Pin It The morning I discovered spirulina changed everything about my breakfast game. I was halfway through making a regular green smoothie when that electric blue powder caught my eye at the back of my pantry. One tablespoon turned my boring morning routine into something that looked like it belonged under the sea. My roommate walked in, stopped dead in her tracks, and asked if I was serving mermaid food for breakfast. That was the day this bowl became a staple in our apartment, and honestly, I have not looked back since.
Last summer, my niece came to stay with me and caught me blending up this teal masterpiece. She stood on her tiptoes watching the blender swirl, absolutely mesmerized by the color. We spent twenty minutes arranging the toppings into what she called mermaid gardens, and she ate the entire bowl without realizing it was actually good for her. Now every time she visits, she asks if we can make magic potion bowls again.
Ingredients
- Frozen banana: This creates the creamy, ice cream like texture that makes smoothie bowls feel indulgent rather than just healthy
- Frozen pineapple and mango: Tropical fruits add natural sweetness and a brightness that cuts through the earthiness of spirulina
- Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps things light while still providing enough liquid to get everything blending smoothly
- Chia seeds: These little powerhouses thicken the mixture and add omega 3s that keep you satisfied for hours
- Plant based vanilla protein powder: Optional but turns this from a snack into a legit meal that will not leave you hungry by 10am
- Spirulina powder: The secret behind that mermaid blue color and a insane boost of nutrients and antioxidants
- Fresh kiwi, blueberries, and dragon fruit: These toppings create that ocean inspired color palette and add pockets of fresh sweetness
- Coconut flakes and hemp seeds: Essential for texture contrast and a bit of healthy fat to round things out
Instructions
- Blend your base:
- Throw the frozen banana, pineapple, mango, almond milk, chia seeds, protein powder if using, and spirulina into a high speed blender. Let it run until everything is completely smooth and thick like soft serve ice cream, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Adjust the texture:
- If the mixture is too thick to blend, add just a splash more almond milk, but keep it thick enough that a spoon can stand up in it. The consistency should be somewhere between a smoothie and ice cream.
- Pour and prep:
- Divide the teal mixture between two bowls, using the back of a spoon to smooth the tops into a canvas. Work quickly because the frozen base will start to melt and lose its perfect texture.
- Create your masterpiece:
- Arrange the kiwi, blueberries, dragon fruit, coconut flakes, and hemp seeds on top in whatever pattern makes you happy. I like to do stripes or sections that resemble ocean waves and coral reefs.
- Finish with flair:
- Top with edible flowers if you are feeling fancy, then grab a spoon and dig in immediately. This bowl waits for no one.
Pin It This bowl has become my go to when I need to feel like I am treating myself, even on hectic weekdays. There is something about eating something this beautiful that shifts my whole mindset before the day really begins. My roommate still asks for mermaid breakfast whenever she has a rough morning, and honestly, it works every time.
Making It Your Own
After making this bowl countless times, I have learned that the toppings are where you can really get creative. Sometimes I swap in granola for extra crunch, especially on days when I know I will not have time for a midmorning snack. The base stays the same, but the toppings can reflect whatever you are craving or have on hand.
Color Variations
Blue spirulina creates that vibrant teal color without any grassy flavor, but regular green spirulina works perfectly fine too. If you want a greener hue, throw in a handful of baby spinach, and I promise you will not taste it over the tropical fruit. I have even experimented with a tiny pinch of beet powder for purple undertones that make the bowl look even more like an underwater scene.
Storage And Timing
The truth is, smoothie bowls are best eaten immediately because the texture changes as they sit. I have tried meal prepping them by freezing the blended base in ice cube trays, then blending again in the morning, which actually works surprisingly well. If you go this route, add your toppings right before serving so they do not get soggy or lose their fresh crunch.
- Prep all your toppings the night before and store them in separate containers
- Keep your frozen fruits organized in the freezer so you can just grab and blend
- Invest in a good blender if you plan to make these regularly, it makes a huge difference
Pin It Every time I make this bowl, I am reminded that healthy food does not have to be boring or sad. This is breakfast that nourishes your body and feeds your imagination at the same time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives this smoothie bowl its blue color?
The signature mermaid-blue color comes from spirulina powder, a nutrient-dense blue-green algae. Blue spirulina can be added for extra vibrancy without changing the flavor profile. Both varieties are packed with antioxidants and essential minerals.
- → Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
For best results, blend and serve immediately. The smoothie base can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator, though the texture may thicken. Add a splash of almond milk and stir before topping and serving.
- → Is this filling enough for breakfast?
Absolutely. The combination of frozen fruits provides complex carbohydrates, while chia seeds, hemp seeds, and optional protein powder deliver protein and healthy fats. This nutrient balance promotes satiety and sustained energy throughout the morning.
- → What can I substitute for spirulina?
If spirulina is unavailable, you can omit it entirely for a yellow-orange tropical bowl. Alternatively, a handful of baby spinach creates a green hue, or matcha powder adds an earthy green color with caffeine. The flavor profile will change slightly with substitutions.
- → How do I achieve the thick, ice cream-like texture?
Using completely frozen fruit is essential. Avoid adding too much liquid—start with 1/2 cup almond milk and only increase if your blender struggles. Blend on high speed, stopping to scrape down sides as needed, until completely smooth and thick enough to hold toppings without sinking.
- → Can I use different toppings?
Certainly. Sliced strawberries, sliced bananas, granola, cacao nibs, or nut butter drizzles work beautifully. The key is balancing textures—something creamy, something crunchy, and something fresh creates the most satisfying experience.