Matcha Swirl Strawberry Banana Smoothies

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This healthy copycat of the Starbucks Cherry Blossom Frappuccino will fuel you up for breakfast or a snack. Enjoy these sweet and creamy Matcha Swirl Strawberry Banana Smoothies.

Matcha Swirl Strawberry Banana Smoothies

Matcha Swirl Strawberry Banana Smoothies - fuel up with this smoothie recipe that's a healthy copycat of the Starbucks Cherry Blossom Frappuccino | cupcakesandkalechips.com

Disclosure: Cabot Creamery Cooperative provided me with a race entry for the Cherry Blossom 10 Milersponsored the Cabot Fit Team and paid for all travel and accommodations for the Middlebury Maple Run. Cabot also provided the products for this giveaway. No other compensation was received, and, as always, all opinions are my own.

It was just over a year ago that I laced up my first pair of real running sneakers and hit the pavement. Well, I attempted to hit the pavement before, and only ended up hitting my couch in pain because I did too much too soon, didn’t stretch and train the right way, and ultimately just gave up. But last year I was chosen to be part of the Cabot Fit Team to run the Beach to Beacon 10K. Yes, this girl who, though fit, could barely run a mile, was committing to running 6.2 of them. I had plenty of reasons why I wanted to push myself outside my comfort zone, but I was still nervous. But even though I Never Thought I’d Be a Runner, I soon realized that the only thing you have to do to be a “runner” is to run – it doesn’t matter if it’s a mile or a marathon. And if you aren’t a runner, it’s cool, but being active some way, some how, is important to be healthy in body and mind. And that’s what #CabotFit is all about.

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In the days leading up to the race, I wasn’t sure if those 6.2 miles would be the last ones I would ever run, or if I would keep going. But I finished my first 10K in under an hour. And guess what? A few days later, I was back at it, building up the mileage over the following months. I even got a treadmill so that I could keep at it through the winter, though I do still struggle with long runs indoors. Running has become part of my regular fitness routine, but for months I was running just to run, which felt great, but I needed a new goal. So I was thrilled to be selected as part of the 2016 Cabot Fit Team, this time running the Middlebury Maple Run Half Marathon.

Yep, I’ll be clocking 13.1 miles in just a few short weeks. Luckily Cabot provided me with the opportunity to do a little tune-up with the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler right nearby in Washington, DC. It was cold and windy (people were holding signs that said, “Run Like the Wind… isn’t blowing sideways), but it was an amazing experience to be part of over 15,000 runners on the tidal basin in our nation’s capital. And I am totally thrilled with my pace of about 10 minutes per mile, especially with the conditions. I ran another 12 miles last week, and have one more long run ahead of me before I taper and rest my legs a bit before the big day! It’s been a journey, but I have learned a lot about my ability to persevere and reach my goals.

What I have also learned through this journey is that I need fuel, and plenty of it. So in honor of my Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (and the fact that the Middlebury Maple Run will be during the height of Apple Blossom Season in Vermont), I created this…

Matcha Swirl Strawberry Banana Smoothies - fuel up with this smoothie recipe that's a healthy copycat of the Starbucks Cherry Blossom Frappuccino | cupcakesandkalechips.com

I’m not sure if this was just a regional thing, but I know in the DC area during Cherry Blossom season, Starbucks was offering the Cherry Blossom Frappuccino. Strangely it has no cherries, but from the description, it was basically a Strawberry Frappuccino with a white chocolate and matcha green tea syrup swirl. I thought I’d make a healthier version of this, perfect for fueling your training, post-run recovery, or just enjoying because it tastes so darn good. A bit of vanilla gives the strawberry smoothie a rich flavor to go along withits creamy texture, and the sweet matcha swirl made with pureed bananas and milk (along with some spinach for good measure) added a little something extra to the berry flavor. I’m not even a green tea fan, but I really loved how it tasted swirled into this smoothie. Plus it’s a natural energy boost to go along with the chia seeds for some omega 3’s.

Matcha Swirl Strawberry Banana Smoothies - fuel up with this smoothie recipe that's a healthy copycat of the Starbucks Cherry Blossom Frappuccino | cupcakesandkalechips.com

After my 12 mile run, I also felt like I needed a little protein boost, so, while this is totally optional, I added a scoop of Cabot Whey Protein Powder. I’m not typically a fan of protein powders, and others have seemed very gritty to me. But Cabot sent me some of their whey protein, and I’m loving it. It doesn’t have any flavor or sugar, and it blends right in, though I think it does add a bit of frothiness. You can find out where to buy it near you or purchase it online on the Cabot website.

 

 

Matcha Swirl Strawberry Banana Smoothies - fuel up with this smoothie recipe that's a healthy copycat of the Starbucks Cherry Blossom Frappuccino | cupcakesandkalechips.com

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Matcha Swirl Strawberry Banana Smoothies

A healthy copycat of the Starbucks Cherry Blossom Frappuccino to fuel you up for breakfast or a snack.
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Ingredients

For the strawberry smoothie:

  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup almond milk or traditional milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds
  • 1 scoop Cabot Whey Protein Powder optional
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries about 8 whole berries
  • 1/2 cup ice cubes more or less depending on desired texture
  • honey sugar, or other sweetener, to taste

For the matcha swirl:

  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 frozen banana cut into chunks
  • 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
  • 1/2 cup almond milk or traditional milk

Instructions

  • Combine the ingredient ingredients for the strawberry smoothie in a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Using about two-thirds of the smoothie mixture, divide between two glasses and set the remaining smoothie aside (in a separate cup if you do not have two blender containers).
  • Combine the ingredients for the matcha swirl in the blender and blend until smoothie.
  • Using about half for each smoothie, pour the matcha swirl mixture down the sides of the glass.
  • Divide the remaining strawberry smoothies between the glasses.
Nutrition Facts
Matcha Swirl Strawberry Banana Smoothies
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 234 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Cholesterol 11mg4%
Sodium 486mg20%
Potassium 644mg18%
Carbohydrates 27g9%
Fiber 6g24%
Sugar 14g16%
Protein 15g30%
Vitamin A 1905IU38%
Vitamin C 76.3mg92%
Calcium 371mg37%
Iron 2.5mg14%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Enjoy this Matcha Swirl Strawberry Banana Smoothies recipe!

Matcha Swirl Strawberry Banana Smoothies - fuel up with this smoothie recipe that's a healthy copycat of the Starbucks Cherry Blossom Frappuccino | cupcakesandkalechips.com

Here are some more “berry good” smoothies…

Chocolate-Covered-Berries-Green-Smoothie-6-title.jpgBlueberry-Peaches-and-Cream-Green-Smoothie-6-title.jpgStrawberry-Cheesecake-Smoothie-Glass-5.jpg

Plus a few from my fellow Cabot Fit Team members…

And since sometimes you just need chocolate, Skinny Chocolate Recovery Shake from Healthy Seasonal Recipes, which also uses Cabot Whey Protein Powder.

Matcha Swirl Strawberry Banana Smoothies - fuel up with this smoothie recipe that's a healthy copycat of the Starbucks Cherry Blossom Frappuccino | cupcakesandkalechips.com

45 Comments
  1. Andrea Troutman

    Because of surgery I can’t run or do zumba or anything like that but I try to walk when the weather is nice.

  2. Annette

    I live in the Deep South, so I can enjoy walking outside most of the year. That’s my favorite way to stay active.

  3. Jordan D.

    I love any and all Group X classes at the gym, and I’m a certified Drums Alive instructor, so that’s how I sneak in my cardio without hopping on a treadmill lol.

  4. Natalie

    One of my friends is a trainer and we workout 3-4 times a week, so I’ve started to really enjoy weight training. Though, to be honest, he’s still mainly the only reason my butt makes it to the gym 😛

  5. Starla B

    That looks delicious! Strawberry banana has always been a favorite of mine. I love to exercise with friends.. whether that be outside, at the gym or at yoga- it’s always better with friends!

  6. Elle M

    My favorite way to stay active is to explore the city by foot and bike to get some fresh air while staying healthy!

  7. I remember tearing up last year watching you finish 🙂 I personally know what it feels like when you realize that you ARE in fact a runner, because you ran… not because you’re a super fast athlete (although you’d pace me ANY day!) I’m so proud for your journey and thrilled that you’re on the CabotFit team again this year!

    And love, love this smoothie!

  8. Carly Williams

    My favorite way to stay active is to go for long walks on the beach. It’s a great workout and it’s so relaxing!

  9. Katie

    I run, lift weights, and take barre classes to stay fit :). We don’t have the cherry blossom frapucchino here in Chicago, so I’m looking forward to tying this copy cat!

  10. That’s awesome that you met your goal, I’m amazed when some one can run that far!
    I’m more of a speed walker lol.
    This looks delicious!

  11. Amanda Flansburg

    Thanks for the great article! I started running the same way (reluctantly, because no one was chasing me!) but now I love it and it’s a part of my family’s healthy active lifestyle.

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