Vegan spirulina smoothie bowl

Vegan spirulina smoothie bowl with cucumber, baby spinach, banana, coconut water, chia seeds and berries – creamy, fresh and quick to make.

At a glance

• Serves 2
• Prep time: 10 min
• No cooking needed
• Total time: 10 min
• Calories: 250 kcal per serving
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Carbs: 45 g

Ingredients

• 1/2 cucumber
• 2 handfuls of baby spinach
• 2 frozen bananas
• 100ml cold coconut water
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp spirulina or chlorella powder
• 100 g berries (to top)

Method

You’ll need: blender · mixing bowl

1. Wash the cucumber, baby spinach and berries thoroughly. Roughly chop the cucumber if needed.
2. Put the frozen bananas in a blender with the cucumber, baby spinach, coconut water, chia seeds and spirulina or chlorella powder.
3. Blend everything until the mixture is creamy and smooth. If necessary, adjust the consistency with a little more coconut water.
4. Leave the smoothie bowl to stand briefly so the chia seeds can swell slightly and the texture becomes a little thicker.
5. Give it another quick stir and taste. If you like it milder, use a little less spirulina or chlorella.
6. Spoon into a bowl and serve with the berries.

Good to know

A bowl like this feels light and pleasant without being boring. Creamy, fresh and beautifully coloured – just right for an easy start to the day.

Swaps

Coconut water → unsweetened tinned coconut milk diluted with water (creamier texture, a little more fat). Baby spinach → lamb's lettuce (milder flavour, also green plant compounds). Chia seeds → ground linseed (fibre and omega-3 fatty acids). Spirulina → chlorella (similar nutrients, a little more bitter in flavour).

Allergens

The bowl is low in common allergens, but chia seeds can sit heavily in the stomach for sensitive people; for children, only in small amounts and with a smooth texture, and during pregnancy only use spirulina or chlorella of reliably tested quality.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between spirulina and chlorella in this bowl?

Depending on the product, both provide minerals, pigments and some protein, but they differ in flavour and composition. Spirulina often tastes milder, chlorella a little more bitter; the nutritional values vary a lot with cultivation and processing.

Why do chia seeds work well nutritionally in the bowl?

Chia seeds provide fibre and alpha-linolenic acid, a plant omega-3 fatty acid. They also contain minerals such as magnesium and calcium in small to moderate amounts.

What should I know about raw baby spinach in smoothies?

It's a common smoothie ingredient, especially in moderate amounts. However, baby spinach contains oxalates; if you're prone to kidney stones or react very sensitively, keep an eye on the amount and don't plan large portions every day.

What do the berries add to the bowl?

Berries provide vitamin C, fibre and various polyphenols such as anthocyanins. How much they contain depends heavily on the type of berry, ripeness and storage.

Does coconut water make sense nutritionally, or is it just about taste?

Coconut water mainly brings liquid and some potassium, plus a slightly sweet, fresh flavour. Compared with whole fruit, its nutritional contribution is modest; here it is mainly there for consistency and freshness.

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