Cinnamon Cauliflower Antioxidant Smoothie

Jul 31

I like to think of smoothies as a bit of a nutritional cheat code.

Whether you’re trying to sneak more vegetables into your morning or simply want the sweet with the healthy, the blender makes it easy. And this week’s recipe hits the spot.

With its cozy blend of cinnamon, vanilla, and maple, this antioxidant smoothie tastes like a creamy apple pie — all while packing fiber, protein, and an array of anti-inflammatory nutrients to support your energy, digestion, and daily detox pathways.

And yes — there’s cauliflower (more on that to come)!

Ingredients

½ chopped apple
½ cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
½ cup Greek yogurt
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp maple syrup
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp flax seed
½ cup cauliflower (riced)
1 scoop of protein powder

What Exactly Do Antioxidants Do?

Antioxidants are compounds that help protect your cells from damage. Every day, our bodies produce free radicals — unstable molecules that can build up as a result of stress, pollution, alcohol, poor diet, or just normal metabolic processes. If too many of these free radicals accumulate over time, they can trigger a state called oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress has been linked to a wide range of health issues, from inflammation and chronic fatigue to premature aging. Antioxidants help neutralize those free radicals, reduce inflammation, and keep your cells functioning optimally.

And the best part? You don’t need fancy supplements to get them. Just by including antioxidant-rich foods like cinnamon, apples, flax, and cauliflower in your meals, you’re giving your body a daily dose of cellular defense.

Cauliflower … in a Smoothie?

It sounds strange at first, but cauliflower might be one of the best smoothie upgrades you’ve never heard about.

Here’s why:

It’s virtually tasteless, but makes your smoothie thick and creamy
It’s high in fiber, which helps balance blood sugar and keep you full longer
It’s rich in vitamin C and glucosinolates, compounds shown to support natural detoxification

And if you’re someone who likes to prep ahead, frozen riced cauliflower is a quick and easy way to bulk up smoothies without relying solely on fruit.

How to Make Riced Cauliflower at Home

Don’t want to buy pre-riced cauliflower? Here’s how to make your own:

Chop a head of cauliflower into small florets.
Pulse in a food processor until it reaches a rice-like consistency.
Optional: Lightly steam and let cool if you prefer a softer texture.
Freeze in individual portions so it’s ready to go.

Pro tip: Riced cauliflower blends better when it’s frozen, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch and keep it stocked.

Smoothie Upgrades & Variations

Want to tweak the flavor or tailor this smoothie to your needs? Try one of these easy upgrades:

Add berries like blueberries or raspberries for an extra antioxidant punch
Swap coconut yogurt for Greek yogurt to make it dairy-free
Try a vanilla or cinnamon plant-based protein powder to enhance the flavor profile
Stir in turmeric or ginger for added anti-inflammatory benefits
Top with chia seeds or hemp hearts for crunch, fiber, and omega-3s

Cauliflower smoothie ingredients in blender

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth!