What’s your favorite frozen summer dessert recipe? As temperatures rise, so can your desire for an icy treat to cool off with. There are many recipes to choose from, but here are a few healthy, delicious, and vegan-friendly options.
Smoothies
Smoothies are a go-to. They’re simple, quick, and nourishing. A detoxing recipe includes 1 frozen banana, ½ cup frozen strawberries, ½ cup pineapple, ½ cup frozen mango, 1 cup coconut water, and 1 lemon. Pineapples are packed with antioxidants and nutrients, while mangoes are known for their hair, eye, and skin improvements, immune system boosting qualities, and blood sugar regulation. Full of electrolytes, coconut water is great for re-hydrating the body, maintaining heart health, and controlling hypertension, among other benefits. A green smoothie recipe uses 1 banana, a handful of spinach and blueberries, 250 ml of unsweetened almond milk, 1 tbsp ground flaxseed, 1 tbsp almond or peanut butter, 1 tbsp maca powder, 1 medjool date, and a pinch of cinnamon. This healthy smoothie is loaded with vitamins and nutrients to aid in improving eyesight, bone and muscle health, balancing hormones, strengthening learning and memory, and boosting your metabolism. Top it off with eco straws to help the earth as you care for your body.
Milkshakes
When was the last time you indulged in a milkshake? Here are a couple secretly healthy recipes to try. The first is a classic strawberry milkshake. The ingredients are easy yet delicious: 4 cups frozen strawberries, 1 cup yogurt of your choice, ½ cup coconut cream, ¼ cup raw honey or maple syrup, ¼ cup cherry juice, and ½ tsp vanilla extract. Freeze the milkshake for a few hours after blending for optimal thickness. This milkshake is packed with probiotics, energy, and hydration which aims to boost the immune system, aid in weight loss, maintain bone and muscle strength, balance “good” bacteria in your digestive system, and improve your sleep quality. Another milkshake recipe includes 1 banana, ¼ avocado, 1 can of coconut milk, 1 ½ cups ice, ¼ cup maple syrup, ¼ tsp mint extract, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and fresh mint for extra taste and garnish. This milkshake packs a punch, ensuring a nutrient-rich way to improve cognitive function, regulate digestion, reduce stress, headaches, nausea, and build lean muscle.
Bubble Tea
Bubble, or boba, tea originated in the 1980s in Taiwan and is typically made with a tea base, fruit or milk, and tapioca pearls. One recipe uses 8 bags of black tea, 4 cups of hot water, a milk of your choice to serve with, ¾ cup tapioca pearls, and simple syrup to top. To begin, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil then steep the tea until the water is completely cooled. Combine ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves to create the simple syrup. Allow to cool completely. Next, boil another 4 cups of water before adding the tapioca pearls. Once they’ve all popped to the top of the water, cook for 5 more minutes. Rinse with water after they’ve reached suitable softness. When you’re ready to put the drinks together, start with the tapioca pearls. Line the bottoms of your glasses with them before adding ice cubes. Then pour your strained tea followed by 1 ½ tbsp milk and ½ tbsp of simple syrup to each glass. Add more to taste and enjoy your tasty homemade boba tea.
Whichever delicious frozen summer drink you choose to recreate, you’re sure to find one that hits the spot. These recipes are packed with delicious flavors and hidden nutrients to help cool you off this summer.
