The Unexpected Bite: Avocado & Quinoa Vanilla Protein Shake

 

Scrumptious Avocado Silk Shake

Looking for a meal replacement that actually feels like a meal? This shake combines the silky richness of avocado and full cream milk with the surprising bite of cooked quinoa. It’s high-protein, nutrient-dense, and perfect for when you're tired of pure liquid smoothies.

I have been living the gluten-free cane sugar free life for 10 over years. The only sugar I consume comes from carbs like rice-based noodles, buckwheat based noodles, rice and corn-based pasta. Now that I've got a Vanilla protein milkshake powder, some times I get bored of drinking it with just water or milk so I like to mix things up a little.

It also helps me to finish up some avocado left overs from last night's dinner 😄

Ingredients (for a standard single serve blender, about 600ml):

• 1/2 Cup Oat Milk (for maximum creaminess)

• 1/2 Ripe Avocado, diced

• 1 - 2 Scoops of Vanilla Protein Powder (or any protein powder you have)

• 1/2 Cup Cooked Quinoa (chilled)

• 5 - 7 Ice Cubes (can be replaced with water if you don't have ice on hand)

• Optional: A dash of vanilla extract or a drizzle of honey would help if your protein powder has no flavour of its own. 

This recipe is suitable for vegans. If all you have is full cream, low-fat milk, almond milk or even soy-milk, just use whatever milk you have that suits your dietary needs. I guarantee it will still be really creamy and yummeh! (Of course, coconut milk tops the list!)

Ice cubes are not for everyone! I don't favour ice-cubes in the wee mornings when I feel cold, so I would just use room temperature water to "help" my blender along. Not everyone has a Vitamix!

If your protein powder is not flavoured, I recommend including the optional sweetener/flavour to enhance your shake. Some people have a sweet tooth, so using the vanilla enhances the sweetener.

Sometimes, I end up with unflavoured protein powders, so this is how I enhance my shakes when I run out of Vanilla protein powders. Personally, I use Herbalife's protein shakes as I found them tasty and they usually cover all the nutrients I need in a meal.

Instructions:

1. The Base: Place the avocado, protein powder, milk, and ice in a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth and velvety.

2. The Bite: Pour the mixture into a tall glass.

3. The Finish: Add the cooked quinoa. Use a long spoon to fold it in gently.  (If you added this into the tall glass before pouring the mixture, it will just get mixed up, that's all).

Pro Tip: Don't blend the quinoa! Keeping it whole gives the shake a satisfying texture similar to bubble tea or a smoothie bowl.

Nutritional Highlight:

By using full cream milk and quinoa, this shake delivers roughly 38g of protein  (Depending on your brand of protein powder) and a great boost of calcium and healthy fats to keep you fueled for hours.

---