Blood Orange Smoothie With Grapes and Red Quinoa

Blood Orange Smoothie With Grapes and Red Quinoa
Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times
Total Time
5 to 10 minutes
Rating
4(30)
Notes
Read community notes

I had never considered using red grapes in a smoothie until I began working on pairing fruit with grains in this week’s Recipes for Health. Red grapes and red quinoa are a perfect match. I used blood orange juice as the liquid and sweetened it with a bit of pomegranate molasses. As the mixture was whirling in the blender it occurred to me that a small handful of kale would be welcome; it would darken the color slightly and contribute all that kale has to offer without distorting the sweet/tannic flavor of the drink. The second time I made the smoothie I froze the grapes, which is a great idea. Then you won’t have to dilute the flavors with ice.

Featured in: What Else Can We Add to a Smoothie?

  • or to save this recipe.

  • Subscriber benefit: give recipes to anyone
    As a subscriber, you have 10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers. Learn more.
  • Print Options


Advertisement


Ingredients

Yield:1 to 2 servings
  • cup cooked red quinoa
  • 1cup red seedless grapes, preferably frozen (6 ounces)
  • 1cup blood orange juice (or regular orange juice if blood oranges are not available)
  • 1teaspoon pomegranate molasses
  • 2tablespoons soaked cashews
  • Small handful of kale
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

210 calories; 5 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 2 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 40 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 27 grams sugars; 4 grams protein; 8 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Powered by

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place all of the ingredients in the jar of a blender and blend at high speed until smooth. Serve right away.

Ratings

4 out of 5
30 user ratings
Your rating

or to rate this recipe.

Have you cooked this?

or to mark this recipe as cooked.

Private Notes

Leave a Private Note on this recipe and see it here.

Cooking Notes

I make this nutritious smoothie often, and I no longer add the dates mentioned in my first review. Today, I didn't have any cooked quinoa ready, so I used some cooked brown rice. The quinoa is better, but the rice is fine too. Also added 1/2 tablespoon (soaked) chia seed. When blood oranges aren't available, I use regular oj, but today I used 3 peeled tangerines and about 1/8 cup oj--superior! The distinctive tangerine flavor complements the local grapes I froze last fall.

Surprisingly good!

I am usually a fan of recipes from MRS, but this has way too much sugar to be considered a healthy smoothie.

I make this nutritious smoothie often, and I no longer add the dates mentioned in my first review. Today, I didn't have any cooked quinoa ready, so I used some cooked brown rice. The quinoa is better, but the rice is fine too. Also added 1/2 tablespoon (soaked) chia seed. When blood oranges aren't available, I use regular oj, but today I used 3 peeled tangerines and about 1/8 cup oj--superior! The distinctive tangerine flavor complements the local grapes I froze last fall.

Since I prefer a bit more sweetness, I added 2 medjool dates to the mix. What a great sweet-sour taste! No blood oranges to be found, so I used a Valencia, which was fine.

Private notes are only visible to you.

Advertisement

or to save this recipe.