Refreshing Vanilla Fig Smoothie Recipe

To make this refreshing vanilla fig smoothie, you will need dried figs, Greek yogurt, almond milk, vanilla protein powder, fresh figs, fresh ginger, almond butter, cinnamon, maple syrup, slivered almonds, and cinnamon sticks. We use both fresh and dried figs to ensure you really can taste the figs coming through. Combining creamy Greek yogurt and almond milk with vanilla protein powder results in a smooth base, and maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and spice. Finally, topping it off with slivered almonds, fresh figs, and a cinnamon stick completes this nourishing and delicious smoothie.

Once the dried fig is ready, place Greek yogurt, almond milk, vanilla protein powder, 1 fresh fig, the soaked dried fig, grated ginger, almond butter, cinnamon, and maple syrup into a blender.

We have tried making this recipe with only fresh figs, and the result lacked that distinct fig flavor. That's why we got the idea to make this drink with dried figs — but we understand that waiting for them to soak may not be everyone's cup of tea. While the recipe calls for soaking the dried fig for 10 minutes to soften it before adding it to the blender, it is possible to use dried figs without the soaking step if necessary. However, it's important to keep in mind that without soaking, the dried fig will not fully hydrate and soften up in the blender. This could result in small flecks of the dried fruit remaining rather than being completely blended in. Using this method, the dried fig will still provide flavor to the smoothie but may not process as smoothly, making the texture slightly thicker and more grainy. In short, if you're short on time, dried figs can work without pre-soaking, but your smoothie may not be as ... well, smooth.

This smoothie can be made with some advance preparation for convenient, grab-and-go sipping. However, the fridge just won't do — you have to turn to your trusted friend the freezer for preservation. All the ingredients can be measured out and stored together in an airtight freezer bag or container and kept in the freezer until needed. When ready to enjoy the smoothie later, simply remove the bag of frozen ingredients from the freezer and let thaw slightly before blending. The frozen smoothie base will blend up smooth and cold. However, for the best flavor and texture that truly highlights the fresh figs, it's preferable to consume the smoothie immediately after blending all the ingredients together. Over time in storage, especially in the freezer, the delicate, fresh flavors and colors may diminish slightly. But, for a quick breakfast on busy mornings, freezing the smoothie ingredients in advance does allow for easy blending and enjoying later.