We all know smoothies are a good thing. Smoothies you make at home from whole fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals and many other beneficial nutrients. It's often hard to get the daily nutritional dose you need from fruits and veggies, so the more you pack into a smoothie, the quicker and easier it is. By making them yourself, you can also control the flavors and select your base. Here are some of our favorites, but feel free to add or subtract ingredients to make it your perfect recipe!
Avocado-Banana Smoothie
Avocado is a superfood that's rich in vitamin B and high in fiber so you feel fuller longer.
Ingredients
1 banana, sliced
1/2 avocado, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup soy milk
1 cup Greek yogurt
6 ice cubes
2 teaspoons honey
Directions
Combine ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Spinach-Berry Smoothie
Not a fan of spinach? Try this to get all its benefits while hiding the taste by adding lots of berries!
Ingredients
1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup blueberries
1/4 cup raspberries
2 cups spinach
6 ounces vanilla yogurt
1 cup ice
Directions
Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Peanut Butter-Banana Smoothie
Peanut butter is known to be high in fat and calories, but it's even higher in benefits from protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. This recipe makes a little go a long way!
Ingredients
1 cup low-fat milk or almond milk
2 bananas
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1/3 cup quick oats or rolled oats
1/2 tablespoon honey
Directions
Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Note: Peanut butter blends easily when at room temperature or warm.
Kale Smoothie
Kale is richer in nutrients than most other vegetables you’d put in your smoothie. We added apples to mask the "veggie" flavor of the kale.
Ingredients
2/3 cup almond milk
1 1/2 cups kale, chopped
1 stalk celery, sliced
1/2 Gala apple, sliced
1 tablespoon ground flax seed
2 teaspoons honey
1/3 cup ice
Directions
Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Vegans can substitute agave nectar for honey to sweeten.
Beet Smoothie
Beets are a great source of nutrients including fiber, folate and vitamin C. Beets also contain nitrates and pigments that can help lower blood pressure and boost your workout performance.
Ingredients
1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup mixed blueberries or berries
1 small beet, peeled and diced (about 8 ounces)
1/4 cup frozen pineapple
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1-2 teaspoons honey
Optional: Add 2 tablespoons oatmeal to make the smoothie even more filling.
Directions
Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Note: Beets are better if warmed, so gently steam or microwave.
Carrot Juice, Apple and Celery Smoothie
Here's a refreshing daily detox and a meal of veggies at the same time.
Ingredients
1 medium apple, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup carrot juice
8 ounces plain yogurt
6 ice cubes
Optional: Add a splash of orange juice.
Directions
Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Make It Your Own
—The fun of making smoothies at home is you can change things up and use your favorite ingredients.
—Milk can be almond, soy, 2%, etc.
—Sweeten with honey or agave nectar, or add a splash of lemon.
—Use your favorite Greek, plain or flavored yogurt.
—Fruits can be fresh or frozen. Overripe bananas are perfect for smoothies!
—Add rolled oats or oatmeal if you are using a smoothie as a meal to feel fuller longer.
—Kids love smoothies. Add ice cream in place of yogurt.