On Monday, Mother Nature decided to be all like “Hey, I know it was 100 degrees yesterday, but I think I’ll make it 53 degrees this morning.” Of course, I went outside Monday morning wearing shorts and a T-shirt thinking I was going to be sweating like crazy, but in reality, I had to go back inside and throw on a big ‘ol sweater just to keep my tiny little arms warm. Yep.
However, today was another blazer and gardening was a little on the NOT FUN side of the spectrum. Sweat pouring down my face, shirt drenched—I won’t go into the details. But at least I was able to whip up this skinny banana oatmeal smoothie (which is totally delicious and refreshing) in less than five minutes when I came inside.
I may be, uh, slightly obsessed with this smoothie. A.K.A. I practically swallowed the glass whole and then proceeded to make a second smoothie. Don’t judge.
This smoothie is like a taste of fall that’s still clinging on to summer. The cinnamon-ginger-nutmeg combo pretty much screams autumn, but how refreshing this smoothie is enough to convince me to make it every season of the year. Every DAY of the year. Wait, I think I took that a little too far. But I think you get my point.
The banana in this recipe acts as a thickener, and obviously a flavorer, but that’s beside the point. Instead of adding ice to the smoothie, which can water it down and make a less-than-desirable smoothie, you add chunks of frozen banana. To make frozen chunks of banana, peel a ripe banana, cut it into 4 pieces (they don’t have to be equal), toss those suckers in a Ziploc bag, and freeze ‘em.
The banana also helps to make this vegan smoothie creamy. Creaminess is a must when it comes to smoothies.
I use my Ninja Mega Kitchen System to make all my smoothies and love it. If I’m making a large batch of smoothies at one time, I’ll use the blender attachment but if I’m just making a smoothie for me, I like to use the single serve blender attachment. One of the best investments I’ve ever made.
I can already tell that this smoothie is going to be making a regular appearance at my house. A few of the kids were doing their studies at the kitchen table that morning and asked for a sip (of the second glass), and they LOVED IT! I wish I had thought to freeze more bananas, because it was a HUGE hit with my family.
This skinny banana oatmeal smoothie is practically liquid gold. Drink up!
Here’s the recipe:
- ¼ cup old-fashioned oats (or quick-cooking oats)
- 1 frozen banana, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)
- 1½ tablespoons organic maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- pinch of nutmeg
- Pour the oats into your blender and blend until finely ground.
- Add in the rest of the ingredients and blend for 1-2 minutes, or until smooth.
Pin it:
Mmmm…Smoothies are my favorite, and this one looks uber delicious! I’ve gotta try out your recipe asap!
This looks soooo yummy. I absolutely adore smoothies. I have pinned this for later
This summer we were all in smoothie mood! This is awesome! Thanks for coming and linking up at The Weekend Social. All posts get pinned in our pinterest board! Please be sure to come back next week starting Thursdays at 9PM EST on culinaryflavors.gr ! I hope to see you there!
Hi Margaret Anne! I’m stopping over from Let’s Get Real today. I am a big fan of smoothies and like to try lots of different ones. My kids love that they can easily make them by themselves if I have the ingredients ready to go for them. I like the spices in this one. I don’t typically think of adding spices to my smoothies so I am eager to try this one.
This sounds delicious. Great combination of flavors.
For once I have all of the ingredients on hand! Thanks so much for this–pinning and making later today
Hope you’re having a great weekend!
#SITSSharefest
This looks amazing! I love smoothies, especially with the Texas heat, and with all of the yummy spices in this it’s sure to be something I love. This would also be a great choice for me if I want a quick and light, but filling, breakfast in the morning. I must freeze some bananas today.
Oh yeah this is for ME. Looks absolutely delicious. Nutmeg can’t be beat!!! Also sounds very filling.
The oatmeal and savory spices definitely make me want to try this. I have all of the ingredients too. YUM!
I make a similar smoothie. I feel like if I have bananas, I have what I need for a smoothie.
Sometimes I add peanut butter to mine for extra protein and flavor. Other times I make it less healthy by adding chocolate syrup.
I love smoothie and this recipes sounds delicious and super nutritious. Will pin. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays.
So glad you linked this up with us at Foodie Fridays! I’ve been wanting to try oatmeal in my smoothies…thanks for the recipe! Pinning!
I clicked on the second link I liked at Mary’s party and it brought me right back to you, Margaret Anne, lol.
I love this smoothie and recently tried oats for the first time in my shakes – fantastic. I use coconut milk but will try almond milk again.
Great photos!
I cant get enough of my Ninia either I seem to make frozen coffees and smoothies everyday since I purchased it. It IS really the best investment anyone who cooks can make!
Smoothie looks awesome and I cannot wait to try it. Thanks for sharing and have a great labor day!
Jess
Wow! This smoothie looks amazing AND filling! Perfect for these upcoming busy school days. Thanks for sharing on Motivation Monday!