Berry Smoothie
This vibrant Berry Smoothie combines fresh or frozen mixed berries with Greek yogurt and a touch of honey for a refreshing, protein-packed drink without any banana. The recipe features a perfect blend of sweet-tart flavors and a smooth, creamy texture that can be customized with various add-ins, making it ideal for breakfast, snacks, or post-workout refueling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed berries strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or vanilla for a sweeter option
- 1/4 cup milk of choice dairy, almond, oat, etc.
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds optional, for thickness and nutrition boost
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup ice cubes omit if using frozen berries
- Optional add-ins: 1 tablespoon almond butter 1 scoop protein powder, 1 tablespoon flaxseed
Instructions
- Prep your berries. If using fresh berries, wash them thoroughly and remove any stems. For strawberries, hull and quarter them. If using frozen berries, no prep needed—that's the beauty of frozen!
- Layer ingredients strategically. For optimal blending, add your liquids first (milk, honey/maple syrup, vanilla), then yogurt, then berries and any other add-ins, with ice on top if using.
- Blend in stages. Start on low speed to break up the berries and ice, then gradually increase to high. This prevents air pockets and ensures a smoother blend. Blend for about 30-60 seconds until smooth.
- Check consistency. If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more milk. If it's too thin, add more frozen berries or a few ice cubes. If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey or maple syrup.
- Scrape down sides. Pause blending and use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
- Final blend. Give it one more blast on high speed for 15-20 seconds to ensure maximum smoothness.
- Serve immediately. Pour into glasses and enjoy! For an extra touch, garnish with a few fresh berries or a sprinkle of chia seeds on top.
- Pro tip for meal prep: If you want to make ahead, freeze the smoothie in ice cube trays. When ready to drink, blend the frozen cubes with a splash of milk until smooth.
Notes
- Berry ratio tip: For the best flavor balance, try using a mix of sweet and tart berries. I like 1 cup strawberries, 1/2 cup blueberries, and 1/2 cup raspberries or blackberries.
- If using frozen berries, let them thaw for about 5 minutes before blending to make it easier on your blender.
- For an extra-cold smoothie without diluting the flavor, freeze some of your milk in ice cube trays beforehand and use those instead of regular ice cubes.
- Sweetness factor: Berries vary greatly in sweetness depending on season and ripeness. Always start with less sweetener—you can always add more, but you can't take it out!
- The chia seeds will cause the smoothie to thicken if left to sit, so drink up soon after making, or be prepared to add more liquid later.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt and your favorite plant-based milk.
- Blender cleaning hack: Rinse your blender immediately after pouring out the smoothie, then blend a cup of warm water with a drop of dish soap for easy cleaning.