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This frozen mixed berry smoothie has become my daily ritual when I need something quick, nutritious, and utterly delicious. The vibrant purple color always brightens my morning, while the creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor satisfy my cravings without any added sugar.
I started making this smoothie when I was looking for ways to use the abundance of berries from our local farmers market. Now it's become such a staple that my kitchen feels incomplete without frozen berries in the freezer.
Ingredients
- Frozen mixed berries provide the perfect natural sweetness and beautiful color. Look for packages without added sugar for the healthiest option.
- Frozen banana adds creaminess and natural sweetness. The riper your banana was before freezing, the sweeter your smoothie will be.
- Greek yogurt creates that luxurious texture while adding protein. Full fat works best for richness, but nonfat works great too.
- Milk brings everything together into a pourable consistency. Any variety works well here, from dairy to plant based options.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients
- Gather all your frozen berries and banana, Greek yogurt, and milk. Having everything measured and ready makes the process seamless and quick.
- Blend The Base
- Add all ingredients to your blender in this order: milk first, then yogurt, followed by the frozen fruits. This helps the blender create a vortex that pulls ingredients down for even blending.
- Adjust Consistency
- After the initial blend, check your smoothie thickness. If it's too thick to pour easily, add a splash more milk and pulse again. If it's too thin, add a few more frozen berries and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve Immediately
- Pour your beautiful purple smoothie into glasses right away. The texture is best when freshly made, and the vibrant color will bring joy to your morning routine.
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The frozen banana is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered that freezing slightly overripe bananas not only prevents food waste but creates the creamiest smoothie texture imaginable. My daughter now helps me peel and freeze bananas whenever they get too ripe, knowing they'll transform into this beautiful drink later.
Make It A Complete Meal
This smoothie can easily become a complete breakfast by adding nutritional boosters. A tablespoon of chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or your favorite protein powder blends in seamlessly while adding staying power. I often serve this alongside a piece of whole grain toast with avocado for a balanced morning meal that keeps me energized until lunch.
Storage Tips
While this smoothie is best enjoyed immediately, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The texture will change slightly as it sits, becoming a bit thicker. Give it a good stir before drinking, or blend again with a splash of milk to revive the consistency. I often make a double batch and store half in a mason jar with a tight lid for a ready to go breakfast the next day.
Easy Variations
Switching up this basic recipe keeps it interesting day after day. Try adding a handful of spinach for extra nutrients without changing the flavor. A tablespoon of almond butter adds richness and staying power. During summer, I love adding fresh mint leaves from my garden for a refreshing twist. For a tropical variation, swap half the berries for frozen mango pieces.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh berries, but you'll want to add about 1/2 cup of ice to maintain the thick, cold texture. Frozen fruit is what gives this smoothie its creamy consistency, so using fresh berries alone will result in a thinner drink.
- → What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
If you're avoiding dairy, you can substitute Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt, almond yogurt, or even silken tofu for protein. For a different flavor profile, try vanilla yogurt or skyr.
- → How can I make this smoothie sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, try adding 1-2 teaspoons of honey, maple syrup, or a pitted date. You could also use a riper banana or add naturally sweet fruits like mango chunks or pineapple.
- → Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
While smoothies are best enjoyed immediately after blending, you can prepare this up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good shake before drinking. The texture will be slightly thinner than freshly made.
- → What can I add for extra nutrition?
This smoothie makes a great base for nutritional boosters. Consider adding a handful of spinach (which won't affect the taste), a tablespoon of chia or flax seeds, a scoop of protein powder, or a tablespoon of nut butter for extra protein and healthy fats.