Here’s a pink lemonade smoothie recipe with a secret ingredient you wouldn’t expect. Omega-3 fatty acids from algae oil! But not any algae oil. This uses Barlean’s Seriously Delicious Plant-Based Omega-3 Algae Oil*.
You won’t believe the taste! So if you’re looking for other ways to use Barlean’s products or want to try some omega-3 recipes, I hope you give this one a try.
Note: I was generously gifted the Seriously Delicious Plant-Based Omega-3 Pink Lemonade Swirl Algae Oil used in this recipe from Barlean’s. As an Amazon affiliate, I will earn a small commission if your purchase products using the links in this article, at no additional cost to you. My recommendations are based on deep experience with and knowledge of this company and their products, not because of the small commission I may receive.
For purchasing information see see links located within this article or the FAQ section below.
Nutritional Benefits
Cranberries
Berries of all kinds are a wonderful source of antioxidants and phytonutrients. Eating raw cranberries specifically will provide you with fiber, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin E, and manganese (1).
Studies show that the high amounts of polyphenols present in cranberries have benefits to multiple areas of human health, including:
- urinary tract inflammation
- cardiovascular disease
- certain types of cancer
- type 2 diabetes
- metabolic syndrome
- obesity
- tooth decay and periodontitis
- and treating gut conditions (2,3).
There are many forms of cranberries such as fresh cranberries, dried cranberries, cranberry jelly, and cranberry juice cocktail. When looking to add cranberries for their health benefits, it’s best to eat them raw or prepared with minimal added sugar. Sugar is often added to minimize the tartness in cranberries however this also offsets the overall health benefits.
Algae Oil
Algae oil is considered a functional polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) that contains essential omega-3 fatty acids. It is highly nutritious and beneficial to human health.
Some of us may get our omega-3’s from fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc. or fish oil supplements. However, if you are vegan or don’t like the idea of take a pill form of fish oil or enjoy “fish burps”, what option do you have?
Algae of course!
Fatty fish that contain omega-3 DHA and EPA fatty acids don’t make this on their own. They get it from eating algae! This has lead to more research on intake of algae oil in the human diet.
In general, the future of algae oil is looking bright. Research shows that it may be a more favorable source of omega-3 over animal sources. And microalae may also have the potential to synthesize higher amounts of PUFAs when compared to other oil producing resources (4).
As far as the health benefits, omega-3 from algae oil provides much of the same benefits as omega-3’s from fish oil. This includes reducing your risk of atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, certain types of cancer, oxidative stress and other chronic disease (4).
Ingredients Needed
Cranberries– I bought extra bags of cranberries right after Thanksgiving and frozen them for this recipe. You can use frozen or fresh cranberries here.
Lemon Yogurt– I would’ve preferred to make this recipe using a vegan yogurt however I could not find one at the time. So, here I used lemon flavored Oikos brand Greek yogurt. It turned out great with the lemon from the yogurt blending well with the cranberries and pink lemonade algae oil supplement. You could also use a vanilla flavored yogurt.
Banana– half a frozen banana is all you need to add a little extra sweetness. Although you can use a fresh banana in this recipe, I strongly recommend using a frozen banana since it adds a nice creamy texture to the overall consistency of the cranberry lemonade smoothie.
Barlean’s Seriously Delicious Plant-Based Algae Oil– okay, this is the secret ingredient. It’s a great recipe to try this supplement in however if you don’t have any, no worries. The recipe can still be made without it. Just keep in mind that if you skip out on the Pink Lemonade Swirl Algae Oil*, you won’t get any omega-3 fatty acid benefits and you’ll have to use lemon flavored yogurt to get any lemon flavor at all. You’re choice!
Maple Syrup– Help sweeten up the tartness of the cranberries by adding a little pure maple syrup.
Almond Milk– I used unsweetened almond milk in the recipe however you can use any milk of choice you prefer as the liquid base.
How To Make
This cranberry lemonade recipe is as simple as most other smoothie recipes. It’s very “no-fuss” and is ready to drink in less than 5 minutes.
- Gather your ingredients. There are 6 ingredients to this recipe and all together it makes 2 serving.
- Add to blender. After putting all the ingredients in your blender, blend away until smooth. The frozen cranberries will likely increase blending time. After about 1-2 minutes of blending should be perfect.
- Enjoy! Pour into a glass or cup and enjoy this Seriously Delicious Cranberry Lemonade Smoothie. Garnish with a cranberry or two if you like.
FAQ
You can purchase all of the Barlean’s products through the Barlean’s website, the Barlean’s Amazon store*, or try your local health food store.
Yes. The Seriously Delicious Pink Lemonade Swirl Algae Oil is simply a fun and creative way to use this supplement and adds to the lemonade flavor.
Yes! It was my goal to make this recipe vegan however I could not find a lemon flavored vegan yogurt. If you can find one, go for it! Or use a vanilla flavored soy, almond , or coconut milk yogurt. It won’t have as much lemony flavor but it’ll still be delicious and creamy.
Seriously Delicious Cranberry Lemonade Smoothie
Equipment
- 1 blender
Ingredients
- ¼ cup cranberries frozen
- ½ banana frozen
- 1 5.3 oz. carton lemon Greek yogurt I used Oikos brand
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp Barlean's Seriously Delicious Pink Lemonade Swirl Algae Oil
- 1 cup almond milk unsweetened
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and add to blender.
- Blend ingredients until smooth.
- Garnish with lemon slice or cranberries and enjoy!
Notes
- If you do not want to make a special purchase of the Barlean’s supplement, that’s understandable. This recipe will still taste AMAZING and you will get the health benefits of the fruit and Greek yogurt.
- You can use any type of milk or milk alternative of your choosing to thin and help blend the smoothie (try coconut milk or soy milk for other variations).
- You may also try add-ins like ground flaxseed instead of algae oil for some omega-3 benefits!
Share With Me: Did you try this recipe with or without the algae oil? What did you think? Comment below to let me know!
If you’d like to purchase and try this product, click the product link below: (*affiliate link)
Related Articles:
- Getting Omega-3’s With Barlean’s (Product Reviews and Recipes)
- Seriously Delicious Peach Melba Frozen Yogurt
Other smoothie recipes to try:
- Pumpkin Pie Smoothie [Vegan]
- Green Passion Smoothie (COPYCAT)
- (Heart Healthy) Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie Recipe
Feel free to pin this recipe to save and share with others!
Kiran Campbell is a registered dietitian and entrepreneur with 13 years of experience. She has a degree in psychology as well as dietetics. She is also a proud member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ and its Cardiovascular Health and Well-being Dietetics Practice Group among others. Kiran proudly presents and promotes the most up-to-date, science-based nutrition information on all things heart-related. She aims to serve not only individuals with heart disease, but also those wanting to protect against it. Learn more about Kiran by visiting her About Page.