If you’ve been around here for a while, you already know that I love having a smoothie for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack. So when I was challenged to “Build a Better Smoothie” using Vega One and Silk as a base, my answer was: challenge accepted!
I experimented with a few different combos but the one I kept coming back to was my Pumpkin Spice Vanilla Smoothie creation. Pumpkin Spice because, you know, it’s that time of year!
When I make my smoothies, I go all out. I pack in everything I can to make them as nutritious and delicious tasting as possible. I always feel the need to add greens (remember my Peach Berry Smoothie Bowl?) to get that extra boost as well as seeds, and loads of bright fruits and veggies…as a result, my ingredient lists are sometimes pretty long. The good thing about adding plant-based Vega One to a smoothie is that it already contains greens, vitamins, minerals, fibre…and so much more. So sticking to a big list of ingredients isn’t necessary when you’re in a rush or when you just want to make a simple smoothie that packs a huge nutritional punch. Vega One has got you covered. Your smoothies can now be quicker to make on those busy school mornings as you settle back into your September routines.
And of course, you need a great-tasting, sugar-free, plant-based milk for your smoothie. Enter Silk. Their unsweetened almond is my pick but they also offer cashew, soy, and coconut milk—all of which would go well in your smoothie creations.
So can we talk about this Pumpkin Spice Vanilla Smoothie for a minute? It’s the perfect drink for this time of year, right? In addition to the Vega One and Silk Almond Milk, it also contains pumpkin puree, warm fall spices, vanilla and if you want to make it sweet, dates! It also contains oats. Wait. What? You’ve never heard of adding oats to a smoothie? You totally can. It’s a thickener and it also keeps you full longer. I usually use a banana to thicken up my smoothies, but I didn’t want to overpower the pumpkin-spice flavour with banana flavour. So oats it is!
The next time you’re in a rush or you just want something nutritious but simple without having to gather a long list of ingredients, blend up a delicious Pumpkin Spice Vanilla Smoothie for breakfast or for an afternoon pick-me-up snack.
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How to Make Yourself a Pumpkin Spice Vanilla Smoothie
- 3/4 cup unsweetened pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 scoop Vega One French Vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups Silk Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 medjool dates, soaked
- Add all ingredients to your blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- The dates can be omitted if you don't prefer your smoothie to be on the sweeter side. If using, soak in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them up before blending. Calorie count includes 2 dates.
- Make your own pumpkin puree so you have some on hand for this smoothie and all your fall pumpkin recipes! Follow this step-by-step to make your own homemade pumpkin puree.
Note: I was not compensated for this post but I was sent Vega One and Silk so I could come up with a simple, delicious smoothie for the #SilkSummerofSmoothies campaign. I hope you like the recipe I came up with! All opinions in this post are my own (as always!)
Nicole says
That looks awesome, Gwen!
Gwen says
Thank you, Nicole! 🙂
chandra says
bookmarking this one to try! i’m a sucker for anything with pumpkin this time of year! and i’m wondering if this would be tasty with a little maple syrup…
Gwen says
Hi Chandra! I’m a sucker for pumpkin recipes too 🙂 And yes, maple syrup for some sweetness would be great too instead of the dates. If you try it, I hope you like it!