22 Foodies & Nutrition Experts Share Their Favorite Easy Smoothie Recipes

0
13932
What's your favorite easy smoothie recipe?

Whether you’re in search of delicious smoothie recipes to use as a meal replacement, for a protein boost, or simply for a refreshing, healthy treat, there are plenty of smoothie variations to choose from. No one wants to spend hours in the kitchen preparing a smoothie, though, especially if you’re crunched for time in the mornings before work. Fortunately, there are many easy smoothie recipes that taste just as amazing as more complex smoothie recipes that are more time-consuming to prepare.

There’s nothing easier than grabbing a smoothie on the go and enjoying it on your way to work or over your lunch break. Stop by your local Edible Arrangements® store for a delicious, done-for-you smoothie anytime – no blender required! Our Edible® Treats menu includes fan favorites like Mango + Pineapple + Banana and Pineapple + Honeydew + Kale, or you can choose any combination of ingredients for a customized flavor blend created just for you!

For more delicious easy smoothie recipes you should try, we put out a call for ideas and curated responses below. (Note: Edible Arrangements® is not endorsing any of the companies or ideas discussed below, but we asked for suggestions to get some different perspectives.) Keep reading to find out what the contributors who responded to our query had to say.


Lisa RichardsLisa Richards

@Lisa_Richards10

Lisa Richards is a nutritionist and the creator of the Candida diet. She has been featured on Today, Women’s Health magazine, MSN, the San Francisco Chronicle, Reader’s Digest, Insider, Well+Good, Lifehack, Elite Daily, Shape, and Bustle, among others. Through her website, thecandidadiet.com, she explains the benefits of a low-sugar, anti-inflammatory diet.

“My favorite easy smoothie recipe is a coconut smoothie.

“Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (canned)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk ice cubes (about 4 cubes)
  • 2 Tbsp. almond butter
  • 1 tsp. chia seeds
  • 1 tsp. alcohol-free coconut extract
  • 4 drops liquid stevia or ⅛ tsp. powdered stevia
  • Flaked coconut

“Directions:

  1. Place coconut milk, coconut milk ice cubes, almond butter, chia seeds, alcohol free coconut extract and stevia in a blender.
  2. Process until smooth.
  3. Serve with flaked coconut garnish.

“This tasty, low-sugar smoothie provides you with a hit of protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, and omega 3s from the addition of almond butter and chia seeds. Coconut extract as well as coconut flakes give this smoothie that extra boost of coconut flavor. Great for breakfast or as a satisfying snack between meals!

“There are no added sugars in this smoothie, so it will help you to maintain healthy and stable blood sugar levels. The coconut milk is great for your gut health too, as it naturally contains caprylic acid which helps to promote healthy gut flora.”


Ashlee Van BuskirkAshlee Van Buskirk

Ashlee Van Buskirk, owns and operates her own fitness and nutrition coaching business called Whole Intent. She provides high-quality personal training and nutrition planning services to help her Denver-based clients achieve their fitness goals.

“This is one of our absolute favorite fruit smoothie recipes:

  • 1 tsp of cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp of ground flax seed
  • 2 bananas
  • 3 dark sweet cherries (frozen)
  • 1 cup of frozen fruit (strawberries, mango, it’s up to you!)
  • 1/2 cup of pineapple
  • 1 1/2 cups of juice (any kind)
  • (Optional) 1 tsp of honey or applesauce

“Blend well, serve, and enjoy!”


Beverly FriedmannBeverly Friedmann

Beverly Friedmann works as a content manager for the consumer website MyFoodSubscriptions. She also has a personal affinity for anything and everything related to home cooking or baking, recipes, and particularly making delicious and unique smoothies.

“My favorite go-to smoothie is a fresh fruity spin on a Pumpkin Puree Spice Smoothie with hints of nutmeg.

“This is a spin on a traditional Pumpkin Smoothie recipe I’d found. I tried adding some fresh fruits along with different spices with to get the perfect taste down and have received many compliments on it (and certainly enjoy it myself).

“This recipe combines fresh pumpkin puree with fruit like bananas and raspberries for naturally sweet flavoring, along with cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as maple syrup. While it isn’t your average smoothie or green pick, it’s absolutely delicious, filled with protein, and comes in at under 300 calories, which is quite a bit less than your average Starbucks drink. It’s even tastier given the fresh quality homemade spin.

“The Pumpkin Puree Spice Smoothie recipe calls for:

  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/8 Tbsp allspice
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup of soy milk (you can supplement with almond, regular, or skim as per your preference)
  • 1 Tbsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup fresh pumpkin puree (can be supplemented with canned)
  • 1/4 Tbsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup raspberries (if desired for additional sweetness)

“Mix/puree all ingredients together until smooth using a standard blender.

“This recipe comes in at 296 total calories, with 4 grams of fat and 10 grams of protein, but can be made even lighter by supplementing whole milk for skim and using less maple syrup. I’ve found it to be just as tasty using 3/4 of a tablespoon of nutmeg and with skim milk. You can also put your own spin on it, by adding in additional fruit, or experimenting with different spices. It is not only delicious, but it provides me with amazing energy (along with protein) for hours that’s better than any cup of coffee as a morning or much-needed afternoon pick-me-up. It usually yields two servings per the provided recipe.”


L.J. AmaralL.J. Amaral

@lowcarbbylj

L.J. Amaral is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist who specializes in Oncology Nutrition. L.J. went to the University of Connecticut and obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Nutritional Science. She then went on to get her Masters of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from NYU while subsequently completing her internship to become a Registered Dietitian.

“My favorite smoothie recipe is below:

  • 1 cup fresh apricots rinsed, pitted and cut into small pieces
  • 1 small peach cut up into pieces
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt or plain kefir
  • 1 cup milk of choice (coconut milk works well)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

“Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Optional to add in ice cubes for blending. Blend and pour into a cup and enjoy!”


Don BaiocchiDon Baiocchi

@pgfguy

Don Baiocchi creates tasty, healthful recipes at Paleo Gluten Free Guy. He’s been cooking and baking for almost 20 years and grain, dairy, and refined sugar-free since 2011. He wants everyone to feel their best and share joy by eating fun, vibrant, and indulgent meals.

“I keep peeled, chopped bananas in the freezer, so I add one to my blender jar with 1 cup almond or coconut milk to keep it dairy-free. I add 2 tablespoons of almond butter, sunbutter, or tahini and 2 tablespoons of cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder. I add a pinch of salt because even sweet things need a little salt to make the flavors pop. Then I just blend and I’m done! It makes about 2 cups/16 oz. The banana is sweet enough that you don’t need any extra sweetener at all. If I’m out of frozen bananas, I’ll use 5 pitted dates that have been soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and drained, plus about 1/2 cup of ice.

“Either way, you end up with a thick, creamy, frothy smoothie that fills you up without weighing you down. Hunger cravings conquered.”


Hassan AlnassirHassan Alnassir

@PremiumJoy

Hassan Alnassir is the founder & owner of Premium Joy, a toy business selling educational foam toys for kids.

“My favorite easy smoothie is a mixture of strawberry and banana with added goji berry powder. You can make this drink effortlessly at home using only 4 healthy ingredients.

“To prepare the smoothie, put into the blender 8-10 medium frozen strawberries, 1 medium ripe banana, 1 tablespoon of goji berry powder, then add full-fat milk until it covers all the other items. If extra sweetness is desired, feel free to add 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey to the ingredients before processing. Blend the mixture for around 1-2 minutes until smooth.

“This smoothie is a simple and fast drink that can be prepared in as little as 5 minutes. I highly recommend such a nourishing beverage to people working primarily from home, especially entrepreneurs like myself.”


Allie GreggAllie Gregg

Allie Gregg has been a registered and licensed dietitian for about 11 years. She initially worked at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN then moved and worked at a children’s hospital in Saint Paul, MN. Currently she is a stay at home mom and author MyEasyVeganDiet.com.

“I love this Green Me Up Scotty shake because it is loaded with iron and omega 3 fatty acids.

“About 25% of the population is anemic, meaning they lack iron in their blood. It can also be tricky to get iron on a vegan diet because it is found most abundantly in animal products. But fear not, because this shake is here to save the day! Plus the omega 3s will give your skin a perfect glow and help to alleviate acne.

“Green Me Up Scotty Shake:

  • 1 cup almond milk or other non-dairy milk
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 large Granny Smith apple cored and cut into chunks
  • 1 Tbsp almond butter or peanut butter
  • 1 Tbsp chia seeds or ground flaxseed
  • 2 to 3 ice cubes

“Directions: Pour in liquid ingredients first followed by spinach and apple, then lastly seeds and nut butters. Blend until all mixed and smooth. Enjoy!”


Tariq NasirTariq Nasir

@ChefTariqNasir

Tariq Nasir is a American-Palestinian food blogger and founder
of ChefTariq.com. He empowers the everyday home cook to bring Middle Eastern cuisine to their table.

“My favorite smoothie is a perfect blend of berry and banana flavors!

“Blueberries for antioxidants, strawberries for boosting immunity, and bananas for fiber – making this smoothie simple, delicious, and packed with nutrients.

  • ½ cup strawberries
  • ½ cup blueberries
  • 1 medium banana
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 2-3 ice cubes”

Kayla FioravantiKayla Fioravanti

@OlogyEssentials

Kayla Fioravanti is the co-founder & Chief Formulator of Ology Essentials, a research-driven brand of high-quality hemp CBD, CBD skincare, and honest custom cosmetic and hemp formulating services. She has been in the natural cosmetic industry for 20+ years as a cosmetic formulator and certified aromatherapist.

“We would love to share our favorite and simple green smoothie sweetened with CBD honey recipe!

“Recipe:

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1/2 ripe avocado
  • 1 cup of coconut milk
  • Handful of kale
  • 1 tsp of CBD honey
  • Scoop of protein powder
  • And top it off with some hemp seeds!

“We prefer using our very own Hemp CBD Honey. Ology Essentials has married The Bee Guys’ Raw Tennessee Honey with our pure THC-free Hemp CBD isolate to provide a delicious way to add hemp CBD to our daily diet.

“Choose between our:

  • Unflavored Honey: Raw Honey and Hemp CBD Isolate.
  • Cinnamon Honey: Raw Honey, Hemp CBD Isolate, CO2 cinnamon and vanilla extract.”

Annie Brown

@SavvyHoney

Annie Brown is the founder of Savvy Honey, a women’s lifestyle blog. She enjoys writing about a vast array of topics including recipes, DIY, holiday ideas, and anything that inspires her readers to live their best lives!

“My easy aloha summer smoothie recipe is my favorite way to beat the heat. All the tropical flavors scream summertime, and I’m sure it’ll become your new favorite too!

“Aloha Summer Smoothie:

  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1 cup strawberries (sliced with stems removed)
  • 1 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup ice (optional if using frozen fruit)

“Instructions: Add all ingredients to your blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into your glass and enjoy on a hot summer day!

“Easy Prep Tip: Prepare your fruit ahead of time and place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to make your smoothie, simply dump the contents of the bag into your blender and add coconut milk.”


Chieko YamamotoChieko Yamamoto

Chieko Yamamoto is the President & CEO of Ikeda Tea World, a certified organic bulk matcha supplier. She is one of the few Japanese matcha specialists residing in the United States with over 20 years of experience in the matcha industry.

“We love matcha smoothies that are quick, tasty, and use ingredients we don’t have to trek around town to find.

“We call this our ‘Ikeda Need a Smoothie’ smoothie!

  • 1 cup frozen banana slices
  • ½ cup frozen peach slices
  • 2 tsp matcha powder
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, packed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk of your choice (we like coconut!)

“Feeling fancy? Top with freeze-dried raspberries for even more antioxidant power!”


Madiha JamalMadiha Jamal

@MadihaJamal1

Madiha Jamal is a dedicated writer at pennysaviour. Her aim is to provide bustling information to readers through her writings. She has written blogs on different topics but her specialties are health & fitness, personal growth, and marketing. She is a research worm, food lover, travel enthusiast, and a bookaholic.

“I am very fond of smoothies, and it is my favorite meal replacement. To satiate unwanted food cravings, I always prefer to have a glass of smoothie.

“My favorite one is banana smoothie. Here is my recipe:

  • 2 bananas
  • 1 cup milk
  • Some ice cubes
  • 10 raisins
  • Green cardamom powder 1/4 teaspoon

“Blend everything in a mixer and enjoy. For extra flavor, you can add mint leaves to it.”


Renata TrebingRenata Trebing

@NourishwRenata

Renata Trebing is the founder and recipe developer of the healthy food blog, NourishwithRenata.com. This blog focuses on simple and, especially important, delicious recipes! She is also an online nutrition coach.

“My absolute favorite is my Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie! This smoothie tastes like dessert but is actually packed with loads of good-for-you ingredients such as protein, healthy fats, fiber, greens and superfoods. I love this smoothie for a quick breakfast after finishing my morning workout. It refuels my body and it tastes like a healthy indulgence!

“Here is the recipe:

  • 1/2 banana
  • 1 Tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 serving of your fave Vanilla Protein Powder
  • 1/2 Tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1-2 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup ice
  • 1/2 cup kale or spinach

“Blend all ingredients in a high powered blender to smooth and creamy. Enjoy immediately!”


Helen MaceyHelen Macey

Helen Macey is the founder and CEO of URNX and a personal trainer. As an entrepreneur, she is passionate about connecting people to health, wellness, and fitness professionals through their URNX search engine.

“Here’s my favorite easy smoothie recipe:

  • 2 cups of Organic Tropical Fruit Blend (from Trader Joe’s)
  • 1/2 cup of Berry Medley (Trader Joe’s)
  • 2-3 pitted dates 2 tablespoon of Hemp protein (Nutiva)
  • 1/2 cup of raw oatmeal
  • 2 cups of almond milk
  • 1/2 a cup of Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup of water (optional) Or 1/2 cup of ice (optional)

“It truly is as easy as adding all ingredients to your blender and blending until nice and creamy. It should be drinkable but not too thick. The perfect consistency!”


Vanessa SaundersVanessa Saunders

@GPS2FindHome

Vanessa Saunders is a Principal Broker and CEO of Global Property Systems.

“My favorite easy smoothie recipe is the Papaya Ice Cream Smoothie. I picked this dessert recipe up when I was in Brazil. Try it – it’s quick, easy, and really good!

  • 1 medium papaya. Remove seeds and skin and chop into chunks.
  • 1-pt. tub of vanilla ice cream. Or if you don’t do dairy (like me) try Coconut Bliss. It’s delicious.
  • Creme de cassis. If you aren’t lucky enough to have a bottle in the cupboard, get one. I promise you’ll be making more of this.
  • Sprigs of mint.
  • Four tall pretty glasses and thick straws (preferably not plastic), but a spoon is just fine too.

“Place the chunks of fruit and the contents of tub of ice cream into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Top with a swirl of creme de cassis, and finish with a sprig of mint on each glass.

“Voila! It’s that easy and really deeeeelicious. I serve as a dessert or a summer smoothie, depending on the occasion. Either way, there’s never any left over for seconds.”


Beth Jacques ChenBeth Jacques Chen

@bonaippetit

Beth is mama to a beautiful boy, self-taught cook, and photographer. Besides the kitchen, her favorite place is her backyard where she chases her kiddo and is attempting to turn her black thumb green. Finding joy in eating to heal and sharing her Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), Paleo, and allergy friendly recipes and wellness tips with others is what fuels her. Bon Aippetit!

“My favorite smoothie has to be my Banana, Blueberry and Spinach Smoothie.

“There’s no added sugar, and you don’t need it because the fruit adds all the sweetness. Additionally, there’s only 4 ingredients, can be made in 5 minutes and actually includes some veggies. You can also use green tea instead of peppermint if you want a little pick-me-up. The bonus is that that I’m not afraid to feed it to my kiddo. In fact, this is a great way to trick your kid into eating veggies! I’ve also tricked my husband into eating veggies with this smoothie. Shh! Don’t tell them! It’s really the perfect smoothie.”


Pamela JessenPamela Jessen

@pamjessen

Pamela Jessen is a blogger who writes about Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue, and Invisible Illness at pamelajessen.com She also writes for TheMighty, PainResource.com, TheZebraPit.com, and various independent publications.

“This one is simple, but delicious and so easy to throw together. You can use fresh or frozen fruit…if you use fresh, make sure to throw a handful of ice cubes into the blender as well.

“Peach Raspberry Smoothie:

  • 1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 3/4 cup of chopped fresh peaches
  • 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt (I love using greek yogurt to my smoothies for extra protein.)
  • 1/3 cup almond milk (You can use any kind of milk you like, I just prefer almond milk.)
  • A handful of ice cubes if not using frozen fruit

“STEP 1: Place all ingredients into the blender (liquid ingredients first).

“STEP 2: Blend on high for 2 minutes or until smooth. Scrap down sides and blend for another 30 seconds.

“STEP 3: Serve and enjoy!”


Brian MaBrian Ma

@Flushingdotcom

Brian Ma is the proprietor of the website Flushing.com, which showcases culture, food, and night life in the Flushing, New York area.  He is a realtor by day and a gourmet chef, self described foodie, and food critic in his leisure time.

“My favorite easy smoothie recipe is the Chinese Bubble Tea Smoothie.

“Dissolve 2 scoops of non-dairy creamer and 1 scoop of sugar or sugar syrup with ½ cup of hot brewed tea in a shaker cup. Add in 2 cups of ice, cover, and shake until mixed well and a nice froth is formed. Add ¼ cup of tapioca pearls to your drinking cup, pour milk tea over the tapioca, and enjoy!”


Kelly McPeakKelly McPeak

Kelly McPeak is the owner of Natural Balance Gymnastics in Colmar, PA. She is a former competitive gymnast, and her coaching experience spans more than 30 years from preschool through competitive Level 10.

“My favorite easy smoothie recipe is a Tropical Fruit Smoothie:

  • 1 quart whole milk plain yogurt
  • 1 10-oz. package frozen tropical fruit
  • Splash vanilla extract
  • Honey to taste
  • Orange juice to taste (optional – makes it taste like a creamsicle)

“Place all ingredients in blender/Vitamix. Gradually increase speed until at 10. Mix until blended and enjoy! Makes a great in between class snack. Best if consumed within 12 hours.”


Karagan OsmannKaragan Osmann

Karagan Osmann is the Founder of S’moo.

“My favorite easy smoothie recipe is a 3 ingredient Watermelon Smoothie. This smoothie is a must try for summer – it’s refreshing and hydrating!

“3 Ingredient Watermelon Smoothie:

  • 8 oz. coconut or almond milk
  • 1 cup watermelon
  • 8 frozen strawberries”

Becky BeachBecky Beach

@themombeach

Becky Beach is a mom to an adorable 3-year-old boy and loves making smoothies. She has a blog, MomBeach.com, where she helps other moms with personal finance, recipes and lifestyle advice.

“My favorite easy smoothie recipe is The Hyper Monkey Smoothie (Coffee, Chocolate, Banana and Cashew):

  • 1 frozen banana
  • ½ cup coffee that is cold brewed
  • ¼ cup cashews that have been soaked over night
  • 1 Tbsp cocoa powder that is unsweet

“Mix ingredients in a blender on high until they are thoroughly blended.”


Gabrielle MancellaGabrielle Mancella

@orlandohealth

Gabrielle Mancella, M.S, RD/LDN, is a Doctoral Candidate and Outpatient Corporate Wellness Dietitian at Orlando Health.

“Smoothies are my ultimate go-to in times of need, such as when the pantry and the refrigerator are nearly empty and I am pushing the clock to get to work by 8:00 AM.

“In practice, I always use a blueprint to ensure that my smoothies are nutritionally balanced and able to keep me satisfied throughout the morning. There is no mistake that when done incorrectly, these can cause extreme shifts in blood sugar and cause our appetites to sky rocket. There is nothing worse than hunger pains in the middle of a meeting! My blueprint is one that I developed while counseling my clients. It is the rule of ‘5,’ and I simply hold out my hand to ensure there are always 5 ingredients: A liquid, a protein, 1 fruit, 1 vegetable, and 1 ‘fluffy’ (the thumb). With this, I know that each time I blend these ingredients together, it will be not only delicious but also perfectly formulated to provide me with the nutrients I need to feel satisfied and get me through the day. Not only is it an effective way to sneak in a vegetable, but the combinations are ENDLESS! It’s no secret – a traditional strawberry and spinach smoothie can get old, but with this, the combinations that are possible with minimal ingredients are an excellent way to meet your wellness goals as well as assist you in sticking to your financial goals without breaking the bank and stopping for a pricey breakfast.

“My go-to blend is as follows and has been recently added to our smoothie menu at our Orlando Health Heart Institute Café!

“Ingredients:

  • 1 cup green tea with mint
  • 1 scoop plant-based vanilla protein powder
  • 1 cup cucumber
  • 1 cup honeydew
  • 2 Tbsp flaxseeds
  • 1 tsp agave syrup (optional)

If you’re on the go and need a tasty, refreshing smoothie to kick-start your day or for a quick lunch on the run, stop by your local Edible Arrangements® store for an amazing, done-for-you smoothie – zero prep work required. Choose your favorite combination of ingredients from our Edible® Treats menu for a custom blend of favors created just for you!