Spirulina is an up and comer on the healthy food trend charts, yet it’s one of the oldest and most nutritious foods in history. So what exactly is spirulina? Spirulina (sometimes substituted with its close cousin, chlorella) is an aquatic plant which is a type of blue-green algae. It comes in powder and tablet form as a dietary supplement, and ranges between 55-77% in protein content (even one tablespoon contains 4 grams of protein, and low calories!). Chalked full of amino acids and dense concentrated nutrients, it’s also gluten free, dairy and egg free. So how can you incorporate spirulina into your daily diet? Well, you can take it by tablet form, or much more creatively with these fun, colorful recipes!

1. Spirulina-Colada

Pina Coladas are already a refreshing drink of choice for many, but this virgin pina colada recipe hits a high note with its addition of spirulina, making it more health conscious rather than a guilty indulgence. Not to mention, it makes one impressively different-looking drink that will be sure to woo a crowd at your next backyard BBQ. Fire up that blender!

http://eatdrinkpaleo.com.au/paleo-pina-colada-smoothie-with-spirulina/ Photo by: Eat Drink Paleo

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2. Spirulina Chilled Soup

Made in minutes, this soup has a base of avocados, cucumber, coconut yogurt, herbs and spices, and of course – spirulina. So yes, it’s very green! Made simply in a blender, this green soup is served chilled and lasts for days in the fridge. With all those nutrients and good fats, this recipe has spoonful after spoonful of important nutritional benefits.

http://www.juliemorris.net/5-incredible-immunity-boosters/ Photo by: Julie Morris

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3. Spirulina Smoothie

Made with almond milk, a frozen banana, spirulina and mint, this smoothie makes for a protein rich pre or post workout drink, or a protein-packed meal replacement that will keep you going. With spirulina sometimes having an overpowering flavor, many have found that using mint can complement the spirulina, making a delicious smoothie option, in that classic mint green color to boot!

https://blog.nuts.com/detox-smoothie-recipe-vegan/ Photo by: The Nutty Scoop

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4. Spirulina Green Frosting

Looking to healthy up your baked goods? Using the solidified fat off refrigerated coconut milk, sweetened with stevia, and blended with spirulina and vanilla, you can make a frosting suitable for cupcakes and cookies, and brag about how your sweet treats are practically essential to your daily healthy lifestyle! Pure non-guilty pleasure. It’s what dreams are made of!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/267823509066674884/ Photo by: Pinterest

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5. Spirulina & Avocado Dark Chocolate Brownies

These brownies are rich in dark chocolate with healthy fats from avocados and hidden health benefits from our now dear friend, spirulina. This recipe promises to be the chewy, moist version of your comfort dessert favorite. Plus, that dark chocolate hides that tell-all green color, and you might even get away with serving this sneakily without anyone knowing they’re eating healthy. You rebellious little baker you.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/dark-chocolate-avocado-brownies-56389787 Photo by: Epicurious

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6. Spirulina Grasshopper Pie

Grasshopper pie is that smooth minty sweet filling, classically served on a graham crust. This recipe gives a fresh new spin on things as here the filling is made mostly of tofu, almond milk, peppermint extract and spirulina for that minty green delicious color. The crust is made up of coconut oil and ground chocolate cookies. For an added bonus – it’s also a no-bake treat!

https://thevegancookiefairy.com/2014/04/04/lightened-up-grasshopper-pie/ Photo by: The Vegan Cookie Fairy

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7. Lemon Coconut Spirulina Balls

Protein balls are a growing food trend for made at home protein you can take on the go. For those who choose not to have traditional sources of protein (like meat or whey) spirulina is a great alternative. Making a zesty twist on these with coconut and lemon, they’ll be a one pop stop for your protein needs, keeping you fueled and full. With pecans and dates, hemp seeds, spirulina, coconut milk, lemon juice and coconut flakes, these little bites are nothing but nutritious and delicious.

http://anunrefinedvegan.com/2015/03/17/recipe-from-crave-eat-heal-raw-lemon-coconut-spirulina-balls-tart-craving/ Photo by: An Unrefined Vegan

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8. Creamy Spirulina Pistachio Squares

This recipe will have your inner health foodie drooling over the ingredients. A crust made of seeds, dates, cocoa powder and pistachios, with a filling of avocados, cashews, honey, vanilla, nut milk and spirulina, then topped with cacao bits and hulled pistachios. This soft square with a crunch is sure to delight and wow with it’s unique color and health benefits.

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9. Superfood Chia Pudding

This two-tone layered pudding with a chia seed base and an avocado and spirulina top is the perfect overnight breakfast. What’s an overnight breakfast? Well, you can read more about that over here. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and expand to a gelatinous pudding, ready for breakfast the next day. Or if you’re tight on time or anxious to dig in spoon first, it only takes about 30 minutes to set. This superfood concoction is the perfect way to start your day.

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10. Spirulina Guacamole

What better way to hide the green goodness of spirulina than to put it in what’s likely the world’s most popular green dish? Holy guacamole! This popular recipe pairs avocados and spirulina which is fantastic since they both pack some serious nutritional punch. When many people have never experienced avocados outside of guacamole, this is the perfect way to sneak in a little extra nutrition without freaking them out with a “why is this green?” Even the nay-saying anti-green-eating people in your life will dip a chip in this tasty mash up.

http://www.naturallysassy.co.uk/recipes/spirulina-guacomole Photo by: Naturally Sassy