Strawberry Chia Seed Smoothie (V+GF): A cool, refreshing and super-thick strawberry smoothie that tastes just like a strawberry fruit popsicle. Vegan and gluten free.
When I was a child, summer school felt like an adult scheme to gather us all in one place while they escaped to do whatever adults do on vacation. Despite that, summer was never ruined as long as there were popsicles—especially the strawberry ones. Those classic strawberry popsicles tasted like pure, concentrated strawberry sweetness: bright, sugary, and somehow exactly like the cartoon version of a strawberry.
Years later, I wanted to recreate that childhood flavor in a healthier, simple recipe. The result is this Strawberry Chia Seed Smoothie: a thick, chilled drink that hits that nostalgic strawberry-popsicle note while remaining vegan and gluten free. It’s easy to make, uses just a few ingredients, and is satisfyingly thick because of the chia gel.
Take a sip and you might be transported back to hot asphalt afternoons, slightly crooked glasses, and sticky popsicle hands. This smoothie captures that same joyful, uncomplicated flavor—so yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to call it “yum-tastic.”
Key features of this Strawberry Chia Seed Smoothie:
- Tastes like a classic strawberry popsicle
- Fast and simple to prepare
- Uses just four main ingredients
- Cool, refreshing, and extra thick
- Vegan and gluten free
- Healthy and naturally sweet
If you try this recipe, take a photo and tag #beamingbaker to share your version.
Strawberry Chia Seed Smoothie (Vegan, Gluten Free)
By Demeter Trieu
Summary: A cool, refreshing and super-thick strawberry smoothie that tastes just like a strawberry fruit popsicle. Vegan and delicious.
Rating: 5 from 9 votes
Servings: 2 smoothies
Prep: 10 mins • Total: 10 mins
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 ½ cups almond milk, divided
- 2 medium bananas, sliced and frozen
- 2 ½ cups frozen strawberries
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the chia seeds with ½ cup of the almond milk. Whisk thoroughly until combined, then cover and refrigerate for about 10 minutes. The mixture will thicken to a gel-like consistency.
- Place the frozen banana slices and the remaining 1 cup of almond milk into a blender. Blend until smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add the frozen strawberries and blend until mostly smooth. The chia gel will help finish the texture.
- Remove the chia mixture from the fridge, whisk it briefly to loosen, then scrape it into the blender with a spatula or spoon. Blend until the smoothie is smooth and creamy.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Notes
– This recipe is adapted from a mango chia seed smoothie; the method is the same, with fruit swapped to strawberries for a classic flavor.
Looking for variations? Swap the almond milk for another plant-based milk, use fresh strawberries if preferred (add ice for chill and thickness), or swap bananas for a bit of mango for a tropical twist.
For a fruity snack pairing, try chewy, portable no-bake oatmeal raisin granola bars—great alongside this smoothie and perfect for on-the-go mornings.
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What was your favorite childhood summer treat? I’d love to hear—leave a comment or share a photo if you try this smoothie.