This “shake” is definitely not your ordinary smoothie, but it’s something fun and different to try if you’re feeling adventurous! Tahini, ginger, dates, banana and sneaky greens come together for a sweet, spicy, creamy shake that’s loaded with digestion-boosting lemon and ginger. The banana and date combo adds just the right amount of sweetness and lots of gut-friendly fiber. The warming spices and vanilla add that subtle milkshake-like flavor. If you’re not a tahini fan (it can be a little bitter), easily substitute with almond butter or peanut butter!
Ingredient highlight
Dates! This popular dried fruit has a very sweet, caramel-like flavor and pleasantly chewy texture. They are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and contain small amounts of minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Servings 2 (makes about 3 cups)
Prep Time 5 minutes Ingredients
- ½-1 banana (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup frozen kale or spinach (optional)*
- 1- inch knob ginger
- ¼ cup tahini
- ½ lemon, juiced (~1 tbsp juice)
- 2 pitted dates
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (about ¼ tsp)
- 1-1 ½ cups water**
- 1 scoop unflavored protein powder (optional)
- *Or use ½ cup frozen riced cauliflower. Or steamed, then frozen cauliflower florets. This will make it even creamier, but not green!
- **Use boiling water! It’ll make your smoothie room temp which is easier to digest and who wants a freezing cold smoothie in winter!?
Instructions
- In a high speed blender, add all of the smoothie ingredients, starting with just ½ banana (leave out the protein powder for now, if using). Blend on high until totally smooth.
- Taste the smoothie and add more dates or the rest of the banana to sweeten it up, more lemon to balance the sweetness, and/or more water to thin it out, if needed.
- If using, add protein powder and blend again briefly to combine.
- I like to drink this with chopped walnuts, cacao nibs, and/or granola mixed in for crunch or turn it into overnight oats (see leftovers section).
Items you can prep ahead (optional)
- Make the smoothie!
Substitutions:
- Easily sub peanut or almond butter for the tahini.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Leftovers + Repurposing:
- Give it a stir before drinking. Stir in some granola or raw chopped walnuts for added crunch.
- If you’re making this ahead, you could turn it into overnight oats by stirring about ½ cup rolled oats and 1 tbsp chia seeds into the smoothie.
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