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:
I’m not a smoothie person in general, but I thought I’d try this. I’m drinking it right now and I LOVE it. I used plain soy milk and just a little squirt of Lite Maple Syrup (I might even omit the syrup next time).
Oh, I’m so glad you like it! I used to not be a smoothie person either, but once I found a few great recipes I loved, I was HOOKED!
I love smoothies and this one sounds deliscious. Thank you for sharing at Share It One MOre Time. Cathy
I am definitely pinning this! Thank you for sharing it on the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!
The whether in Colorado is always changing but lately it’s really been feeling like fall. I just love it. Thanks for the great recipe!
This sounds delicious!
This would be a great breakfast smoothie! I’ll be featuring your recipe at Savoring Saturdays when it goes live at 7pm Friday. Thanks so much for sharing!
Uh, yum! I love oatmeal smoothies. This looks yummy!
I love smoothies and really need a blender! Sadly, no one decided to shell out for the Vitamix that was on our wedding registry this summer. Not that I blame them!
Visiting from The Pin Junkie. =)
I SO wish I could handle oats raw, because this sounds amazing!
Thanks so much for sharing it at Savoring Saturdays, Margaret Anne! I can’t wait to see what you share this weekend… 
mmm… you always have the best treats! Think I might use this as a meal on the go!
Thanks Jessica! I have taken it on the go with me and it’s awesome!
This looks delicious! Pinned! Thanks for sharing your great smoothie recipe with us at Much Ado about Monday this week.
~Emily at Huckleberry Love
Yum, this smoothie sounds super yummy. This has been featured as one of my favourites over at Sweet and Savoury Sunday. Stop by, grab a button and link up again with us this week. Have a great day!
This looks perfect for breakfast on the go! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Hi Margaret Anne,
I love to start my day with a healthy delicious smoothie like this! Thank you for sharing your Skinny Banana Oatmeal Smoothie with us at the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I appreciate it!
I love smoothies too! I have been making banana smoothies but using peanut butter and I think it is time I stop and look for a skinnier version. Will give this a try. Stopping from Foodie Fridays (A cuppa for My thoughts #49)