Strawberry Almond Oat Smoothie

Despite all my efforts to vary my morning eating routine, the only breakfast I really like is fruit and yogurt. These Grab-and-Go Oatmeal Cups are my go-to breakfast most days of the week.

But even creatures of habit need a change every now and then so I started working on a slight variation of my favorite foods and created this Strawberry Oat Smoothie. It has made a strong showing as of late, and I couldn't be happier about it.

Why This Smoothie Makes a Great Breakfast

Here are 10 reasons why it makes the cut for me:

1. It’s quick.
2. It’s easy.
3. It’s healthy.
4. I always have the ingredients in my freezer and pantry.
5. It’s free from added sugar.
6. It’s got my yogurt and fruit requirements.
7. I can drink breakfast in the car.
8. It’s filling.
9. It’s soooo fruity and refreshing.
10. It makes me think of summer and sunny days, even when it’s gray outside.

What Are the Best Oats for Smoothies

Oatmeal makes this smoothie very filling because it contains a lot of fiber (soluble and insoluble), and then there’s the bonus of the minerals in the oats.

Uncooked old-fashioned rolled oats give you the best texture in this smoothie, but if you don’t mind a coarser texture, you could use steel-cut oats. Quick-cooking oats are fine too, but make sure they don’t have any additives. Oats, along with frozen fruit, make this smoothie extra thick, too.

Dairy Vs. Nondairy Smoothies

Since I have no problem with dairy, I make this smoothie with yogurt, but you could substitute almond milk for the yogurt if you want to avoid it.

Add a few drops of lemon or lime juice to replicate the tanginess of the yogurt if your smoothie isn’t tart enough for your taste. You could also use any other non-dairy milk or yogurt interchangeably here.

The Best Way To Sweeten and Flavor Your Smoothie

Everyone has their own particular tastes (mine are pretty simple, don’t judge) which makes smoothies a great breakfast option. Each person can adapt the recipe to suit his or her style.

• A few slices of bananas add sweetness and help create a creamy texture.
• Add a spoonful of honey or agave if you like it extra sweet.
• Start sweet by adding sweetened nut milk or yogurt.
• Boost the flavor with a little pure almond extract — a little goes a long way.
• Add a few drops of vanilla extract.
• Boost the protein power by adding a tablespoon of almond butter.

More Great Smoothie Recipes

• How To Make the Best Detox Smoothie
• Cantaloupe Smoothie
• Berry Banana Smoothie
• Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
• Coffee Smoothie