Smoothie Recipes – Healthy Delicious

Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Lauren — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 00:52:51 +0000

It’s time to get your pumpkin on! These delicious pumpkin spice smoothies taste like a drinkable version of pumpkin pie. Plus, they’re made with real pumpkin and are naturally sweetened with maple syrup, so they’re a nutritious breakfast or snack for those days when you’re craving that classic fall flavor.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothies: The Fall Favorite You Never Knew You Needed

Summer will always be my favorite season, but I can’t help but get excited about Fall every year.

There’s just something about the changing leaves, crisp air, and back to school supply shopping that makes me so happy. Plus pumpkin spice lattes are back!

But there’s always that window in September when I start to get in the mood for fall baking but it’s still hot out.

That’s where these pumpkin spice smoothies come in.

They’re super easy to make and taste just like pumpkin pie! Plus they’re packed with protein and fiber to help you power through your morning.

What you’ll love about this smoothie recipe:

Made from real pumpkin
Naturally gluten-free and easily adapted to be dairy-free.
Super thick and creamy — with no banana!

What you’ll need to make healthy pumpkin smoothies

Milk. Use your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk in this recipe. I personally like to use unsweetened almond milk but coconut milk, oat milk, and dairy milk are also great!
Maple syrup. This pumpkin smoothie is naturally sweetened with maple syrup, which gives it a delicious rich flavor that other sweeteners don’t provide.
Vanilla yogurt. You can use traditional yogurt or Greek yogurt in this recipe. Nondiary yogurt also works if you want a dairy free smoothie!
Pumpkin puree. Yup, we’re all about real pumpkin in this smoothie. Freezing the puree results in a thick, milkshake-like smoothie (without banana!)
Pumpkin pie spice. For that classic fall flavor.

Substitutions and Variations:

No maple syrup? You can use honey instead.
If you only have plain yogurt, you can use that and add in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. (I always have a big tub of Greek yogurt in my fridge, so I do this a lot!)
Make your own homemade pumpkin pie spice by combining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
Top your smoothie with whipped cream for extra pizzaz!
Add a shot of espresso for a pumpkin spice latte smoothie.
For more protein and healthy fat, blend in a tablespoon of almond butter or cashew butter.
Add a nutrient boost: Blend in flax seeds, hemp hearts, chia seeds, or a scoop of collagen or protein powder for an extra nutrient boost.

Smoothie Tips

Place your glasses in the freezer for at 20 minutes before you pour the smoothie to chill them. This will keep your smoothie colder longer, especially on a hot day.
It’s important to add the ingredients to the blender in the order that they are listed. Liquids should always go in the blender first, followed by “softer” ingredients, and ending with solid ingredients or ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

You sure can!

For short-term storage, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.

For long-term storage, store this pumpkin pie smoothie in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw until slushy before serving.

You can also make smoothie freezer packs that are ready to blend at a moment’s notice.

What’s the best way to freeze pumpkin puree?

My favorite method is to scoop the pumpkin into a freezer bag and press it into a thin layer. Once it’s frozen, you can easily break or cut off just as much as you need.

Laying the puree out flat will help it freeze faster, but it wil lstill take about 6 hours so it’s important to plan ahead. The good news though is that the frozen puree will keep for up to 2 months.

You can also freeze pumpkin puree in an ice cube tray, but they will be thicker and won’t blend as smoothly into your drink.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. The only limitation here is the capacity of your blender.

I heard that canned pumpkin isn’t real pumpkin. What gives?

OK, so this one is a little tricky.

If the label says 100% pumpkin, it is technically pumpkin in there, but it’s a different variety than you’d use to carve a jack o’lantern. It looks more like a butternut squash. Even though it might not be what you pictured, it’s still a nutritious whole food.

If the label doesn’t indicate that it’s 100% pumpkin, there might be other types of squash (like butternut) blended in. But again, it’s still real food and it’s delicious!

More smoothie recipes

If you’re craving more fall flavor that works on a hot day, you’ll also love this apple cider slush.

Healthy Pumpkin Smoothie Recipe

This healthy smoothie recipe is perfect for early fall, when you're excited for fall flavor but it's still hot outside. It's great as a quick breakfast or an afternoon snack!

Course Smoothie Recipes

Cuisine American

Keyword pumpkin smoothie, pumpkin spice smoothie

Prep Time 6

Freeze Time 6

Total Time 6 6

Servings servings

Calories 245kcal

Author Lauren Keating

Equipment

high-power blender

Ingredients

¾ cup milk dairy or nondairy
2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
¾ cup vanilla yogurt
1 cup frozen pumpkin puree see note above
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

Remove the frozen pumpkin puree from the freezer, and break it into large pieces.
In a high power blender, add the milk, maple syrup, vanilla yogurt, frozen pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice in that order.
Blend on high speed until the ingredients are smooth, about 2 minutes, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades as needed.

Nutrition

The Best Strawberry Banana Smoothies

Lauren — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 22:36:48 +0000

Strawberry banana smoothies are great when you need breakfast in a hurry. This delicious smoothie is made with fresh strawberries, ripe banana, yogurt, and just enough ice to make it frothy.

What you’ll love about these homemade smoothies:

They’re easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients
They’re naturally sweetened with fruit
You can customize them to your liking (add more or less strawberry, banana, etc.)
They’re perfect for breakfast, snack, or as a dessert

There’s something about the combination of strawberries and bananas that just screams summertime.

Maybe it’s the fact that both fruits are perfectly ripened and sweet, or maybe it’s the vivid colors that bring to mind lazy days spent lounging in the sun.

Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that strawberry banana smoothies are the quintessential summer drink.

And while store-bought versions can be tempting (I’m personally a huge fan of the Stonyfield bottled smoothies!), nothing beats a homemade smoothie packed with fresh fruit.

Healthy Strawberry Banana Smoothie Ingredients

This simple recipe features just five basic ingredients, so it really lets the natural flavor of the fruit shine through. The key is to use ripe, seasonal fruit for the best results.

Strawberries. Look for juicy strawberries that are bright red and have a fresh, fragrant smell. You know when you walk past the strawberry display at the grocery store and get walloped by their delicious scent? Those are perfect. Avoid berries that are dull in color, have green patches, or that smell bitter.

Banana. The best banana for this smoothie is one that is ripe but not overripe. You want a banana with some give when you squeeze it, but without too many brown spots. You can also use frozen banana for this recipe for a thick, creamy texture that’s more like a milkshake. If you’re looking for another delicious way to use bananas, you need to give this recipes for 3-ingredient banana pancakes a try! Banana muffins are always a classic as well.

Yogurt. I like to use plain yogurt in this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite flavor. Vanilla is always a great option! Greek yogurt will make the smoothie thicker and extra creamy, while regular yogurt will make it thinner. Go ahead and experiment to find what you like best.

Almond Milk. Almond milk helps thin this smoothie out and make it creamy and delicious. Coconut milk and oat milk are also delicious!

Ice. This is optional, but I like to add a few ice cubes to my smoothie for a frosty texture.

Tips for making the best smoothies

There are a few simple tips to follow when making smoothies at home:

Start with fresh, ripe fruit. As I mentioned above, using seasonal fruit will give you the best results.
Add liquid first. This will help your blender run more smoothly.
If you don’t have fresh fruit on hand, frozen fruit will work just as well but will result in a thicker smoothie. Add a little more liquid to your blender to help balance everything out.
Don’t overdo it on the sweeteners. Fruit is naturally sweet, so you probably won’t need to add any additional sugar or honey. If you find that your smoothie is too tart, add a little bit at a time until it reaches the desired sweetness.
To make a thinner smoothie: For a thinner, sippable smoothie, add your favorite milk (regular milk or non-dairy milk works – I love oat milk!)

Strawberry smoothie Substitution And Variation Ideas:

Use any type of milk you like: whole milk, almond milk, and oat milk are some of my favorites.

For a vegan strawberry banana smoothie, substitute the yogurt for a dairy-free option like coconut yogurt.

Add a handful of spinach or kale to the blender to make a strawberry banana green smoothie.

Add peanut butter (or peanut butter powder) for a fun take on a PB+J.

Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds for an extra boost of fiber.

Add a scoop of protein powder or collagen.

For a sweeter smoothie add a little bit of honey or maple syrup

Mix things up by using different types of fruit. Try adding mango, pineapple, or raspberries to the mix.

FAQS

Do You Have A Favorite Blender?

Any high-powered blender is good. I particularly like my miniature vitamix a lot, but for day-to-day smoothie making I also really love my nutribullet! It’s a compact but powerful appliance that doesn’t take up too much counter space.

Can You Make Smoothies Ahead Of Time?

Yes, go ahead and mix up some smoothies and pop them in the refrigerator to enjoy later in the week as a refreshing snack or healthy breakfast on those busy mornings. They’ll keep well for about 3 days. You can also measure out the ingredients and use them to make smoothie freezer packs that are ready to blend whenever you have a craving.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Drinking Smoothies?

Smoothies are a great way to get lots of nutrients into your diet in one easy step. They’re an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You’ll also get a nice dose of antioxidants!

Are smoothies good for weight loss?

A lot of people advise against drinking calories, but the fiber in smoothies can help you feel full, and keep you from overeating.

How can you tell if strawberries are ripe?

If you want to know whether the strawberries you bought at your local market are ready for eating, look at their color. Strawberries should be a bright, deep pink, almost magenta, when ripe. A good way to check for ripeness is to press them lightly with your fingers; if they give slightly, that means they’re ready to eat.

More quick smoothie recipes:

More healthy breakfast ideas:

10-Minute Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowls
Frozen Yogurt Breakfast Pops
20 Make-Ahead Breakfasts
Autumn Harvest Breakfast Cookies
5-minute Pumpkin Spice Latte Baked Oatmeal
5 Ideas for tasty Overnight Oats

The Best Strawberry Banana Smoothies

Creamy starwberry banana smoothies, made with fresh fruit, are a great breakfast or healthy snack.

Course Smoothie Recipes

Cuisine American

Keyword fruit smoothie recipe, homemade smoothie, srawberry banana smoothie

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 243kcal

Author Lauren Keating

Ingredients

½ cup unsweetened almond milk
½ cup plain yogurt
4 cups fresh strawberries
2 bananas
1 cup ice (optional)

Instructions

Add the milk and yogurt to a powderful blender.
Top with strawberries, bananas, and ice (if using).
Place the lid on the blender and blend on medium for 20-30 seconds, using the tamper to press the fruit into the blades. Slowly increase the speed to high and blend for 60 seconds, or until smooth.
Divide the smoothie between two glasses (or mason jars).

Nutrition

Creamy Mango Smoothies

Lauren — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 00:34:03 +0000

Whip up this delicious mango smoothie the next time you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add some flavor to your day. This refreshing smoothie is made with frozen mango, yogurt, and milk. Top it with ground cardamom for an easy treat that’s great on a hot day.

I absolutely love smoothies. They’re great either as a healthy drink to start your day or as a fun afternoon pick-me-up. Plus they’re a tasty way to get in some fruit or vegetable servings!

This healthy mango smoothie is inspired by mango lassi, a popular Indian drink made from mangoes blended with yogurt and spices. It is the perfect mix of sweet and sour flavor and a really good thirst-quencher. I absolutely love the simplicity of this recipe.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

Easy to make year-round with frozen mango
The perfect creamy texture and pure mango flavor
A great healthy breakfast packed with protein and vitamin c

Jump To:

Ingredients
Tips
Substitutions and Variations
Recipe Card

Mango Smoothie Ingredients

This simple recipe uses just 5 basic ingredients, so it really highlights the flavor of the mango.

To make it, you’ll need:

Frozen Mango. Perfectly sweet fresh mangoes can be tricky to find here in the Northeast. Luckily, frozen mango is easy to find in grocery stores. Since it’s packed at peak ripeness, you don’t need to worry about if mangoes are in season to not. As an added bonus, using frozen fruit also gives you a thick, creamy smoothie without having to add any ice cubes. That means your smoothie will have an intense mango flavor.

Milk. Grab your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk. I usually use almond milk, since that’s what I tend to keep on hand. Coconut milk is also delicious!

Greek Yogurt. Protein-packed Greek yogurt gives these smoothies a creamy texture and delightfully tangy flavor. I typically make these with 0% plain Greek yogurt, but you can also use vanilla yogurt for a sweeter treat.

Honey. A touch of honey adds a sunny sweet flavor to this easy mango smoothie.

Cardamom. This is optional but I love sprinkling the top of my smoothie with a little ground cardamom, a fragrant spice with a warm, slightly peppery flavor that’s similar to nutmeg. This is what gives these smoothies their mango lassi vibe.

Tips for making the best smoothies

Add the liquid ingredients to your blender first, then add the frozen mango at the end.
Frozen mango is pretty thick, so be sure to use your tamper to push it down into the blender blades. That way everything will get nice and smooth!
To make a thicker smoothie: If you like a thick smoothie or want to make a smoothie bowl, add more mango.
To make a thinner smoothie: For a thinner, sippable smoothie, add more milk

Substitution and variation ideas:

For even more fruit flavor, replace the milk with mango juice or orange juice

Add 1/2 cup of frozen strawberries for a strawberry mango smoothie

Add a fresh banana

Stir in your favorite protein powder or collagen for a more filling smoothie

Top your smoothie with finely diced fresh mango

Common Questions About Mango Smoothies

Can I use regular yogurt instead of greek yogurt?

Yes, regular yogurt also works well in this recipe but the resulting smoothie will be a little thinner and the flavor won’t be as sour and tangy.

What are the health benefits of mango?

Mango is rich in Vitamin C and is an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, and beta carotine.

What’s the best blender to make smoothies?

I like using a high-speed blender like my miniature vitamix a lot, but for day-to-day smoothie making I also really love my nutribullet! It’s small but powerful and doesn’t take up too much counter space.

Can you make smoothies ahead of time?

Yes! Go ahead a blend up a few smoothies and pop them in the fridge to enjoy later in the week. They’ll keep for about 3 days. Obviously, they won’t be as thick and icy, but they’ll have a smooth consistency and be super delicious.

More healthy smoothie recipes:

More quick breakfast ideas:

10-Minute Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowls
Frozen Yogurt Breakfast Pops
20 Make-Ahead Breakfasts
Autumn Harvest Breakfast Cookies
5-minute Pumpkin Spice Latte Baked Oatmeal
5 Ideas for tasty Overnight Oats

Creamy Mango Smoothies

Delicious mango lassi-inpired smoothies with tangy yogurt and a hint of cardamom.

Course 40+ Healthy Drinks Recipes

Cuisine American

Keyword mango smoothie, smoothie ideas

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings servings

Calories 184kcal

Author Lauren Keating

Ingredients

¾ cup milk
½ cup 0% plain Greek yogurt
2 cups frozen mango chunks
2 teaspoons honey optional
ground cardamom for garnish

Instructions

Add the milk and yogurt to a high-powered blender. Top with frozen mango chunks.
Place the lid on the blender and blend on medium for 20-30 seconds, using th tamper to press the mango into the blades. Slowly increase the speed to high and blend for 60 seconds, or until smooth.
If desired, drizzle in the honey.
Divide the smoothi bwetween two glasses. Sprinkle with cardamom.

Nutrition

Strawberry Peach Smoothie Freezer Packs

Lauren — Thu, 23 May 2019 01:23:39 +0000

Smoothie freezer packs are a game-changer for busy mornings. Make them ahead, then just dump, blend, and go! These strawberry-peach smoothies are my current favorite.

It’s finally starting to feel like summer here in Upstate New York, which means I’m getting excited about smoothies again! It’s well documented that I’m not a morning person AT ALL, which means simple grab-and-go breakfast options are a must.

Smoothies are pretty easy to make as it is, but these smoothie freezer packs make them completely foolproof. With these packs, all you have to do in the morning is grab one, add some liquid, and blend. No peeling, chopping, or real measuring required.

I have a few different versions of smoothie packs in my freezer right now, but these strawberry-peach smoothies are my current favorite.

During the week, I pour my smoothie into a travel cup so I can drink it on the go. I love this mug, because the lid screws on super tightly and it comes with two straws – plus they’re super cute!

On the weekends or on mornings when I have more time, I add less liquid for a thicker smoothie bowl topped with whatever goodies I happen to have around the kitchen.

How to make smoothie freezer packs

Making smoothie freezer packs is easy!

First, you’ll need some freezer bags. I like quart sized bags with a zip-top seal – they’re the perfect size for an individual smoothie and I don’t have to worry about them popping open and spilling in my freezer.

To each bag, you’ll want to add 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fresh or frozen fruit. Or, if you like vegetables in your smoothie, you can use 1 1/4 cup of fruit and 1/2 cup of leafy greens like baby spinach or 1/4 cup of bulkier vegetables like cauliflower or diced zucchini (both of which are surprisingly tasty when blended with fruit!) You can use fresh fruit or buy bags of frozen fruit for these smoothies. I use fresh in the summer when it’s at peak ripeness and on sale, and frozen the rest of the year.

In addition to the fruit/veggies, you can add up to 3 tablespoons of nutrient boosts, like nuts or seeds. I also like to add some rolled oats to help thicken my smoothies.

Fill the bags with whatever combination of ingredients you want, then seal them and put them in the freezer until you’re ready for a smoothie.

Add the contents of the smoothie freezer pack to your blender along with 1 cup of liquid – I like coconut water or almond milk – and blend until smooth. For an added protein boost, you can also add a scoop of collagen before blending.

Strawberry Peach Smoothie Freezer Packs

Course Healthy Breakfast Recipes

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings smoothie packs

Calories 236kcal

Author Lauren Keating

Equipment

Ingredients

2 cups large fresh or frozen strawberries about 16 strawberries
4 cups sliced fresh or frozen peaches
1 ⅓ cup fresh or frozen raspberries
1 banana sliced
¼ cup rolled oats
2 Tablespoons sliced almonds
2 Tablespoons flax meal
2 Tablespoons hemp seeds

Instructions

Divide the ingredients evenly among 4 quart-sized zip-top freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can; seal.
Freeze overnight, then store in the freezer until you're ready to serve them.
To make a smoothie, add the contents of one bag to a blender along with 1 cup of your favorite liquid (I like coconut water or almond milk), then blend until smooth. To make a smoothie bowl, use 1/2 cup of liquid. For an added protein boost, you can also add a scoop of collagen to your smoothie before blending.

Nutrition

Super Thick Blueberry Banana Smoothies (Dairy Free Option)

Lauren — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 09:30:36 +0000

Super thick blueberry banana smoothies are a breeze to whip up for a morning on the go. This recipe can be made with or without dairy – pick whichever version works best for you!

Winter seems to be hanging on for it’s dear life here in the Northeast. I can’t believe I’m still wearing cable-knit sweaters and boots the second week of April! Thankfully, the forecast for next week looks a little more seasonally appropriate (fingers crossed!)

Despite that fact that I’ve been greeted by snow on the ground more than once this week, I’ve started making the transition from warm breakfasts like sous vide egg bites and cashew butter and jelly oatmeal cups to warm-weather treats like super thick smoothies.

This blueberry banana smoothie is so thick that it reminds me of soft serve ice cream – any thicker and you wouldn’t be able to get it through a straw. It’s great for breakfast or as a healthy after-dinner treat.

Other smoothies I’ve been loving lately include this pineapple-ginger smoothie and my all-time favorite gingerbread smoothie.

Tips for making super thick smoothies

I recently saw a trick to make super thick smoothies over on minimalist baker, and I’m obsessed.

Instead of adding all of the ingredients at once, Dana discovered that you can make you smoothie extra thick by processing the frozen ingredients first and adding your liquid right at the end.

It makes sense – there’s less opportunity for your liquid to melt the other ingredients. And there’s nothing worse than a melted smoothie when you’re looking for one that’s thick, thick, thick.

Because these smoothies are so thick, you don’t want to risk making them in a cheap blender. This job calls for a high powered machine like a vitamix or nutribullet. If you don’t have one of those, pull out your food processor for this recipe.

Freezing your yogurt also helps make these smoothies extra thick. Just pop it into the freezer for at least an hour so it starts to firm up, and you’ll be well on your way to an ice cream-like smoothie.

For a non-dairy version you could use coconut yogurt or a similar non-dairy yogurt, but I feel like the brands that don’t use a lot of stabilizers or other weird ingredients are too expensive to use in a smoothie (one of these days I’ll try my hand at making my own.)

Instead, I freeze coconut water in an ice cube tray and use those to help thicken the smoothie up without watering it down the way plain ice does.

Busy mornings have you in a rush? Try one of my favorite make-ahead breakfasts to get your day started on the right foot.

Super Thick Blueberry Banana Smoothie

Prep Time 5

Additional Time 1

Total Time 6

Servings

Calories 211kcal

Author Lauren Keating

Ingredients

1 frozen banana
1.5 cups frozen blueberries
½ cup plain Greek yogurt frozen at least 1 hour (OR 2-3 coconut water ice cubes)
½ cup unsweetened coconut milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 scoop collagen powder optional
Fresh blueberries and banana slices for garnish

Instructions

Combine the banana, blueberries, and yogurt (or ice cubes for a dairy free smoothie) in a food processor or high powered blender.
Pulse several times, until the mixture looks crumbly. Add the coconut milk, vanilla, and collagen (if using) and blend until smooth.
Pour into two glasses and garnish with fresh fruit, if desired.

Nutrition

Pineapple Ginger Immunity Smoothies

Lauren — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 10:30:02 +0000

Pineapple Ginger Immunity Smoothies will help chase the winter blues away with their spicy citrus flavor.

This post was sponsored by NutriBullet Balance. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep me inspired in the kitchen.

This time of year, I like to take all of the precautions I can to help avoid the winter sniffles. This pineapple ginger immunity smoothie, with 93% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin c, is a nutritional powerhouse that’s in heavy rotation at my house right now.

Made with frozen pineapple, baby carrots, lemon, and orange, it has a bright, citrusy flavor that will remind you of sunnier days. Turmeric and ginger give the smoothie an earthy, spicy flavor and provide inflammatory properties while hemp seeds add protein and omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

I love the punch of gingery flavor – if you like turmeric tea/golden tea, you’ll love this smoothie.

I used the new NutriBullet Balance nutrient extractor to make this pineapple ginger immunity smoothie – I’m so impressed with this powerful little machine!

First off, there’s the “omg we live in the future” aspect – it connects to your phone with bluetooth! Everything is better with bluetooth, right? This NutriBullet has an app filled with healthy smoothie, soup, and dip recipes, or an option to create your own. The base acts like a food scale, so you know exactly how much of each ingredient you’re adding. Just tell the app what you put into the container, and it will calculate real-time nutrition information for you! I can’t stop playing with it – it’s so cool.

I’m also really impressed with how powerful it is. I actually jumped the first time I used it to blend! There are raw baby carrots in this pineapple ginger smoothie, but after just 45 seconds of blending you’d have no idea. They get completely obliterated with no chunks at all. Same goes for the frozen pineapple and the ice. It makes the smoothest smoothies I’ve ever had.

The NutriBullet Balance comes with two colossal cups that you make your recipe in. When they say colossal they mean it – these things are huge (about twice the size of my normal smoothies). They come with flip-tops for travel which is nice for quick mornings on the go.

Pineapple Ginger Immunity Smoothie

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 162kcal

Author Lauren Keating

Ingredients

4 Tablespoons frozen pineapple
½ cup baby carrots
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ lemon peeled
½ orange peeled
3 teaspoons hemp seeds
1 cup ice
1 cup water

Instructions

In your nutribullet balance container, add the pineapple, baby carrots, turmeric, ginger, lemon, orange, hemp seeds, ice, and water. Screw on the lid and flip.
Blend 45 seconds, or until smooth.
If desired, top with additional pineapple chunks and hemp seeds.

Video

Nutrition

Easy Watermelon Smoothie (Dairy Free)

Lauren — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 09:30:33 +0000

The easy watermelon smoothie recipe is made with just four ingredients, but it’s jam-packed with sweet-tart flavor. Plus it’s naturally dairy-free!

So, this watermelon smoothie recipe is insanely delicious, but there’s not a whole lot to say about it. Sp let’s just talk about watermelon.

Do you like it?

Watermelon has never been my favorite fruit, but it’s growing on me quickly. It’s the base of my hydrating fruit salad, but I’m also loving it sprinkled with a little bit of Trader Joe’s chili lime seasoning. (If you haven’t tried it that way yet, you need to. It’s so ridiculously good!)

I also really like cocktails with a watermelon base, which inspired me to see how it would work as a smoothie. The answer is very, very well!

What you’ll love about this watermelon smoothie recipe:

Delicious watermelon and strawberry flavor
Made without any banana or yogurt!
Naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan

Watermelon Smoothie Ingredients

I kept this smoothie recipe simple because I wanted the melon to be the star of the show and not have a bunch of other flavors competing with it. The result is a super refreshing smoothie, with a very pronounced watermelon flavor.

To make it, you’ll need:

Watermelon. Duh. Seedless watermelon is the way to go here for the best texture. Here’s a handy guide about how to cut a watermelon.

Frozen sliced strawberries. Froze strawberries thicken the smoothie up and give it that milkshake-like consistency that I love. The berries also add a little bit of sweetness without overpowering the watermelon flavor.

Lime juice. Some fresh lime juice balances everything out and keeps this watermelon smoothie from being too sweet.

Unsweetened coconut milk. A splash of coconut milk (or almond milk) rounds it out and transforms it into creamy deliciousness.

As is, this refreshing watermelon smoothie recipe is perfect with your breakfast, as a cool mid-afternoon treat, or to enjoy as a healthy dessert.

(For something a little more adventurous, you can also blend in some rum or rosé and a few extra ice cubes. I won’t tell.)

FAQS

Do You Have A Favorite Blender?

Can You Make Smoothies Ahead Of Time?

Because these watermelon smoothies are more of a slush, they won’t keep in the refrigerator. You can save time in the morning though by freezing them ahead of time as smoothie freezer packs! Pull a pack from the freezer in the morning, blend it up, and start sipping.

Are watermelon smoothies healthy?

Yes! Smoothies are a great way to get lots of nutrients into your diet in one easy step. These watermelon smoothies are particularly hydrating, too!

More smoothie recipes you’ll love:

Easy Watermelon Smoothies

There's nothing quite like fresh fruit. This delicious watermelon smoothie recipe features just four basic ingredients, so it really lets the natural flavor of the fruit shine through. The key is to use ripe, seasonal fruit for the best results. This recipe is a perfect refreshing drink you can enjoy all summer!

Course Breakfast, Drinks, Smoothie Recipes

Cuisine American

Keyword dairy free smoothie recipe, healthy smoothie recipe, watermelon smoothie

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 0

Total Time 10

Servings

Calories 137kcal

Author Lauren Keating

Ingredients

2 cups diced seedless watermelon
1 cup frozen strawberry slices
1 lime juiced
¼ cup unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk
2-3 ice cubes optional

Instructions

Add the watermelon, strawberries, lime juice, and coconut milk to a blender. Blend on high for 20-30 seconds.
For a thicker smoothie, add a few ice cubes and blend until smooth.

Nutrition

Piña Colada Protein Shake

Lauren — Tue, 23 May 2017 09:30:46 +0000

This cool, frothy piña colada protein shake, inspired by piña colada julius, is an easy and delicious way to up your protein intake.

A few months ago I started using an app to track my calories because I’m hoping to lose a few pounds before some trips that I have coming up. I was shocked to see how little protein I was consuming, and started making more of an effort to incorporate more of it into my meals and snacks.

Since I rarely take the time to make a real breakfast (you either? here are some make-ahead breakfast recipes) I turned to shakes and bars for a quick, grab-and-go option on my most rushed mornings. After trying a bunch of options, I found a few that I really like – especially Rx and Oatmega bars.

How to make a piña colada protein shake

Shawn had a piña colada julius the other day, and as soon as I took a sip I knew I needed to turn it into a protein shake. This easy piña colada protein shake quickly became one of my go-to breakfasts, but it’s also great as a post-workout snack. It’s light, frothy, and cool with a bright sunny flavor. For a more substantial shake with a thicker, milkshake-like texture, you can also blend in half a frozen banana. Or, if you like things green, throw in a cup of baby spinach. Whatever you do, don’t skip the coconut extract – it’s key to getting that classic piña colada flavor.

The nutrition information will vary depending on your protein powder; I use 365 whey protein and my shakes have 17 grams of protein. It’s probably not the best protein powder on the market – there are others with more protein and less sugar – but it’s affordable (about $14 per carton at Whole Foods) and I love how smooth it is. Other powders I’ve tried seemed gritty and I wasn’t a fan at all.

(My other quick go-to shake recipe? 6 ounces of cold brew coffee, 2 ounces of coconut milk, and 1 scoop of powder, shaken well. It takes about 30 seconds to make and tastes like a really good coffee shake!)

Piña Colada Protein Shakes

Servings

Calories 309kcal

Author Lauren Keating

Ingredients

1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
½ frozen banana optional
6 ounces unsweetened coconut milk
½ teaspoon coconut extract
1 scoop vanilla protein powder

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to the blender.
Cover and blend on high until smooth and frosty, 10-15 seconds.
Pour into a glass and drink immediately.

Nutrition

Tropical Green Smoothies

Lauren — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 08:30:19 +0000

These tropical green smoothies are creamy and sweet. Close your eyes and you can almost feel the ocean breeze.

I really wanted to share these tropical green smoothies last week for St. Patrick’s Day, but life got busy and I had to reshuffle some posts. The minty green color would have been perfect, but it’s also great as a simple celebration of Spring.

Even though the winter was relatively mild (save that one awful weekend) I’m still super excited that Spring sunshine is finally here again! Now that it’s a little warmer out, I’ve been trying to get back into the routine of starting my day with a green smoothie. I love feeling like I’m doing something good for my body first thing.

This tropical green smoothie has been one of my favorites lately. They’re simple to make and the sweet, creamy flavor reminds me of a beach vacation. (All that’s missing is a paper umbrella and a splash of rum, although rum at 8am probably isn’t an awesome idea.)

I got really into green smoothies last summer and after a lot of trial and error I’ve figured out a few key tips to ensure success.

My biggest tip for making green smoothies is to add the liquid and greens first and blend them until they’re totally smooth before adding in any solid ingredients. That way the greens get really incorporated and you won’t end up with any solid pieces in your drink.

My second biggest tip is to make them ahead for the whole week. I’m NOT a morning person, so I’m all about this tip to save precious time (plus it means only having to wash the blender once.) I make a huge batch of smoothies, then pour them into mason jars and stick them right into the freezer. At night, I move one smoothie into the fridge so it can start to defrost – by morning it’ll be perfectly slushy and ready to go. I pop on one of these neat lids, slip in a straw, and am on my way.

Lastly, I recently discovered that using dried dates to sweeten your smoothie make them taste amazing. Dates add the perfect touch of natural sweetness without adding a ton of pronounced flavor like maple syrup or honey would. Depending on what other fruit you’re adding and how sweet it is, one or two dates will sweeten an entire batch of smoothies.

Tropical Green Smoothies

I buy mixed bags of frozen pineapple and mango at Aldi, but you can also buy them separately and use 1 cup of each.

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Author Lauren Keating

Ingredients

2 cups coconut milk
2 cups baby spinach
2 dates
1 banana
2 cups frozen pineapple and mango chunks
chia seeds flax meal, hemp, or other mix-ins of your choice

Instructions

Add the coconut milk and spinach to your blender. Cover and blend on high 20-30 seconds or until the spinach is completely blended not the milk.
Add the banana, date and any mix-ins that you like and blend another 10 seconds, or until smooth.
Finally, add the frozen pineapple and mango. Blend on high, using the tamper to press the fruit into the blades of the blender, until smooth.
Drink immediately or freeze for later.

Healthy Gingerbread Smoothies

Lauren — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Gingerbread smoothies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re low in fat, high in fiber, protein, and calcium, and a good source of vitamin C and iron.

Christmas was almost two weeks ago and we’re already well into the new year, but I’m not quite ready to say good-bye to that magical time of year when eating cookies for breakfast is socially acceptable.

Unfortunately I need to get a handle on this sweet tooth that I’ve developed before it gets completely out of control, so I took matters into my own hands and created a healthy gingerbread smoothie with all of the spicy sweet flavor of my favorite gluten-free gingerbread cookies. It was love at first sip and I’ve been drinking them all week. They’re completely crave-able and are just as delicious for breakfast as they are for dessert. (I’d whip up another batch right now, if I wasn’t all out of bananas.)

These gingerbread smoothies are made with lots of molasses, which gives them a complex flavor, and plenty of fresh ginger for a spicy kick. Banana and Greek yogurt make them nice and thick, and there’s just enough ice to give them a milkshake-like texture without making them too icy cold. If you must, you can add a hand full of baby spinach, but I think these gingerbread smoothies are pretty perfect just the way they are.

For more gingerbread recipes, try: Gingerbread Hot Chocolate // Gingerbread Creme Brûlée // Double Ginger Apple Gingerbread // Chocolate Gingerbread Crumb Cake // Caramel Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies

Gingerbread Smoothies

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Author Lauren Keating

Ingredients

½ cup Greek yogurt
½ cup milk or nondairy milk of your choice I use unsweetened coconut milk
1 banana
4 Tablespoons rolled oats uncooked
2 Tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
½ teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 pinch nutmeg
1 pinch allspice
1 cup ice

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients, except the ice, to your blender. Cover and blend on high for 15-20 seconds, or until very smooth.
Add the ice. Cover and blend on high for another 20-30 seconds, using the tamper to press the ice down into the blades.
Pour into two glasses and serve immediately.

Notes

Click here for nutrition information