9 Ridiculously Easy Recipes You Can Make in Your Blender
Beyond smoothies and the occasional margarita, we rarely use our blenders. But don't let this kitchen appliance collect dust! Did you know that you can use your blender to make entire meals and desserts -- all while saving time?
Overview
Beyond smoothies and the occasional margarita, we rarely use our blenders. But don't let this kitchen appliance collect dust! Did you know that you can use your blender to make entire meals and desserts -- all while saving time? From mini tart crusts to ice cream, check out our nine delicious recipes that you can make in a blender.
1. Super Seed Nut Butter
Sure, OG peanut butter is great and all, but super seed nut butter is next level. Why enjoy the taste and health benefits of just one nut when you can enjoy three or four? Here, cashews, walnuts and almonds are combined with chia and flaxseed to give a more complex and delicious nutty flavor. There's no need for the added sugar or oils you find in some products on the market; you can simply add salt to taste. And once you get a taste of this homemade nut butter, you'll never go back to the store-bought stuff.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Super Seed Nut Butter
2. Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie
This mint chocolate chip smoothie is out-of-this-world refreshing. It's green and healthy, but seriously delicious -- you'll swear it's dessert. The recipe combines a frozen banana, chocolate protein powder, spinach, almond milk and the two true stars of the show: cacao nibs and fresh mint leaves. Cacao nibs can help boost heart health, while mint leaves help promote digestion.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie
3. Almond Nut Milk
Why buy almond milk at the store when you can easily make your own? All you need is a fine mesh cloth or strainer (and your blender, of course). You can get creative with how you flavor your milk; here we use a touch of maple syrup, vanilla bean and cinnamon. Add the milk to your coffee or cereal, or just drink it straight!
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Almond Nut Milk
4. Hearty Gazpacho Bowl
There's something super refreshing about a bowl of chilled gazpacho. Here we've taken it to the next level by adding chickpeas, corn and avocado; it's a dish that's fit for an entree. The combination of complex carbs, protein, fiber and healthy fats gives this once-simple appetizer true staying power. And feel free to turn up the heat by adding more pepper.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Hearty Gazpacho Bowl
5. Raw Mini Tart Crust
The base of this tart -- pecans, almonds, sunflower seeds and dates -- can be paired with different fillings like key lime, coconut cream and chocolate. They're so easy to make and don't require any baking -- perfect for those who are strapped for time. The crusts are so tasty that you might even be tempted to enjoy them without any filling.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Raw Mini Tart Crust
6. Vegan Pesto
This parm-free pesto makes for a great vegan-friendly sauce. It also swaps out pine nuts in favor of pistachios. Pistachios are packed with nutrients and are unique from other nuts in that they have lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients important for keeping your peepers healthy. You can use the pesto as a bread dip, salad dressing or pasta sauce. No matter how you use it, it'll elevate any dish.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Vegan Pesto
7. Protein Blended Coffee
Coffee shops have nothing on this homemade blended coffee. Combining protein powder, frozen banana, espresso and nondairy milk, this frap is just the thing for getting your morning started right. We're talking about efficiency right here: breakfast plus caffeine fix in one. You won't even know what to do with all of that extra time in the morning (although a few extra minutes of sleep sound pretty good!).
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Protein Blended Coffee
8. Strawberry-Basil Ice Cream
Making your own ice cream has never been easier. And the best part is you get to control which ingredients are added. Here, frozen strawberries (you can also use fresh) are combined with coconut milk, honey, vanilla and basil. That's it! Basil leaves are rich in essential vitamins -- including vitamins A and K. Plus, they add a uniquely fragrant flavor to your ice cream.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Strawberry Basil Ice Cream
9. Lime-Cilantro Dressing
Sure, you can buy bottled dressing from the store, but why would you when homemade dressing is so much better? By mixing different oils and vinegars, you can customize your dressing for whatever you're making. We've combined lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, white vinegar, honey, salt to taste and a little jalapeno for an extra kick. It pairs well with poultry, a taco salad or even oven-cooked vegetables.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Lime-Cilantro Dressing
What Do YOU Think?
What do you make with your blender? What are your favorite blender recipes? Which of these recipes are you interested in making? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
Related: 9 Out-of-the-Ordinary Breakfast Smoothies