Things are getting a bit seedy around here today. Sunflower seedy that is.
It’s difficult for me to think about sunflower seeds without thinking of Dan throwing back handfuls of them. The guy loves sunflower seeds, and his face glimmers with happiness whenever he grabs a fresh bag. Given their small size and the haphazard swiftness of Dan’s consumption of them, he has a habit of leaving a seeded trail in his wake. After eight years together, I’ve found sunflower seeds in unexpected places, and if I ever misplaced my sweet husband, I’m certain I could locate his whereabouts by following his seed-sprinkled path.
With a few hearty sprinkles of sunflower seeds, this smoothie offers nut-free nuttiness and richness. Frozen bananas lay a creamy foundation, dates add a subtle caramel note, cinnamon offers a pop of warmth, and maca powder pumps up the energy.
Maca is one of my absolute favorite superfoods. It’s packed with mood-balancing vitamins and lends a malt-like flavor to smoothies. One of the first smoothies I ever made with maca was this almond butter maca smoothie and it has remained my go-to breakfast for nearly a year. If you don’t have maca powder on hand, you can omit it but I definitely recommend giving it a try if you have the chance.
Here’s to a new smoothie and a new week. Let’s get after it.
Energizing Sunflower Seed, Cinnnamon & Maca Smoothie
With a few hearty sprinkles of sunflower seeds, this smoothie offers nut-free nuttiness and richness. Frozen bananas create a creamy foundation, dates add subtle caramel notes, cinnamon offers a pop of warmth, and maca powder pumps up the energy. Maca is one of my absolute favorite superfoods. It's packed with mood-balancing vitamins and lends a malt-like flavor to smoothies. One of the first smoothies I ever made with maca was this almond butter maca smoothie and it has remained my go-to breakfast for nearly a year. If you don't have maca powder on hand, you can omit it but I definitely recommend giving it a try if you have the chance.
Ingredients
- 2 frozen bananas
- 3/4 to 1 cup water or plant milk
- 2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds
- 2 medjool dates, pitted
- 1 tablespoon maca powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender, and blend until smooth.
oh i have never thrown sunflower seeds in my smoothie. i love love love this!! xo
This is actually my first time tossing them into a smoothie, but the result is awesome! They add a lovely richness. Thanks so much, Lynsey!
Had to try this this morning. So glad i did; To die for smoothie. a big thank you for sharing your delightful recipes Ashley.
Hi, Desma! I’m so glad you enjoyed the smoothie, and you’re welcome. Thank YOU for sharing your kind words and feedback!
Oh this sounds very satisfying! Is maca a grain or seed. Haven’t ventured in it yet?
Thanks so much! Maca is a root that belongs to the radish family. You can find it in powder form near things like chia seeds, cacao powder, hemp seeds, etc.
Ashley, this smoothie sounds amazing!
Thanks, Marla! I hope you have a chance to try it!
Well this was just about the most delicious breakfast/snack/lunch I could imagine. It was so good. I added some raw cacao powder and chia seeds, left it for a mid-morning snack and it was all nice and thick like puddin’ by the time I feasted. Thanks for sharing this. This will definitely become a staple!
What awesome feedback, Jen! I love the idea of adding cacao powder and chia seeds to lend a chocolaty flavor and thicken it. I have to try that the next time I make it. Thanks for sharing your adjustments and kind words!
How funny! I just posted my go-to everyday smoothie, which is nearly the same as this but with some spinach added in! I use almond butter instead of sunflower seeds and omit the dates (most) days! Too yummy!
That is too funny, Victoria! I’ll have to checkout your go-to. I love the idea of adding spinach and a bit of almond butter. Almond butter + maca go together so well. Yum!
This looks amazing and so healthy! Can’t wait to try this out!
Thanks so much, Naila! I hope you have a chance to give it a try!
Okay, is this smoothie serious?! One of the best things I have ever tasted. Just…WHAT? Oh my gaaawwwwd!!! Love this! Thank you so much for this recipe. I may develop a problem. ;)
Hello. Was eating subflower seeds, deciding what to have for lunch and didn’t want a salad. Took a chance and did a search for a sunflower smoothie and found this. Didn’t freeze bananas because I wanted it right away. Not sure what plant milk is exactly so I used 1/2 c coconut milk and 1/2 c water. Wow, this is seriously delicious and will definitely go on my rotation! So yummy!!! Thank you!