You can never have too many smoothie recipes, and using berries is a great choice during the summer months. Try to use fresh fruit when you can.
A smoothie is basically another term for a milkshake, but usually made a little healthier than the typical ice cream concoctions you are familiar with. Smoothies are often made with lots of fresh fruit and juices, along with milk, ice or ice cream for thickening. There is no limit to the number of ways you can make a smoothie, nor any limit to the flavours you can try.
Today, here are a selection of fresh and fruity smoothies all made with berries of some kind. Use fresh if you can, but frozen fruit will work just as well (and will even make for a thicker smoothie).
A smoothie makes a nice (somewhat healthy) snack during those hot summer afternoons, or even a quick and refreshing breakfast. If you are too rushed, you can make your smoothies the night before or even freeze it for a quick microwave thaw.
Strawberry and Banana Smoothie
Bananas will always make a smoothie extra thick and rich. No need for ice cream with this recipe.
- 2 large bananas (firm, not too ripe)
- 2 cups strawberries
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup yogurt
You can use plain yogurt, or use a fruit-flavoured one. Slice up the peeled bananas, and slice up the strawberries. Put fruit, milk and yogurt into your blender and whip smooth.
Strawberry Blackberry Blast
You could use raspberries instead of blackberries, but blackberries give your smoothie a more fun colour and a bit of a different taste.
- 10 whole strawberries
- 15 whole blackberries
- 8 ice cubes
- 2 ½ cups milk
Clean and wash berries, then add them to your blender along with the ice cubes and milk. Blend until smooth and enjoy.
Fruit Juice Smoothie
A less-thick smoothie made with juice instead of milk.
- 1 cup fruit juice (choose your favourite)
- 1 handful of raspberries or strawberries
- 1 tbs honey
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 6 – 8 ice cubes
Clean berries and pour everything into your blender. Whip until everything is blended and smooth. Add a bit more ice if you prefer a thicker smoothie, or some banana. A very healthy smoothie, excellent for breakfast. Vanilla and honey makes a sweet addition.
Fruit Basket Smoothie
A whole host of tasty berries and other fruit in this sweet smoothie.
- 1/3 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/3 cup strawberries
- ¼ cup blueberries
- ½ of a banana
- 2 scoops ice cream
- 5 ice cubes
Mix everything together in a blender and blend until smooth and liquid. You can use a fruit sherbert for extra fruity taste.
If you're new to smoothie making, I also have a number of helpful hints to get you started.
