We love smoothies for after school snacks, and we love them for a quick morning breakfast. I would say especially in the mornings, When we’re feeling rushed, or have a morning time crunch, smoothies are our fastest breakfast. Partly because in general, I’m not big on measuring smoothie ingredients. I tend to throw in whatever’s in the freezer or fridge and adjust proportions as I go. When I’m deciding what should go in the smoothie, the rainbow is my general guideline. If I can fit in red, orange, yellow, green, and blue/purple ingredients, that’s terrific. And when I can, I call it a Rainbow Smoothie.
Today I’ve got two Rainbow Smoothie variations for you. I asked my kids to describe the difference, and they said one is creamy, and one is refreshing — and that they loved them both! Each includes wholegrain oats. They make the smoothies more filling, so that it really feels like breakfast in a cup.
The Power of Rainbow Smoothies
When I’m deciding what should go in the smoothie, the rainbow is my general guideline. If I can fit in red, orange, yellow, green, and blue/purple ingredients, that’s terrific. The rainbow smoothie is not just a visual delight, but it also offers a range of health benefits. Each color of the rainbow provides a unique set of nutrients and antioxidants that work together to keep you healthy and energized.
Importance of Measuring Ingredients
I did measure these smoothies so that I could give you a good starting point, and then you can add more or less amounts of ingredients as you see fit. Measuring your ingredients can help you achieve the desired consistency and taste. It’s also a great way to ensure that you’re getting the right balance of nutrients in your smoothie.
Rainbow Smoothie Variations
Here are two delicious and unique variations of Rainbow Smoothies:
#1 Refreshing Rainbow Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 5 large frozen strawberries
- 1 persimmon, cut into chunks or wedges
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple (or about an equal amount as the persimmon)
- a handful of spinach
- 1/3 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 cup water
Throw everything in the blender and mix it up till smooth. You can add more or less liquid if you want the smoothie to be thicker or thinner.
#2 Creamy Rainbow Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 5 large frozen strawberries
- 1 wedge of cantaloupe (about the same amount as one banana)
- 1 frozen peeled banana
- a handful of spinach
- 1/3 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 cup milk
Once again, add everything to the blender and mix it up till smooth, adjusting the quantity of milk as you prefer.
The Benefits of Adding Oats to Your Smoothie
Adding wholegrain oats to your smoothie makes it more filling, so that it really feels like breakfast in a cup. Oats are a great source of fiber, which can help keep you full and satisfied for longer. They also provide a creamy texture to your smoothie, making it even more enjoyable to drink.
Preparing Ahead of Time
I think the thing that makes smoothies so fast for us on busy mornings is that we have prepped ingredients in the freezer. Sometimes I buy bags of frozen fruit, other times, if I can see our fresh fruit is about to turn and we won’t have time to eat it, I’ll rinse and prep it for the freezer. When I’m really on the ball, prep Smoothie Packets in freezer bags. I combine all the ingredients in one bag — even things I don’t normally freeze, like the oats — and then stack them flat in the freezer. Which means I can simply empty the contents of the bag into the blender in the morning super quick.
Tips and Variations
- Do yourself a favor and prep ahead by freezing your ingredients. It’ll save you time and make your smoothie-making process a breeze.
- Experiment with different combinations of fruits and vegetables to create your own unique Rainbow Smoothie variations.
- Add a handful of spinach or kale to your smoothie for an extra nutritional boost.
- Use different types of milk or yogurt to change the flavor and texture of your smoothie.
Conclusion
Rainbow Smoothies with oats are a quick, delicious, and nutritious breakfast option that’s perfect for busy mornings. With two variations to choose from, you can satisfy your taste buds and get the nutrients you need to start your day off right. So go ahead, give these recipes a try, and let me know in the comments: Are you a smoothie drinker, too? What do you like to add to yours? Any favorite go-to ingredients? And how often do you make them?
