe, Harrington combines avocado with tropical fruits for a delicious treat.
Don’t want to hang your smoothie plans on the pace at which an avocado decides to ripen?
Play around with throwing cooked quinoa, sorghum, millet, and other grains into the blender.
DietitianShannon A. GarciaofKISS in the Kitchenis all about turmeric.
“It gives a gorgeous color while also providing some extra nutrition and unique flavor.
In this recipe, Garcia pairs turmeric with mango and citrus for a satisfying flavor boost.
Cayenne
Cayenne is another savory spice that’s great in smoothies.
Aside from boasting a range of potential health benefits, it adds a delicious contrast to sweet smoothie ingredients.
Why not pair it with cacao for a flavor boost with an extra kick?
It also can increase blood flow, which is helpful for recovery post workout.”
Try hersweet and spicy smoothie recipeto add a little zing to your day.
Silken tofu
For a vegan protein option that’s not a powder, try silken tofu.
A half-cup serving (about a quarter of a block) provides ten grams of protein.
Cut it into cubes first for easy blending.
They also lend a smooth, creamy texture.
you’re able to use boiled, roasted, or steamed.
Dietitian Sharon Palmer tosses them into thisnutrient-rich smoothiefor a delicious boost.
This seriously delish ground sesame paste makes a wonderful addition to sweet and savory foods alike.
It’s also a great nut-butter alternative for allergy sufferers.
It’s also rich in healthy monounsaturated fats that keep you satiated longer."
HerPistachio Tahini Protein Smoothieelevates your post-workout sip to a full-on experience.
Egg whites
Not into protein powder to add a boost to your smoothies?
Give egg whites a try.
Each three-tablespoon serving provides five grams of protein and about 25 calories.
New Jersey dietitian Mandy Enright, creator of the couples nutrition blogNutrition Nuptialsis a fan.
Thisblueberry muffin-inspired smoothiewill turn you into a believer.
I typically pair it with frozen banana, milk, and vanilla bean."
Thisdelicious recipeis perfect as a quick and easy breakfast or satisfying afternoon snack.
Registered Dietitian Lauren Harris-Pincus ofNutritionStarringYOU.comand author ofThe Protein-Packed Breakfast Club, recommends cottage cheese.
“I add cottage cheese to my smoothies for a great boost of protein.
Once it’s blended, you’re left with a delicious creamy texture.
Try her game-changingPB & J Smoothie Bowl.
Ricotta
Another overlooked protein option is ricotta cheese.
Dietitian Lindsey Janeiro ofNutrition to Fitloves ricotta in smoothies.
HerWild Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Smoothiemay taste like dessert, but it makes the perfectly satisfying breakfast or snack.
Dry milk powder
Whey and other protein powders can get expensive.
A 1/3-cup serving provides eight grams of protein, about the same amount in an eight-ounce glass of milk.
They also boast eight grams of fiber and nine grams of protein per half-cup serving.
Next time you make a pot, stash some in the freezeror use pre-cooked lentils.
Stewart says, “Frozen lentils are a delicious plant-based way to add protein and fiber to a smoothie.
They’re pretty mild tasting, so no one will guess they’re in there.”
Try herGinger Peach Mango Lassiand see for yourself.
“[It] has ten times the antioxidants of other green tea,” she says.
Try her Superfood Smoothie Bowl to start your morning off right.
Iced coffee
Think beyond the almond milk and try cold brew as your liquid smoothie base.
In a pinch, you might also brew a pot of coffee and let it chill in the fridge.
Feel free to customize by adding your favorite protein to give it more staying powder.
Don’t be afraid to try new things
Have fun trying new things.
Afraid you’ll hate it?
You never know, though, you might just find a new favorite.
