On paper, putting broccoli in a smoothie sounds like a bad idea. In the glass, it's a different story: frozen banana takes on almost all the texture and much of the flavor, turning what could be a sharp, grassy drink into something thick, almost like dessert. Spinach adds to the color without imposing its taste. Spirulina pushes the green even further and disappears into the overall creaminess instead of announcing itself: this blue-green microalga is one of the most protein-dense foods there is, around 60 to 70% of its dry weight, which explains why a small spoonful is enough. Maca and lucuma remain optional, but they lay down a soft, malty base that pairs well with the banana's sweetness. The technical point comes down to one sentence: everything goes into a powerful blender except the topping, and that's what completely breaks down the broccoli. The result has neither the fiber nor the bite of raw vegetable left. A little pollen sprinkled on top when serving adds crunch and a subtle floral note, in a big, well-chilled glass.
Raw Broccoli, Banana and Spirulina Smoothie
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Ingredients
- 2 frozen bananas
- 1/2 head organic broccoli (florets preferred, but the stems work too)
- 1 handful spinach
- 1 to 2 tablespoons spirulina
- 1 to 2 tablespoons lucuma (optional)
- 1 teaspoon maca powder
- 25 to 35 cl water
- Bee pollen, for topping
Preparation
- Put all the ingredients in a powerful blender, except the pollen.
- Blend until the broccoli is completely broken down and the texture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a big glass, sprinkle with pollen and drink while it's cold.
Tip
Use frozen banana rather than fresh: it's what gives that thick, almost dessert-like body. Fresh banana plus a few ice cubes will do in a pinch, but the texture comes out noticeably more liquid.
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FAQ: your questions about the broccoli-banana smoothie
How do you make a broccoli smoothie?
It comes down to two things: a blender powerful enough to completely break down the fibers, and a fruit that carries the texture. Here, that's two frozen bananas. You put in the raw broccoli, spinach, powders and water on top, and blend until no chunks remain. If your blender struggles, add the water gradually rather than all at once.
What pairs well with broccoli?
Raw and blended into a drink, broccoli calls for sweetness and a bit of acidity. Banana, apple, pear and mango all work very well; lemon or ginger brighten the whole thing up. Green powders like spirulina fit right into the same register. Avoid red fruits, though, as they turn the mix an unappetizing brownish color.
What fruits should you not mix in a smoothie?
There's no nutritional rule against it, but a few combinations give a disappointing result. Red fruits with green vegetables turn brown. Citrus with a lot of banana can make the texture grainy. Melon and watermelon, being very watery, dilute everything else. Stick to two or three fruits maximum per glass.
Can children have spirulina?
Spirulina is a food, not a supplement reserved for adults, and it often finds its way into family smoothies. Start with small amounts, as the taste is quite strong. For any specific question about your child, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
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