Creamy Walnut & Banana Smoothie
Prep time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1
Ingredients
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Walnuts: 1/4 cup raw walnut halves (soaked for 10 minutes in warm water for maximum creaminess).
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Banana: 1 large frozen banana (broken into chunks).
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Milk Base: 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or dairy milk.
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Sweetener: 1 pitted Medjool date or 1 teaspoon maple syrup.
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Flavor Boosters: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of ground cinnamon.
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Optional: 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds or chia seeds for extra fiber.
Instructions
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Prep the Walnuts: If you have time, soak the walnuts in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain. This softens the nuts, ensuring your smoothie is silky smooth rather than gritty.
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Combine: Place the frozen banana chunks, soaked walnuts, and milk into a high-speed blender.
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Season: Add the date (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and cinnamon. If you’re using seeds for added nutrition, toss those in now.
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Blend: Start the blender on a low speed to break up the frozen fruit, then increase to high. Blend for 45–60 seconds until the mixture is completely uniform and frothy.
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Adjust Consistency: If the smoothie is too thick, add an extra splash of milk. If you prefer it colder, add a handful of ice cubes and pulse again.
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Serve: Pour into a tall glass. Garnish with a few crushed walnuts or a light dust of cinnamon on top.
Pro Tip: Using a frozen banana is the secret to achieving a thick, milkshake-like texture without needing excess ice, which can water down the rich nutty flavor.