Description
This recipe transforms a simple banana shake into an elegant cafe-quality drink with a vibrant green swirl and sophisticated cardamom pistachio flavor notes. It offers a substantial and healthy start to the day and is fast enough for busy mornings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large frozen ripe banana, sliced (approx. 150g)
- 1 cup oat milk (240ml) or preferred milk
- 1/4 cup plain plant-based yogurt (60ml) or dairy yogurt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (30ml) (optional)
- 1/2 cup roasted unsalted pistachios (50g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (15ml)
- 2 tablespoons oat milk (30ml)
- Pinch sea salt
- 3–4 ice cubes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped roasted unsalted pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Pistachio Swirl: In a food processor, combine the 50g pistachios, cardamom, 15ml maple syrup, and sea salt. Process until fine crumbs form. Slowly drizzle in the 30ml oat milk until a thick, pourable paste forms.
- Reserve Swirl Portion: Transfer about 2 tablespoons of the paste to a small bowl and set aside for garnishing.
- Blend Smoothie Base: In a high-speed blender, combine the frozen banana, 240ml oat milk, plain yogurt, 30ml maple syrup (if using), and ice cubes (if using). Blend on high speed for 60 seconds until completely smooth.
- Assemble Smoothie: Pour the smoothie into a tall glass. Gently drizzle the remaining swirl paste around the inside edge or over the surface. Use a thin skewer or knife to create distinct ribbons; avoid overmixing.
- Garnish and Serve Immediately: Drizzle the reserved swirl paste over the top in an artistic pattern. Sprinkle with finely chopped pistachios and serve while cold.
Notes
For a faster breakfast, prepare the cardamom pistachio swirl up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If the swirl thickens, add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it before serving. Consume the smoothie immediately after blending for optimal texture and nutrient retention.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Drink
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 94g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: smoothie, breakfast, healthy, easy, cardamom, pistachio, banana, vegan, dairy-free, high-protein