Vegan Strawberry Cashew Smoothie {no added sugar}

My vegan strawberry cashew smoothie is a portable, potable breakfast that is equally satisfying, nourishing, and delicious. It is vegan, Paleo, and has no added sugar.

A Nourishing Smoothie, Made with Cashews

Smoothies have come a long way since they first appeared in health magazines. Many included invariable combinations of orange juice, fruit-sweetened yogurt and frozen fruit, while some  “diet” versions included bizarre additions, such as diet fruit drinks, sugar-free pudding mix, and fat-free frozen whipped topping. Eww.

You can find smoothies replete with just about any and every nutritious, blend-able ingredient these days (hurray for innovation!). 

Case in point, cashews. When blended, raw cashews can transform into the creamy base for everything from alfredo sauce to cheese to ice cream. I know, it’s nuts. As an ingredient for creamy smoothies, sans dairy, cashews are ideal. 

Cashew Nutrition

A rich, creamy texture is the mere beginning of the cashew story. These subtly sweet, South American nuts are loaded with nutrition, too. Cashews are:

• A good source of plant protein
• A good source of dietary fier
• Rich in nourishing fats (Omega 23 fatty acids)
• Rich in copper (one of the few foods containing copper, which benefits bone health)
• An excellent source of Zea Xanthin (a powerful antioxidant that protects the eyes)

You definitely want to add a handful to your next smoothie.

Ingredients for Vegan Strawberry Cashew Smoothie

The ingredients in this simple smoothie are few.

• Strawberries (I prefer a thick, frozen smoothie, so I used frozen strawberries, but fresh strawberries can also be used (you can replace the water in the recipe with ice for the same thick, frozen result). 
• Raw cashews
• Chilled nondairy milk (e.g., almond, oat, cashew, coconut)
• Cold water
• Lemon juice (just a little bit, to brighten the flavor of the strawberries)
• Monkfruit sweetener (or the sweetener of your choice) are the only remaining ingredients. The lemon juice is particularly important, instantly brightening the flavor of the berries.

Can I Use Something Other Than Raw Cashews?

Yes! Raw cashews yield especially smooth, creamy results, but other nuts (or seeds) can be used in their place. For example, peanuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, sunflower seeds and hemp hearts are excellent alternatives, too, so use what you have on hand and/or prefer. All are delicious and nutritious.

In a pinch, you can even use roasted, lightly salted nuts, such as cashews and peanuts. The salt enhances the sweetness of the fruit.

How to Make a Strawberry Cashew Smoothie

Sometimes I wonder why I do not post more blender recipes, as they are so much easier to write up in comparison to those for baking (I know the answer; I love to bake). Case in point, this smoothie, the directions for which are:

Place all of the ingredients in a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

Easy-peasy!

Try Using Other Fruits

Just about any other frozen or fresh fruit can be used in place of the strawberries.

Happy sipping!

More Delicious & Nourishing Smoothies to Try:

• Green Detox Smoothie
• Avocado Banana & Pear Smoothie
• Green Pea Citrus Smoothie
• Cantaloupe Strawberry Smoothie (3 ingredients)