Make this summer shake when you can get your hands on seasonal strawberries for a refreshing, fruity, creamy recovery drink! Cashews give this shake a delicious creamy consistency without adding any dairy. Chia seeds add a boost of protein, anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats, and important minerals for recovery (calcium, iron, magnesium). Beets are packed with compounds and minerals that help with muscle recovery and cardiovascular health. Whirl this up before you head out for your morning run so it’s waiting for you when you get home!
Servings 2
Ingredients
- 2 cups quartered/chopped fresh strawberries*
- ½ steamed beet (optional)**
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup cashews, soaked overnight***
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1-3 tbsp maple syrup (or 2-4 dates)****
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- *Fresh seasonal strawberries are the best if you can find them, but you could also use store bought frozen strawberries (they won’t be as sweet, so you may need to add more sweetener) or substitute with frozen blueberries or raspberries (see substitutions section).
- **Cook your beets however you prefer (bake or steam). I like to steam or bake big batches and freeze them for smoothies
- ***Quick soak your cashews by boiling them in water for 5-10 minutes.
- ****Sweetness will depend on how ripe your fruit is, so adjust to your taste.
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender, add the strawberries, beet (if using), water, soaked cashews, chia seeds, maple syrup or dates, lemon, vanilla, and salt. Blend on high until totally smooth. Taste and add more sweetener, to taste.
How-to steam beets:
- Fill a pot with 2-3-inches of water and place a steamer basket inside. Cut beets into quarters and place in the basket. Cover with a tight fitting lid and bring the water to a rapid simmer. Simmer/steam the beets for about 15-20 minutes, or until easily pierced with a knife. Let the beets cool for a bit, then peel off the skins and trim the ends off.
Items you can prep ahead (optional)
- Quarter/chop 2 cups strawberries
- Steam and freeze beets!
- Soak your ½ cup cashews
Substitutions:
- Use 1 ½ cups frozen raspberries or blueberries in place of the strawberries.
- Substitute soaked seeds or walnuts for the cashews (or do a mix!). Sub some of the seeds with hemp seeds to add some extra protein.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Leftovers + Repurposing:
- Give it a shake before drinking.
- I love stirring granola or chopped walnuts in for some crunch.
- Stir some into a bowl of chia pudding or oatmeal or my favorite Creamy Chia Oats.
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