Summer is on its way and I’m always looking for ways to try and beat the heat. It can be such a temptation to head for the freezer and grab a pint of ice cream. Or chase down the nearest ice cream truck for something sweet, cold, and seriously not good for you. I created this frozen berry smoothie that uses the best of nature to cool you off. Delicious and packed with fruit, it’s a great snack in the afternoon or a filling breakfast in the morning. Also, it can be a great dessert treat that won’t give you a sugar coma once you finish it.
Berry Smoothie Benefits
Berries have a huge number of benefits – in fact, they’re some of the healthiest foods in the world. They’re full of antioxidants, which protect the body from free radicals and help regulate blood sugar levels. They’re also high in fiber and essential vitamins and can help reduce bad cholesterol in the body. The best berries to eat? According to Healthline, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and goji berries are the most nutritionally dense. Berries are a low-calorie, but high-nutrient addition to any smoothie. Plus they add the most flavor to this frozen berry mix smoothie. It’s best enjoyed in the summer when these fruits are at their ripest and juiciest. However, the benefit of using frozen fruit is that you can get make the smoothie all year round.
Berry Smoothie Ingredients
Frozen mixed berries: Use whatever mix you have containing strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc. You can usually buy these pre-packaged or you can make your own mix. If you’re using fresh berries instead of frozen, add ice or extra banana to make sure your smoothie is thick enough. Banana: Use frozen over fresh – leave a banana overnight in the freezer for the best results. If you don’t have a banana, avocado, mango, pineapple, or chia seeds work too.Natural yogurt: Greek yogurt works best (because it’s naturally thicker). You can use plant-based yogurt or dairy.Milk: Use your favorite dairy or dairy-free. Almond milk will give it more flavor and oat will thicken the smoothie even more. For a more tropical flavor, use coconut milk.Vanilla extract: This is for a hint of sweetness, though you can skip it if wanted.Honey: Another sweetener, you can use maple syrup, agave syrup, molasses, or dates in place of honey.
How to Make This Super Easy Smoothie?
There are two easy steps for how to make a smoothie with mixed berries.
Prep Your Ingredients
This step is optional but I recommend it if you want a cold fresh smoothie without adding ice. The night before, peel your banana, slice it, and freeze it. That way it’s ready to make your smoothie the next day. If you don’t have frozen fruit, you can freeze that too!
Add your Ingredients to a Blender
Add the milk and yogurt to the blender, then tip in the berries. Add your banana, then add the vanilla and honey to taste – plus any extras you’re including. Put on the lid and blend. Blend for as long as you’d like depending on your desired consistency. And that’s how to make a berry smoothie – quick and easy!
Serve and Enjoy!
Grab your favorite jar or glass and pour in your mixed berry smoothie. Top with a sprinkle of frozen berries and a sprig of fresh mint. Enjoy!
What Can I Add to Get More Vitamins and Minerals?
Chia Seeds: These are rich in omega-3 and antioxidants and packed full of fiber. They’ll break down when you blend your smoothie.Flax Seeds: They’re highly nutritious and packed full of additional fiber. Fresh Mint: A natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Cacao Nibs: will give a chocolatey twist to make your smoothie more dessert-like. Cacao nibs are high in monounsaturated fat and protein.Acai Berries: A superfood, packed full of Vitamin C antioxidants. These are best used when fresh, rather than frozen. Spinach: Particularly high in Vitamin A, C, K1, Folic Acid, Iron, and Calcium. Kale: is a classic green smoothie ingredient. It is high in fiber, iron, and Vitamin K, as well as being a natural anti-inflammatory.
How Do I Make This Smoothie Vegan?
With simple swaps, my berry smoothie recipe is easily made vegan.
In place of dairy milk and yogurt, use plant-based alternatives. Try to pick a Greek-style yogurt so the berry smoothie stays thick. Or add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter to create a more creamy texture. Honey is easily replaced with dandelion syrup, dates, or maple syrup.
More Smoothies
Peach Smoothie RecipeKeto Strawberry SmoothieBlueberry Kale SmoothieStrawberry Banana Smoothie
If you try this mixed berry smoothie recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts/questions below. Also, I’d appreciate a recipe card rating below, and feel free to tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
