If you're looking for a fun and nutritious way to get your kids excited about healthy eating, look no further than this delightful Ants on a Log Smoothie! Inspired by the classic snack, this smoothie incorporates celery, peanut butter, dates, soy milk (or almond milk), and ground flaxseeds for a delicious treat packed with vitamins and minerals. Similar to the blueberry peanut butter smoothie, this kid-friendly recipe will surely be a hit with the whole family.
Why Your Kids Will Love This Smoothie
- Fun Presentation: The name "Ants on a Log" will catch their attention and spark their curiosity.
- Sweet and Nutty Flavor: The natural sweetness of the dates, combined with the nutty flavor of the peanut butter, almond milk, and flaxseeds, makes it appealing to young taste buds.
- Smooth Texture: Kids often enjoy smoothies for their creamy texture, and this one is no exception!
Why You'll Love It
- Nutritionally, this is a wonderful smoothie for kids. Children following a whole food plant-based dietary pattern need more fat and protein in their diets. This smoothie checks both boxes while still appealing to their taste buds.
- Celery is high in fiber and a good source of vitamin K, potassium as well as antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and promote heart health. Its high water content, along with natural sodium, aids in hydration and supports digestive health.
- Peanut butter adds a dose of healthy fats and protein, which are essential for muscle repair and maintenance, as well as providing long-lasting energy. Additionally, peanut butter contains magnesium, which is crucial for bone health and muscle function.
- Unsweetened soy milk is a great source of protein and contains essential amino acids.
- Dates are packed with fiber, which aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. They are also rich in potassium, which is vital for heart health and maintaining proper electrolyte balance.
- Together, these ingredients create a delicious and nutritious smoothie that supports overall well-being and provides a balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients.
What's in This Smoothie
- Celery: rich in fiber, antioxidants, and minerals, supports hydration, and adds a crisp, mildly salty, and refreshing taste.
- Homemade date syrup (or pitted dates soaked in hot water): contains fiber, potassium, and other nutrients, and provides natural sweetness for quick energy.
- Peanut butter: adds protein, creaminess, and a rich, nutty flavor.
- Ground flaxseeds: high in omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), fiber, and helps to thicken the smoothie.
- Unsweetened almond milk or soy milk: almond milk is lower in calories, while soy milk is higher in protein (comparable to dairy milk).
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How to Prepare
If you don't have homemade date syrup, soak pitted dates in hot water for at least 5 minutes to soften. Wash and chop the celery stalks into smaller pieces.
Add all ingredients plus ice to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Optional garnish with ground flaxseed.
If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add another teaspoon or two of ground flaxseeds and ice.
Serve immediately, and watch your kids enjoy this nutritious and delicious treat! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container (like a mason jar with a lid) for up to 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, celery is high in water and fiber. It's a good source of Vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants. Peanut Butter provides healthy fats (mostly monounsaturated), plant-based protein, vitamin E, magnesium, and other nutrients that support heart health and energy. Combined, celery and peanut butter make a healthy snack.
No problem. You can substitute the milk with a non-nut base option like soy milk, oat milk, rice milk or hemp milk. You can also swap out the peanut butter for a sunflower seed butter.
Certainly! You can customize this smoothie by adding ingredients like banana for extra creaminess and spinach for added nutrients (it won't affect the taste much).
It's best to enjoy this smoothie fresh to maintain its texture and flavor. However, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time (chop celery, measure out peanut butter and flaxseed) and blend them when ready to serve.
This Ants on a Log Smoothie is not only a creative way to introduce healthy ingredients to kids but also a convenient option for busy mornings or as an afternoon snack. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a family favorite!
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Other Kid-Friendly Recipes to Check Out
Ants on a Log Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 celery stalks chopped into chunks
- ¼ cup simple homemade date syrup or 2 to 3 pitted dates soaked in hot water for at least 5 minutes to soften
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 1 cup soy milk or almond milk
- 1 Tbsp ground flaxseeds
- 1 ½ to 2 cups ice
Instructions
- If you don't have homemade date syrup, soak pitted dates in hot water for at least 5 minutes to soften. Wash and chop the celery stalks into smaller pieces.
- Add all ingredients plus ice to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Optional garnish with ground flaxseed.
- If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add another teaspoon or two of ground flaxseeds and ice.
- Serve immediately, and watch your kids enjoy this nutritious and delicious treat! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container (like a mason jar with a lid) for up to 24 hours.
Notes
EQUIPMENT / SUPPLIES
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Blender
Gigi & Sersie
Simple ingredients, easy to make and very very yummy.