Mixed Berry Blast Smoothie

Mixed Berry Blast Smoothie

A vibrant and nutritious smoothie packed with mixed berries, banana, and spinach. This antioxidant-rich beverage is perfect for breakfast or as a refreshing post-workout drink.

5 mins
2 servings
190 calories
Vegan

About This Recipe

This Mixed Berry Blast Smoothie combines the natural sweetness of mixed berries with the creaminess of banana and the nutritional boost of fresh spinach. The result is a delicious purple-hued beverage that many people find both refreshing and satisfying. The addition of spinach provides extra nutrients while remaining virtually undetectable in flavor, making it an appealing option for those looking to incorporate more greens into their diet.

What makes this smoothie particularly convenient is its quick preparation time and versatility. It can be enjoyed as a quick breakfast on busy mornings, a post-workout recovery drink, or a healthy snack any time of day. The combination of frozen berries and banana creates a thick, milkshake-like texture that many people find enjoyable, especially when they're looking for something that feels like a treat but is made with wholesome ingredients.

Smoothies like this one offer the advantage of being easily customizable based on personal preferences or ingredient availability. The basic recipe provides a foundation that can be adapted in numerous ways, allowing you to create variations that suit your specific taste and nutritional needs. Many people appreciate having options that can be quickly prepared while still delivering a satisfying and nourishing result.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Ice cubes (if using fresh fruit)

Instructions

  1. If using fresh berries, wash them thoroughly. If using frozen berries, no need to thaw.
  2. Peel the banana and break it into chunks.
  3. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender: mixed berries, banana, spinach, almond milk, chia seeds, honey (if using), and vanilla extract.
  4. If using fresh fruit instead of frozen, add a handful of ice cubes to create a chilled, thick consistency.
  5. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.
  6. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more honey or maple syrup.
  7. Pour into glasses and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

190
Calories
4g
Protein
3g
Fat
38g
Carbs
7g
Fiber
24g
Sugar

Smoothie Benefits

Quick Energy Boost

The natural sugars from fruits combined with the fiber content provide sustained energy release, making this smoothie an excellent choice for morning fuel or pre-workout nutrition.

Nutrient Dense

Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from berries and spinach, this smoothie offers a concentrated source of nutrition in an easily digestible form.

Plant-Powered

This completely plant-based recipe provides a delicious way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet while supporting a sustainable eating pattern.

Time Efficient

With just 5 minutes of preparation, this smoothie offers a convenient solution for busy individuals seeking nutritious meals without extensive kitchen time.

Tips & Variations

Freeze for Convenience

Use frozen berries and pre-sliced frozen bananas to eliminate the need for ice and create a thicker, creamier texture. You can also prepare smoothie packs in advance for quick blending.

Liquid Variations

Almond milk can be substituted with oat milk, coconut water, or regular milk based on preference. Each liquid will slightly alter the flavor and nutritional profile.

Boost Options

Add a scoop of protein powder, a tablespoon of nut butter, or a teaspoon of maca powder to customize the nutritional content and flavor to your specific needs.

Blending Technique

Start blending on low speed and gradually increase to high to ensure all ingredients are properly incorporated. This technique helps achieve the smoothest consistency.

About the Ingredients

Mixed berries provide the foundation of flavor and color for this smoothie. The combination typically includes strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and sometimes blackberries. Each type of berry contributes its own unique nutritional profile and flavor notes. Many people appreciate that frozen berries work exceptionally well in smoothies, creating a chilled, thick texture without diluting the flavor as ice might.

Banana serves multiple purposes in this recipe - it adds natural sweetness, contributes to the creamy texture, and helps balance any tartness from the berries. The ripeness of the banana will affect the sweetness level, with riper bananas providing more natural sugar. Frozen banana slices can enhance the thickness and creaminess of the final smoothie.

Fresh spinach might seem like an unusual addition to a fruit smoothie, but it blends seamlessly without affecting the flavor significantly. The mild taste of spinach is easily masked by the stronger flavors of berries and banana, while still providing additional nutrients. Many people find this to be an easy way to incorporate more leafy greens into their diet.

Almond milk serves as the liquid base that brings all the ingredients together while keeping the recipe dairy-free. Its mild, slightly nutty flavor complements the berries without overpowering them. For those with different preferences, numerous other plant-based or dairy milks can be substituted while maintaining the overall character of the smoothie.