Smoothie recipes are a great way to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy ingredients into your diet. Smoothies have become increasingly popular in recent years as a quick and convenient way to get a nutritious and delicious meal or snack.

A smoothie is a blended drink typically made with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy ingredients such as protein powder, nut butter, and seeds. 

They are a great way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet and can be customized to fit your specific taste preferences and nutritional needs.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of drinking smoothies and the essential ingredients for a healthy smoothie and share some simple and advanced smoothie recipes to help you get started on your smoothie journey.

Smoothie Recipe
Passion fruits

Essential Ingredients for Healthy Smoothies  

When making a healthy smoothie, it’s important to include a balance of nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to ensure you get a complete meal or snack. Here are some essential ingredients to include in your smoothie for optimal nutrition

  1. Fruits and Vegetables

Adding a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables to your smoothie will increase the nutrient content and provide important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Keep to the fresh options. They give more nutrients. Some great options include spinach, kale, berries, bananas, and mangoes.

  1. Protein

Adding protein to your smoothie is essential as it helps the body’s functionality and will help keep you satisfied. Some good sources of protein include Greek yoghurt, tofu, nut butter, protein powder, and chia seeds.

  1. Healthy Fats

Including healthy fats in your smoothie is important for brain function and can also help keep you full. Some healthy fat options include avocado, coconut oil, flax seeds, and nuts.

  1. Liquid

Adding liquid to your smoothie will help blend all the ingredients together. Some good options include water, almond milk, coconut milk, or green tea.

You can create a well-balanced and nutritious meal or snack by including these essential ingredients in your smoothie. It’s important to also pay attention to portion sizes and not overload your smoothie with too many high-calorie ingredients.

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Simple Smoothie Recipes  

Here are some simple and delicious recipes that are perfect for beginners:

Mango cherry smoothie recipe
Mango cherry summertime smoothie

1. Mango cherry smoothie

It is a tangy, fruit-filled snack that will cool you down in the summertime.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pitted cherries
  • 1 cup chopped mango
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

  • Blend cherries, mango, water, and ice cubes in a blender until smooth.
Healthy avocado smoothie recipe
Banana avocado yoghurt smoothie

2. Banana Avocado Smoothie

A creamy, healthy banana-avocado yoghurt smoothie that is super filling with a boost of spirit.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup nonfat Greek yoghurt (such as Chobani)
  • 1 avocado – peeled, pitted, and diced 
  • 1 banana, chopped 
  • 2 tablespoons water, or as needed

Instructions

  • Place yoghurt, avocado, and banana in a blender and purée until smooth.
  • Add water for a thinner smoothie.

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3. Watermelon Delight:

Frozen watermelon delight
2 ingredients smoothie recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cubed seeded watermelon 
  • 5 ice cubes 
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

  • Blend watermelon, ice cubes, and honey in a blender until smooth.

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4. Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe

Strawberry banana smoothie
Strawberry smoothie recipes

Ingredients

  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
  • ½ cup unsweetened Greek yoghurt
  • 1 cup unsweetened milk (nut, soy, animal)

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5. Berry Blast Smoothie:

Berry blast recipe
Mixed berries smoothie recipes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 cup Greek yoghurt
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Handful of ice

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6. Tropical Paradise Smoothie:

Tropical paradise smoothie recipe
Tropical paradise with citrus garnish

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mango chunks
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • Handful of ice

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7. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie:

Quick and easy smoothie recipe
Peanut butter banana smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 cup Greek yoghurt
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Handful of ice

To make these smoothies, simply add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. You can adjust the amount of liquid to achieve your desired consistency. These smoothies are delicious, packed with nutrients, and perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack.

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Healthy Smoothie Recipes  

1. Coconut Raspberry Smoothie Recipes

Healthy smoothie recipe
Coconut raspberry smoothie

Ingredients

  • ½  low-fat milk
  • ½ low-fat coconut-flavoured yoghurt
  • 2  frozen raspberries
  • 2 bananas, peeled and cut into pieces
  • Toasted coconut and raspberries for serving

Instructions

  • Using an immersion blender, blend together milk and coconut-flavoured yoghurt with frozen raspberries and bananas.
  • Serve topped with toasted coconut and raspberries.

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2. Peach-Mango Smoothie

Peach mango Recipe
Peach mango smoothie

Ingredients

  • ⅓  coconut water
  • ⅓  plain Greek yoghurt
  • 1 frozen sliced peaches
  • 1 frozen mango chunk

Instructions

  • Add coconut water and yoghurt to a blender, then top with peaches and mango.
  • Puree until smooth

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3. Mango Ginger Smoothie:

Mango ginger smoothie recipe
Tropical ginger flavour smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 cup frozen mango chunks
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yoghurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions

  • Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. This smoothie is packed with tropical flavours, and the ginger adds a spicy kick. It’s a great vitamin C, fibre, and healthy fats source.

Related: Carrot Cake Recipe

4. Carrot Cake Smoothie Recipe:

Carrot cake smoothie recipe
Carrot cake smoothie with sprinkled cinnamon and shaved carrot

Ingredients

  • 1 small carrot, peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yoghurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions

  • Blend all ingredients together until smooth to your preference. This smoothie tastes like carrot cake but is much healthier. The carrot provides a good source of vitamin A, while the oats and Greek yoghurt add fibre and protein.

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5. Pineapple-Citrus Smoothie

Pineapple citrus recipe
Vitamin C citrus smoothie

The orange juice and pineapple are high in vitamin C, and the banana is a good source of potassium.

Ingredients:

  • ¾  orange-tangerine juice blend
  • ¼  carrot juice
  • 1 frozen, canned pineapple chunks
  • ½  frozen banana

Instructions:

  • Combine orange-tangerine juice, carrot juice, pineapple, and banana in a blender until the mixture is smooth and frothy.
  • Pour smoothie into 1 tall glass.

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6. Strawberry Smoothie Bowl:

Strawberry smoothie recipe
Strawberry smoothie bowl with variety of garnish

Ingredients:

  • 1 frozen strawberry
  • 1 chopped frozen cucumber (no skin)
  • 2 tbsp. carrot juice
  • Fresh strawberries, freeze-dried strawberries, and chopped pistachios for serving

Instructions

  • In a blender, puree strawberries, cucumber, and 2 Tbsp carrot juice until smooth, adding 1 to 2 Tbsp more juice until desired consistency. 
  • If desired, transfer to a bowl and top with fresh and freeze-dried strawberries and pistachios.

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7. Banana Blueberry Soy Smoothie

Blue berry smoothie recipe
Banana blueberry smoothie

This healthy smoothie is loaded with potassium-rich banana and vanilla for sweetness.

Instructions

  • Simply combine 1 1/4 cups light soy milk with 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, 1/2 frozen banana, and one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. 
  • Blend for about 20 to 30 seconds or until smooth. 
  • Add up to 1/4 cup more milk if you prefer to have the mixture thinner

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8. Berry Avocado Smoothie

Berry avocado smoothie recipe
Smooth, creamy varieties of berries smoothie

This smoothie recipe leans into frozen avocado for an ultra-creamy texture. Plus, spinach, flax seeds, and an antioxidant-rich blend of frozen berries bring great flavour and keep you full.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Sprouts Sliced Frozen Avocados
  • 1 cup Sprouts Whole Antioxidant Blend
  • 1 banana
  • 1 handful of spinach leaves
  • 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
  • 1 and ¼ cups unsweetened almond milk
  • Optional: fresh berries for garnish

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth and creamy. 
  • You may add additional milk if you would like a thinner texture. 
  • Pour in a glass and top with your favourite toppings, such as fresh berries.

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Green Smoothie Recipes

Here are three green smoothie recipes that are packed with nutritious ingredients:

1. Kale Pineapple Smoothie:

Kale smoothie recipe
Kale pineapple smoothie

This smoothie is a great source of vitamin C, fibre, and healthy fats from coconut milk. The sweetness from the pineapple and banana masks the taste of the kale.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups kale, tough stems removed
  • 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Related: How Many Ounces in a Pint

2. Spinach Mango Smoothie

Green spinach smoothie recipe
Spinach mango smoothie

It is packed with antioxidants from spinach and mango, and the chia seeds provide a good source of protein and healthy fats.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup frozen mango chunks
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yoghurt
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds

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3. Cucumber Mint Smoothie

Cucumber mint Smoothie recipe
Hydration aid cucumber smoothie

It is refreshing and hydrating, perfect for a hot summer day. The cucumber is a good source of hydration and the mint adds a refreshing flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cucumber, peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

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4.   Orange Spinach Banana Smoothie

Orange spinach recipe
Green orange spinach smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 cup spinach 
  • ¾ cup coconut water 
  • ½ lemon peeled 
  • ½ banana
  • 1 orange peeled
  • 1 serving of homemade protein powder optional

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice oranges to help blend easier.
  2. Blend spinach, coconut water, and orange together until smooth.
  3. Add remaining ingredients and blend again.

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5.  Tropical Green Smoothie Recipes

Green smoothie recipe
Tropical green smoothie with pineapple and strawberry garnish

Ingredients

  • 2 cups frozen spinach
  • 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1 cup frozen mango chunks
  • 1 medium ripe banana, peeled (previously frozen in chunks is ideal)
  • 1 cup strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a favourite berry, optional
  • 1 cup milk (cow’s, almond, soy, coconut, kefir, horchata)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • sweetener, to taste (sugar, agave, stevia, honey, maple syrup, Medjool dates)

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in the canister of a Vita-Mix or blender and blend until smooth and creamy. 
  • Serve immediately. 
  • Pour extra portions into freezer-safe cups and freeze for up to 1 month, thawing before serving (or microwave for about 30 seconds)

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Conclusion

Smoothies are a delicious and convenient way to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy ingredients into your diet. By blending together various nutrient-dense foods, you can create a drink packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and protein.

Whether you prefer sweet fruit-based smoothies or savoury vegetable-based smoothies, there are endless flavour combinations to try.

To make a healthy smoothie, choosing high-quality ingredients such as fresh or frozen produce, unsweetened milk or yoghurt, and natural sweeteners like honey or dates is important. You can also add superfoods such as chia seeds, flax seeds, or spirulina for an extra nutritional boost.

Overall, smoothies can be a great addition to a healthy diet, and they are a fun and customizable way to experiment with different ingredients and flavours. So grab your blender and start blending up some delicious and nutritious smoothies!

FAQs

What are the best ingredients to put in a smoothie?

Fruits, Veggies, Protein, Plant-based fat, Liquid, Flavor boosters, Grains, and Ice

Are smoothies best with milk or water?

It really depends on what type of smoothie you’re making and what type of liquid works best to achieve the desired consistency. Milk is a better choice if you’re looking for a thicker and creamier drink. Water is the way to go if you’re looking for a thinner and more refreshing drink.

Do smoothies need yoghurt?

It may seem like yoghurt is the most common ingredient in smoothie recipes, but there is no reason that it has to be. No matter what your reasoning for avoiding yoghurt, there are many healthy and delicious alternatives that you can use to still achieve a perfect smoothie

Can I drink smoothies every day?

Smoothies are rich in fibre and protein, keeping you full longer, while those made with fruits and vegetables increase your daily vegetable servings. As long as you are drinking smoothies made from various fruits and vegetables and low in refined sugar, there would be no problem consuming smoothies every day.

What should I put in my smoothie first?

Start with the liquid on the bottom.
Whether you are working with milk, a milk alternative, juice, or coconut water, this is always the first ingredient you should start with. This allows your blender to actually work its magic. The spinning of the blades creates a vortex, which sucks harder ingredients down into the little tornado being created in your blender.

What fruits can I blend together?

Starfruit and Strawberry
Avocado and Papaya
Cucumber, kale, and pear
Avocado, celery, cucumber, and lemon
Papaya, pineapple, and Lemon
Soursop and coconut

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