It’s smoothie season! Each spring, my Pinterest boards and social feeds are awash with pictures and recipes of gorgeous smoothies, stuffed with fruits, protein powders and even the leafy green stuff, if you’re into it. It always made me wish I had a blender… and then wish I had a better blender. When Red was born, I wish my blender and food processor were better built for smoother textures and bigger batches. Everything was working okay, I just was always wishing for something beefier, even if I didn’t know what it was at the time.
Now that #2 is coming in July, I count myself lucky to have been able to try a Ninja blender. It’s going to make my life so much easier, and even now in my maternity stage, I’m using it everyday (and Chase is using it, too.). Ninja Kitchens was nice enough to send me a Ninja Blender DUO system, and I’ve already discovered so much that I like about it.
1. The Ninja DUO Nutri Cups
The Ninja DUO Blender not only comes with killer-huge blender pitcher, but also three differently sized “Nutri cups” with flip top lids and a mini blade that screws on and attaches to the blender base. This has to be my favorite part of the entire system because I can create a single serve drink and turn it into my cup and cup. Boom.
2. The Auto-iQ™ Buttons
This part of the Ninja DUO system was a surprise to me. I had no idea this tech even existed, but I’m very happy it does! There are several buttons on the front of the blender base that feature “Auto-iQ™.” That means you can press a button and be done. There’s no need to shake, stir, or mix or stare at your blender while it works. I can select my favorite Auto-iQ™ program and in about a minute you’re ready to enjoy what you’ve made. It’s a fast start to Chase and my mornings when we’re getting our pre-schooler out the door or answering endless emails after a workout session.
3. The Absolute POWER!
(I can’t even read that without saying it like Jafar from Aladdin….) Honestly, I didn’t know what kind of power to expect from the Ninja, which might be why I’m so surprised by its performance. My quick start manuals claimed the blender could pulverize whole seeds, turn fibrous veggies into soups and even juice fruits. Really? Into that smooth of a mixture? Turns out, it can. I added a large handful of uncooked oatmeal to my smoothie and sure enough, the grains were so well mixed and shredded I could drink my smoothie through a small straw and not sense any grit. None. I’m seriously impressed with that. And chopping a pesto? Magnificent. I can make a batch just large enough for dinner (recipe is below!!) in a Nutri cup and it’s better than store bought!
I also did a little video review for those of you that like to see things work in action. Enjoy my additional tips for getting the perfect smoothie consistency using the Nutri cups.
Fresh Pesto Sauce, made in a Ninja DUO Blender
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
- 1/3 cup Pine Nuts
- 2 cloves worth of minced garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (not shredded)
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt (I use Kosher or Sea)
Directions
Combine the Basil, EVOO, Pine Nuts and Garlic in the smallest Ninja DUO Blender Nutricup. Blend until paste forms, making sure to stop a few times and push the basil down. Add Parmesan cheese and salt. Blend until a smooth paste forms. Transfer to small bowl and stir in an additional 1/4″ of olive oil. Add immediately to your recipe, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Our smoothie game has gone next level with this thing – which is great because I myself normally have at least one a day!
Oh man! I want a Ninja so badly! That is the Cadillac of all blenders. Thanks for the recipe too. I’m always looking for a good pesto.
Ninja Blenders are absolute beasts! You could blend rocks with them. I really want one.
I already knew that the Ninja could blend anything at a blazing speed, but I didn’t know about the auto IQ feature. That is SUPER sweet!
Wow, this thing looks AWESOME! There is nothing you can’t make it that, would be great to have to eat healthier also!
We love our Ninja! It makes such great smoothies.
I LOVE my Ninja! Like really love it and I have the lower end one and it’s still amazing.
I’ve thought about getting a Ninja blender a few times but never pulled the trigger. After watching the video, I think I might go ahead and do it!
Now that is a serious blender. There are some recipes that would be so much easier with a blender like that.
Oh I need one of those pronto. I think the fact we have a terrible little thing to make smoothies etc in is why we don’t often. Would like to so this would be a great investment!
I love my Ninja but now I think I need to get the bigger, better Ninja. They really are powerful and handy to have around!
I’ve heard that from a few people. The DUO seems to be a step up in the Ninja world, and i love the convenience.
I so want one of these. I can think of so many recipes that I could use the Ninja Duo Blender for. Smoothies are just the tip of the iceberg!
Man, looks like I’m missing out! My blender is quite bland compared to the Ninja!
My current/old one is, too! I had no idea something could blend so smoothly.
You know you’re a grown up when you’re excited about appliances. I seriously can’t wait to get one for myself. The pesto looks amazing!
I’ve got blender envy. That looks like the greatest blender. I can already picture the smoothies, sauces, and soups I’ll make with one.
I’ve seen a lot of things noted about the Ninja. I’ve never seen anything negative posted ever. I’d love to get one of these.
These are so cool. Real handy to have.
I have always wondered what the big deal was with Ninja’s. My cousin purchased one and raves about it all the time. It sounds like its a blender and food processor combined type thing. I like how it has smoothie cup attachments. Less dishes to wash!
We so need a better blender. Ours is horrible.
Can I just say how cute you are all pregnant in the video? Ninja blenders are amazing, love the 3 cups!
The Ninja Duo Blender is exactly what i need. I will have to take a look at the store for one.
Oh how I love my Ninja too! This is an excellent machine for all sorts of kitchen jobs.
I love my Ninja…but I want this one now! LOL You’re adorable, Lindsey!!!
Wow, this looks so awesome! Conveineint too. I could really use one of these.
I have a Ninja!! We got this model as well, might as well have all the cool toys right? I absolutely LOVE it! That and my Kitchenaide can make almost any dish I want!
I just got a Ninja Blender and I LOVE it!!! I love the to go cups that it has and I don’t have to use the large blender if i don’t need to.
My friend swears by this blender! It sound amazing. I gotta get one.
I super love my ninja!!! But, what I wouldn’t give for those nutri-cups. My ninja blender is a couple of years old, and is still so perfect that it hardly warrants buying a new one. But, the nutricups seem like such a fantastic add-on.. I want one!
Grab it! They are really the BEST addition to a blender!