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★★★★★43 Comments

Superfood Spirulina Smoothie

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by Lindsay Cotter Posted: June 27, 2021

Dairy-FreeEgg-FreeGluten-FreeGrain-FreeNut-FreeVeganWhole30
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This creamy coconut Spirulina Superfood Smoothie Recipe is made with fresh and simple ingredients for a balanced meal that can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Toss the ingredients in the blender for a healthy breakfast or easy snack that can be taken on-the-go! Paleo and Vegan options.

Close up image of superfood spirulina smoothie garnished with fresh kiwi.

The Prettiest Smoothie You Ever Did See

You guys know I’m all about nourishing recipes that help you look and feel your best, but it never hurts to make them pretty, too. Right? Seriously, if you’re looking for the perfect picture-worthy recipe to add to the Gram, this Spirulina Smoothie is just the thing for you! 

Of course, I’ve made plenty of green smoothies including this Key Lime Pie Smoothie and my Orange and Green Smoothies for Gut Health. However, none of them have Spirulina in them! I know this ingredient can be intimidating, but I promise it’s super easy to add to recipes, especially smoothies. To make the task less daunting, I went ahead and did it for you. You can thank me after you taste how incredibly delicious and, of course, nutritious this superfood smoothie tastes. 

That’s enough chatting, though. We’ve got smoothies to make! 

What is Spirulina?

Before you go adding spirulina into all your favorite recipes, it’s important to understand what it actually is. So, let’s get nerdy for a second. Spirulina is actually a type of cyanobacteria otherwise known as a spiral-shaped algae. Like plants, it produces energy from the sunlight using the process of photosynthesis. 

Close up image of superfood green kiwi smoothie with spirulina

It grows naturally in warm waters and has a blue-green color that contributes to the greenish hue of these waters. However, it is also cultivated and harvested in man-made reservoirs such as those off the coast of Hawaii. Not only is it beautiful, but spirulina is also one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods in the world! Yes, you read the right, but we’ve got more on that later. 

Spirulina Smoothie Ingredients & Their Benefits

Avocado – Avocados are full of healthy fats and rich in vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin K, folate, and vitamin C. They’re also loaded in fiber meaning they help keep you full and regulate your digestive system. 

Did you know? Avocados contain more potassium than bananas!

Overhead image of superfood smoothie with spirulina

Orange – As you probably already know, oranges are loaded with vitamin C. However, they’re also great sources of fiber, thiamine, folate, and antioxidants. As a result, they can help lower your risk of heart disease, prevent kidney stones, and protect against anemia. 

Kiwi – Tiny but mighty, kiwis are full of nutrients like vitamins C, K, E, folate, potassium, and fiber. They can be used to treat asthma, aid in digestion, and boost your immune system just to name a few amazing benefits. 

Ginger – Ginger is a nutrient-dense antioxidant that can prevent nausea, reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis, lower blood sugar, and more! 

Plant-Based Milk – For this Spirulina Smoothie, I recommend using either almond or coconut milk both of which can be used to help reduce inflammation. 

Maple Syrup – Often mistaken for a simple sugar replacement, maple syrup gets a bad wrap. However, while it’s super tasty, it also comes loaded with antioxidants that can fight inflammation, protect against cancer, and boost your immunity among other great benefits. 

Overhead view of superfood smoothie with blue spirulina swirl in two short glasses.

Spirulina – Spirulina is an excellent plant-based source of protein! In fact, a single tablespoon contains 4 grams of protein and contains 8 out of the 10 essential amino acids our bodies need to properly function. Plus, it’s packed with B vitamins, iron, and minerals. As a result, it can help lower LDL Triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, protect against anemia, improve muscle strength, and so much more. I told you it was a superfood! Check out all the incredible health benefits here. 

How to Make a Spirulina Smoothie

Making this superfood smoothie is so easy, you probably don’t even need instructions. All you have to do is place all the ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. However, just because we want you to have the best smoothie-making experience, we’re giving you a few pointers for a super smooth smoothie that looks perfect every time. 

Overhead view of smoothie ingredients in a blender for superfood spirulina smoothie
Overhead image of smoothie ingredients in a blender cup for superfood spirulina smoothie

For example, this recipe calls for 12-15 ounces of almond or coconut milk, but the perfect amount is based on your preferences. If you like to sip your smoothies and prefer them on the thinner side, go ahead and add all 15 ounces. However, if you prefer to make thicker smoothie bowls, stick closer to 12 ounces. 

Also, for even thicker smoothies feel free to add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or chia seeds! To reduce the amount of ingredients needed, you can even opt for a protein powder with spirulina included. Nutrex is my favorite. 

Pro-Tip: If you opt for a thick smoothie bowl, take advantage of the unique colors, and add fun toppings such as coconut flakes, sliced fruit, or crushed nuts! 

Also, if you want to create the pretty green and turquoise swirls as shown in the picture, pour your smoothie into a cup and add a dash of milk. Then, place a fork into the middle of the cup, and swirl it around until you’re satisfied with the colors. Blue, green, and any combination in-between, you’ll end up with a smoothie almost too beautiful to drink – almost! 

Common Spirulina Smoothie Questions

Can You Taste Spirulina in Smoothies?
Mild in flavor, spirulina is virtually tasteless when combined with other flavorful fruits and vegetables in superfood smoothies. 

How much spirulina should I put in smoothies?
Given how nutrient dense spirulina is, a little goes a long way. 1 to 2 teaspoons (3-5 grams) is all you need!

Is spirulina safe for kids to eat?
While this topic may seem controversial, spirulina is completely safe in smaller doses than those used by adults and has incredible health benefits for growing children as it can boost their immune and cardiovascular systems! Just be sure to purchase your spirulina from an ethical source to ensure that it is not contaminated with any chemicals or bacteria. 

What fruits go well with spirulina?
The key to making tasty spirulina smoothies is to add sweet fruits like mangos, bananas, and pineapples. You don’t want blander produce such as berries or melons as your smoothie could end up tasting a bit too earthy. 

Can I make this Spirulina Smoothie ahead of time? 
Feel free to make this smoothie a few hours in advance, and store it in the fridge. Or, if you want to prep your smoothies farther in advance, make smoothie packs by placing your ingredients in Ziploc bags and storing them in the freezer. Then, when you’re ready, place them in the blender with your liquid of choice, and blend away! 

Close up image of superfood green kiwi smoothie with spirulina

More superfood smoothies you’ll love! 

  • Red Vitality Superfood Smoothies
  • Power Green Smoothies
  • Orange Probiotic Immunity Boosting Smoothies
  • Detoxifying Green Smoothie for Healthy Digestion
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Overhead image of superfood smoothie with blue spirulina swirl.

Spirulina Superfood Smoothie {Paleo, Vegan}


★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 smoothies 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

Spirulina Superfood Smoothie is made with fresh and simple ingredients for a balanced meal that can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Toss the ingredients in the blender for a healthy breakfast or easy snack that can be taken on-the-go! Paleo and Vegan options.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 small avocado or half a large avocado (~ 150 grams)
  • 1 small orange or kiwi (peeled, sliced)
  • 1 to 2 strips of fresh ginger root (1 Tablespoon grated)
  • 12 to 15 ounces almond or coconut milk (the less you use, the thicker it is)
  • 1–2 Tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1–2 teaspoons spirulina powder (around 3 – 5 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Optional – pinch of cardamom
  • Optional plant protein powder
  • Optional chia seed or topping of choice

Instructions

  1. Peel your avocado and remove the core. Place in a blender, adding the orange or kiwi, grated ginger, non-dairy milk, maple syrup, spices, and spirulina on top.
  2. Blend until smooth and pour into two glasses.
  3. Optional: Add a dash of coconut milk then place a fork in the middle of the cup to “swirl” together if you want that effect.
  4. Optional – For thicker smoothies and extra protein, add in 1 Tablespoon chia seed or 1 scoop protein powder.

Notes

If you are looking for a protein/spirulina combo, we used Nutrex.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: drinks
  • Method: blend
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 231
  • Sugar: 14.7 g
  • Sodium: 135.4 mg
  • Fat: 11.8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30.4 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 5.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: superfoods, superfood smoothies, spirulina, healthy drinks

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That’s it, ya’ll! It doesn’t get much easier than this Spirulina Smoothie. If you have any more spirulina questions, ask away in the comments below. 

Cheers!

LC

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Categories: Blender, Breakfasts, Dairy-Free, Drinks, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Nut-Free, Nutrition Guides, Snacks and Appetizers, Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30 Tags: coconut, smoothies, spirulina, superfood

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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  1. Diane S

    06/28/2021 at 12:00 PM

    So delicious! I can’t get enough of this!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  2. One Dollar web Hosting

    03/21/2018 at 6:59 AM

    it is so yummy thank you for sharing this information.I want to make this recipe really this is an amazing recipe. I like it

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  3. ludo king

    09/06/2017 at 11:46 PM

    Thank your site! information your share is useful to me!

    Reply
  4. happy room

    07/21/2017 at 10:42 PM

    This GORGEOUS smoothie looks like the perfect healthy refresher! I definitely have to try it!

    Reply
  5. Cassie Autumn Tran

    07/03/2017 at 7:44 PM

    Talk about smoothie BEAUTY! I’ve never owned spirulina, but I have tried it in desserts and smoothies. I actually love it, as long as it’s not overpowering–it just has to be cooked with the right way!

    Reply
  6. Erin @ Erin's Inside Job

    06/20/2017 at 10:29 AM

    Get out w these pictures. I’m mesmerized by them and want to make them my phone lock screen hahaha

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/20/2017 at 3:03 PM

      thanks friend! they were fun to make and drink. Obviously. 😉

      Reply
  7. Agness of Run Agness Run

    06/19/2017 at 7:44 AM

    I will definitely try this smoothie recipe! Such a healthy meal!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/19/2017 at 8:17 AM

      let me know what you think Agness!

      Reply
  8. Casey the College Celiac

    06/17/2017 at 10:45 PM

    I’m always game for another superfood smoothie! I LOVE adding spirulina to my smoothies. Little taste (when you have some sweet fruits anyway) and lots of color and benefits!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/17/2017 at 11:36 PM

      yea!! let me know if you try it Casey!

      Reply
  9. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table

    06/16/2017 at 5:43 PM

    I would have teased you mercilessly if you’d made a mermaid smoothie. LOL! But it does look tasty. I think you should call it the Ariel. 🙂

    I also think I need to get back on the spirulina train. I was taking it for a long time and just never got more when it ran out.

    P.S. I can’t believe you lived next to a spirulina plant!

    Reply
  10. Katie Crenshaw

    06/16/2017 at 4:39 PM

    This healthy smoothie is so pretty with color and sounds absolutely delicious!!!! I am going to make this for breakfast.

    Reply
  11. cookilicious

    06/16/2017 at 3:49 PM

    OMG..that looks delish! Pinned it as well. Love the flavor combos used..very innovative and interesting recipe. Plus..loved your photography!

    Reply
  12. Rae

    06/16/2017 at 2:29 PM

    These look so beautiful! I’ve never been a fan of spirulina, which is too bad because it definitely has it’s health benefits!

    Reply
  13. Mary // Chattavore

    06/16/2017 at 2:13 PM

    Those flavors all sound wonderful, and that green swirl is absolutely gorgeous!

    Reply
  14. Tara

    06/16/2017 at 1:52 PM

    Such a beautiful color! I love the swirls. I have actually not worked with spirulina yet, but definitely need to now.

    Reply
  15. jordan @ dancing for donuts

    06/16/2017 at 10:52 AM

    this smoothie is quite possibly the most beautiful smoothie i’ve ever seen!! i can’t believe how many delicious & healthy ingredients you’ve packed into one glass. i need to start incorporating more ginger into my smoothies for sure. can’t wait to make this!!

    Reply
  16. Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness

    06/16/2017 at 7:11 AM

    I’ve never had spirulina, but leave it up to you to make me want to try! I LOVE the swirl too!

    Reply
  17. Susie @ Suzlyfe

    06/16/2017 at 6:26 AM

    If Zoolander were here, he would be demanding a Merman smoothie 😀

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/16/2017 at 10:09 AM

      haha truth!

      Reply

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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Spirulina Superfood Smoothie Pin
Spirulina Superfood Smoothie Pin