Smoothie Recipes with Almond & Pistachio Butter

It's just a feeling great to create a smoothie that's truly filling and sustained for a long time. Nor a glass of any one of those sweet, watery fruit drinks that will only leave you wanting breakfast by 10 AM — a thick, creamy, protein-glass of something that tastes like dessert but acts like a meal. But that's where the almond butter and pistachio butter comes in.

These two nut butters are not only smoothie buzzwords, but they make for a great addition to your meal. They offer healthy fats, plant-based protein, and super richness that turns down the ordinary blender drink into the truly crave worthy product. These recipes are good to save in your favorites for breakfast on the run or a post-exercise recovery.

Why Almond Butter and Pistachio Butter Belong in Your Smoothies

As it happens, most people take in protein powder and simply leave it at. However, almond butter is an underrated smoothie additive. 2 tablespoons contain ~7 grams of protein, healthy monounsaturated fats, magnesium and vitamin E. Works well with just about any taste. Banana? Perfect. Chocolate? Absolutely. Mixed berries? Surprisingly yes.

However, pistachio butter has a slightly more complex flavor profile, which is almost earthy-sweet. Lower in fat than other nut butters and provides a subtle nuttiness, harmonizing particularly well with vanilla, cardamom and tropical fruits. It also boasts one of the highest protein-to-fat ratio nut butters have, so in the macro-conscious eyes, it's a good option without compromising on tastes. If you haven't used it before, it's definitely an enjoyable surprise.

5 Smoothie Recipes You'll Actually Make Again

1. Classic Almond Butter Banana Smoothie

This one is for a permanent rotation. It is thick, filling and only takes about three mins to prepare.

• 1 frozen banana

• 2 tbsp almond butter

• 1 cup of coffee

• Add to the milk 1 tsp honey or maple syrup.

• A pinch of cinnamon

• Ice (optional)

Blend until smooth. In this case the frozen banana does a lot of the work – you do not need to use yogurt or ice cream. Almond Butter is filling and satisfying and adds body to the meal. It's a principle that is very easy to follow and it really does work.

2. Pistachio Green Smoothie

Beware of the green color - it's not what it's cracked up to be. This is like a dessert.

• 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)

• ½ cup frozen chunks of mango

• 2 tbsp pistachio butter

• 1 cup coconut milk

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Squeeze of lime

The mango adds sweetness and a tropical touch and the pistachio butter adds the subtle nuttiness that ties the whole thing off. The lime adds a freshness to all the flavors. All spinach goes! — you wouldn't see it anywhere.

3. Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Smoothie

Fuel that won't taste like chalk after working out!

• 1 frozen banana

• 2 tbsp almond butter

• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 cup oat milk

•1 tbsp chia seeds

• 1 medjool date (pitted)

The date is sweet and won't cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. Chia seeds adds some thickening and omega 3s. Indulgent yet super healthy, this smoothie is a treat you'll feel good about feeding your body.

4. Pistachio Cardamom Smoothie

This one just a bit higher level. Think chai-meets-smoothie energy.

• Slices is equal to 1 cup frozen mango or peach.

• 2 tbsp pistachio butter

• 2 cups whole milk yogurt

• ¼ tsp ground cardamom

• 1 tsp rose water (optional but special)

• ½ cup ice

Cardamom and Pistachio Butter is a natural match; for good reason, this combination can be found in South Asian desserts. Fragrant, creamy and a bit of a surprise! This is a great breakfast for the weekend morning when you need something more purposeful.

5. Almond Butter Berry Smoothie

The combination of berries and nut butter is an odd pair, until you do it!

• ½ cup frozen blueberries

• ½ cup frozen strawberries

• 2 tbsp almond butter

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

•½ cup milk of choice

•  1 tsp flax seeds

The Greek yogurt brings a tangy creaminess and the almond butter neutralizes a tartness from the berries with a smooth mellow richness. If you think it down, it's thick enough to spoon onto a plate and eat. It has a very high protein content, antioxidants and is truly tasty.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

If the nut butter isn't mixed correctly, it can sometimes lumpy or settle to the bottom of the jar. Here are some suggestions that can help:

·         Pour liquids first – always put your milk/liquid base in the blender first, then the nut butter. This makes for an easy incorporation.

·         Use frozen fruit – makes a thicker consistency without diluting with an excess of ice crystals.

·         Do not leave out the fat — find fat soluble vitamins in fruits and greens will go straight into your bloodstream because almond butter and pistachio butter contain healthy fats.

• Blend in batches — blend liquid and soft ingredients first, then blend in the frozen fruit, and finally the nut butter for a smoother texture.

For the highest quality ingredients, buy premium dry fruits and nut butters from the highest quality in bulk form, ideally with little or no added oils, sugars, or preservatives. The fewer ingredients, the better it tastes and is for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can almond butter be replaced with pistachio butter in any recipes?

Yes, in most cases. Pistachio butter tastes slightly lighter in texture and sweeter than almond butter, making it a better option for smoothies with tropical or mild flavorings. Almond butter works better than other nut butter options for chocolate smoothies.

Q: How much nut butter should I add to a smoothie?

It really depends on your tastebuds. Usually, 1–2 tablespoons are sufficient. Beyond that, a smoothie can get rather thick and heavy. If you can't use nut butters in blends, use one tablespoon when you first begin.

Q: Are these smoothies good for weight loss?

They can be, yes. Almond butter and pistachio butter are both rich in healthy fats and protein, and can help keep you full. Just keep in mind the total calories in each product — they are designed to be filling, helping to replace meals, not fill-ins.

Q: Can I meal prep smoothies with nut butter?

It can be done, you can meal prep smoked. Absolutely. Measure and freeze pre-portions of fruit and nut butter together, and blend fresh in the morning with your drink of choice. Pistachio butter is especially good for freezing.

Q: What's the shelf life of homemade pistachio butter?

Home-made pistachio butter will remain fresh for up to 3 weeks in the fridge which has been properly sealed. A natural separation does not mean it is not normal; only stir before using.