Smoothies tend to be the answer when you’re looking for a quick, on-the-go breakfast or the perfect kid-approved snack. Having a few smoothie recipes in your cooking arsenal ensures that you always have an easy win. Best of all, you can control exactly what goes into each concoction: no synthetic powders or sugar-laden yogurt here. Just delicious, nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Making the best smoothies involves just a few hard-and-fast rules. First, invest in a solid blender. Powerful high-speed machines like those from Vitamix, Blendtec, and even Magic Bullet make quick work of smoothies, pulverizing even the toughest seeds.
Next, quality ingredients are critical, but overripe produce is fine; this is where all those odds and ends can really shine. Leftover coffee? Stick it in the refrigerator for a coffee smoothie later. Bananas turning brown? Toss them in a freezer-safe container and stash away for smoothies. Indeed, frozen fruit provides a thick, creamy texture, negating the need for ice cubes.
Beyond the fruit and vegetables, I like to add something creamy, such as avocado or yogurt, to enhance the texture. I also play fairly loose with the liquid amounts. I recommend starting with less liquid and adding more as needed.
Finally, I like the flavors of the fruits and vegetables to really shine, which means I keep sweeteners to a minimum (and stick with less-refined ones, like pure maple syrup, honey, and dates). As with the liquid, start with less and add more to suit your taste.
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RecipeBeet-Berry Smoothie Bowl
This beautiful red bowl packs a nutritional punch with help from the beets, hemp seeds, and yogurt. If you don’t like the texture of raw beets, steam them before adding them to the smoothie. -
RecipePeanut Butter-Banana Smoothie
This classic smoothie has all the perfect breakfast items blended into the perfect drink. Try it with almond or sunflower butter instead of peanut butter. -
RecipeGreen Power Smoothie
This classic green smoothie balances the power of spinach and chia seeds with the sweetness of grapes and apples. If your grapes aren’t frozen when you add them, add three or four more ice cubes for a thicker texture. -
RecipeGolden Smoothie
This bright smoothie is the perfect morning pick-me-up with help from the turmeric and ginger. Carrot juice can be used in place of the shredded carrots—simply add a few more ice cubes at the end of blending. -
RecipeChocolate-Date Smoothie
When yoy get a craving for something sweet and chocolatey at breakfast, skip the chocolate croissant and turn to this smoothie instead. The key is finding a chocolate almond milk that isn’t loaded with sugar. -
RecipeLavender-Strawberry Smoothie
This smoothie is combines the sweetness of strawberries and the wonderful floral flavor of lavender. A little lavender goes a long way; start with a small amount and add more if you like. -
RecipeMango-Pineapple Smoothie Bowl
Soaked cashews make this smoothie bowl extra creamy and lend a bit of protein. Look for coconut milk with the nondairy milks at the grocery store, either refrigerated or unrefrigerated. -
RecipeCoffee Banana Smoothie
Don’t warm your leftover coffee in the microwave; save it for this easy afternoon pick-me-up. This smoothie is the perfect way to use cold coffee and have something sweet to get you to dinner. -
RecipeVery Berry Smoothie
A perfect summertime smoothie, with a boost from flaxseeds. -
RecipeMango Lhassi
This classic Indian yogurt drink is amazingly refreshing over ice on a hot summer day. -
RecipeStrawberry-Orange-Vanilla Breakfast Smoothie
The secret ingredient is silken tofu in this smooth, creamy, yet entirely non-dairy smoothie.
