This Protein-Packed Recipe Will Convince You to Put Cauliflower in All Your Smoothies

With the exception of kale, cruciferous veggies don't get a ton of smoothie love. And it's easy to see why—I mean, a brussels sprout-and-banana blend sounds more like a dare than a legit breakfast option, right?

But if Instagram's to be believed, kale's getting some competition for its HBIC (head brassica in charge) status, thanks to cauliflower. That's right, your favorite stand-in for rice is finding favor among tons of wellness influencers, who say it makes their blended creations thicker (a plus for bowls) and healthier.

Two of cauliflower's biggest cheerleaders are Karina Dawn and Katrina Scott, the co-creators of online training program-turned-lifestyle brand Tone It Up. In the latest edition of their nutrition plan—which just launched to coincide with their summer fitness challenge—the of-the-moment ingredient's a major player.

Kale's getting some competition for its HBIC (head brassica in charge) status, thanks to cauliflower.

For one thing, it goes with just about any other smoothie ingredient. "If you aren't a fan of banana, it's a great replacement to still get that creamy consistency," Scott says, adding, "You don't even taste the cauliflower!" (It's also lower in sugar, which is never a bad thing.)

And then there's the fact that cauliflower's got nutrients for days. "It's high in vitamin C, which your body needs to help form collagen and keep your skin looking fab," says Dawn. "The high fiber content also helps keep you satisfied longer."

And when you've got as much going on as these two trainers, who are fresh from dropping a protein line at Target and a new activewear collection at Bandier, anything that'll keep you going without a glucose crash is worth adding to the blender.

Here they share their fave cauliflower protein smoothie recipe.

Tone It Up's Berry Cauliflower Smoothie

Yields 1 serving

"We like to get pre-riced frozen cauliflower from the grocery store—it's the easiest to blend and incorporate into your smoothie," says Scott. "You can use fresh as well, but frozen lasts longer and makes your drink nice and cool."

Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop vanilla protein
1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice or chunks
1/2 Tbsp peanut butter
1/2 cup blueberries
1 Tbsp ground chia seeds

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy!

For more fun ways to use cauliflower in the kitchen, try making it into a white chocolate mousse (yes, really!) or swapping it for the bread in your grilled cheese.