Smoothies are a staple among health junkies, and we have to agree: they're ridiculously easy to make, filled with fruits and veggies, and make you feel like a pro when you whip up a particularly delicious blend. It's unsurprising, then, that smoothies have become a regular menu item at fast-food joints across the nation-but not all smoothies are created equal, and you're better off skipping many of those high-kJ, sugary drinks disguised as a healthy option.
If you're looking to put your own blender to use and start making smoothies at home, you're already one step ahead, saving yourself money and ensuring you have full control over what goes in. These delicious, healthy smoothie recipes make it easier to eat right with fruit, milk, protein, immune-boosting yoghurt, and other nutritious ingredients-and they're great for helping you slim down.
Just a note: Some of these recipes contain fruit juice or honey to up the sweetness, but if you're looking to cut added sugar from your diet, you can nix those ingredients.
Give these all-star smoothies a try, and feel free to tweak and experiment to create your own perfect blend!
Banana Ginger Smoothie
Soothe digestion, heartburn, nausea, and other stomach trouble with the fresh ginger in this natural remedy smoothie recipe.
Servings: 2
- 1 banana, sliced
- ¾ c (185mL) vanilla yoghurt
- 1 Tbsp honey
- ½ tsp freshly grated ginger
Combine the banana, yoghurt, honey, and ginger. Blend until smooth.
Nutrition (per serving): 657kJ (157cal), 1 g fat, 0.8 g sat fat, 57 mg sodium, 34 g carbs, 28 g sugars, 1.5 g fibre, 5 g protein
Detox Green Smoothie with Chia Seeds
If you haven't tried chia seeds yet, here's a great opportunity. This superfood ingredient gives you a burst of energy and helps you stay full longer; plus, they go with practically everything. Not everyone loves their texture, but when they're blended into a delicious smoothie, you won't even be able to detect them (while still reaping all their benefits). And as this blogger points out, they're also packed with antioxidants and boost your metabolism. Combined with spinach, unsweetened almond milk, frozen pineapple, and naturally sweet banana, this tasty mixture is the ultimate breakfast treat.
Get the recipe from Ally's Cooking »
Apple Crumble Smoothie
Savour the taste of fall with apple cider that's blended with Greek yoghurt, rolled oats, pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This delicious smoothie is rich in protein and beta-glucan, a fibre that improves running endurance.
Get the recipe from Prevention »
Orange Dream Creamsicle
Need to cool down after a tough workout or a hot day at the beach? Lap up this low-kJ, citrus-infused healthy smoothie recipe.
Servings: 1
- 1 navel orange, peeled
- ¼ c fat-free half-and-half or fat-free yoghurt
- 2 Tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 4 ice cubes
Combine the orange, half-and-half or yoghurt, orange juice concentrate, vanilla, and ice cubes. Process until smooth.
Nutrition (per serving): 670kJ (160cal), 3 g pro, 36 g carb, 3 g fibre, 28 g sugars, 1 g fat, 0.5 g sat fat, 60 mg sodium
Caramel Apple Overnight Oat Smoothie
This vegan, gluten-free smoothie is absolutely perfect for crisp mornings, and it'll keep you satisfied for hours. Don't worry: There's no caramel in this delightful recipe; instead, this blogger utilises "nature's caramel" (dates) to add sweetness along with antioxidants, fibre, and minerals. Rolled oats also pack extra fibre and protein, while apples and cinnamon give that undeniably fall taste. Oh, and there's chia seeds in this smoothie as well (because why not). This dreamy mixture sits in the fridge overnight, saving you so much time in the mornings. Just blend and go!
Get the recipe from Running With Spoons »
Green Tea, Blueberry, and Banana
Antioxidant-rich green tea makes this healthy smoothie a nutritional powerhouse.
Servings: 1
- 3 Tbsp water
- 1 green tea bag
- 2 tsp honey
- 1½ c frozen blueberries
- ½ med banana
- ¾ c calcium fortified light vanilla soy milk
1. Microwave water on high until steaming hot in a small bowl. Add tea bag and allow to brew 3 minutes. Remove tea bag. Stir honey into tea until it dissolves.
2. Combine berries, banana, and milk in a blender with ice crushing ability.
3. Add tea to blender. Blend ingredients on ice crush or highest setting until smooth. (Some blenders may require additional water to process the mixture.) Pour smoothie into tall glass and serve.
Nutrition (per serving): 1,125kJ (269cal), 2.5 g fat, 0.2 g sat fat, 52 mg sodium, 63 g carbs, 38.5 g sugars, 8 g fibre, 3.5 g protein
Cranberry Citrus Smoothie
This heavenly citrus drinks provides a burst of vitamin C and refreshing tart flavour from a blend of cranberries and oranges. Frozen bananas and a hint of vanilla extract add balance, with a base of plain Greek yoghurt for extra protein and creaminess. This blogger notes that oranges can be substituted for any other type of citrus, so if you prefer tangerines or clementines, feel free to swap those in!
Get the recipe from The Produce Moms »
Very Berry Breakfast
Start your day off with a bang with this fruit-packed smoothie recipe.
Servings: 2
- 1 c frozen unsweetened raspberries
- ¾ c chilled unsweetened almond or rice milk
- ¼ c frozen pitted unsweetened cherries or raspberries
- 1½ Tbsp honey
- 2 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp ground flaxseed
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
Combine all ingredients in blender, adding lemon juice to taste. Puree until smooth. Pour into 2 chilled glasses.
Nutrition (per serving): 468kJ (112cal), 1.5 g fat, 0 g sat fat, 56 mg sodium, 25.5 g carbs, 20 g sugars, 3 g fibre, 1 g protein
Green Ginger Smoothie
Baby spinach and Granny Smith apples combine to create the delicious green colour of this smoothie you'll want to make again and again. Added hemp seeds are an excellent source of plant protein, and they're also packed with omega-3s, omega-6 fatty acids, fibre, magnesium, and a whole host of other benefits. Minced ginger, lemon juice, coconut water, and a bit of raw honey also contribute to this smoothie's fresh, delightful taste.
Get the recipe from Prevention »
Pumpkin Coconut Smoothie
With no dairy or added sugar, you can feel good sipping on this rich, creamy smoothie. Only five ingredients (and five minutes!) are needed to whip up this autumn-inspired blend, which works for many diets, including gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and vegetarian. It weighs in at just under 1,255kJ (300cal), with 18 mg of sodium and 8 g of sugar. This blogger suggests adding a scoop of collagen powder for extra protein!
Get the recipe from Cook Eat Paleo »
World's Best Smoothie
Slurp down this smoothie recipe at breakfast, and you'll feel satisfied until lunchtime.
Servings: 1
- 1 c plain nonfat yoghurt
- 1 banana
- ½ c orange juice
- 6 frozen strawberries
Combine the yoghurt, banana, juice, and strawberries for 20 seconds. Scrape down the sides and blend for an additional 15 seconds.
Nutrition (per serving): 1,255kJ (300cal), 14 g pro, 63 g carb, 5 g fibre, 45 g sugars, 0.5 g fat, 0 g sat fat, 180 mg sodium
Hot Green Smoothie
This blogger switches up the classic kale-apple-dates combo by adding an antioxidant-rich cup of green tea, which is also proven to reduce blood pressure. You're left with a smooth, warm drink with just the right amount of sweetness to comfort you on a chilly winter day. This smoothie is about 1045kJ (250cal), and you can lower the kilojoule count even more by using one date instead of two (they're about 276kJ each).
Get the recipe from Kitchen Sanctuary »
Pineapple Passion
This decadently thick smoothie recipe can even satisfy your desire for ice cream and it's healthy!
Servings: 1
- 1 c low-fat or light vanilla yoghurt
- 6 ice cubes
- 1 c pineapple chunks
1. Combine the yoghurt and ice cubes. Blend, pulsing as needed, until the ice is in large chunks.
2. Add the pineapple and blend at "whip" speed until smooth.
Nutrition (per serving): 1,184kJ (283cal), 3.5 g fat, 2 g sat fat, 167 mg sodium, 53.5 g carbs, 48 g sugars, 2 g fibre, 13 g protein
Strawberry-Kiwi Smoothie
Stay full and fight disease. This high-fibre smoothie recipe becomes even healthier when you use organic kiwis, which contain higher levels of heart-healthy polyphenols and vitamin C.
Servings: 4
- 1¼ c cold apple juice
- 1 ripe banana, sliced
- 1 kiwifruit, sliced
- 5 frozen strawberries
- 1½ tsp honey
Combine the juice, banana, kiwifruit, strawberries, and honey. Blend until smooth.
Nutrition (per serving): 364kJ (87cal), 0.3 g fat, 0 g sat fat, 3.5 mg sodium, 22 g carbs, 16.5 g sugars, 1.5 g fibre, 0.5 g protein
Pear-Spinach Smoothie
Perfect for autumn and winter, when you're doing everything you can to avoid getting sick, this immune-boosting smoothie blends pear and spinach to provide roughly 25 percent of your daily vitamin C needs. Plus, probiotic-rich yoghurt helps strengthen your gut with healthy bacteria, and ginger adds anti-inflammatory compounds to ease cold and flu symptoms. You'll feel even better heading out for the day with this healthy drink in your system.
Get the recipe from Prevention »
Banana-Blueberry-Soy Smoothie
Succulent, summer-ripe blueberries burst with flavour in this delicious smoothie. Skip the sugar or artificial sweetener for a healthier pick; the fruit makes it naturally sweet.
Servings: 2
- 1¼ c light soy milk
- ½ c frozen loose-pack blueberries
- ½ frozen banana, sliced
- 2 tsp sugar or 2 packets artificial sweetener
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Combine 1 cup of the milk, the blueberries, banana, sugar or sweetener, and vanilla extract. Blend for 20 to 30 seconds, or until smooth. Add up to ¼ cup more milk if a thinner smoothie is desired.
Nutrition (per serving): 523kJ (125cal), 1.5 g fat, 0.1 g sat fat, 60 mg sodium, 25 g carbs, 11 g sugars, 2 g fibre, 3 g protein
Tropical Papaya Perfection
Thick like a milkshake, this coconut-infused smoothie recipe transports you to a tropical island.
Servings: 1
- 1 papaya, cut into chunks
- 1 c fat-free plain yoghurt
- ½ c fresh pineapple chunks
- ½ c crushed ice
- 1 tsp coconut extract
- 1 tsp ground flaxseed
Combine the papaya, yoghurt, pineapple, ice, coconut extract, and flaxseed. Process for about 30 seconds, or until smooth and frosty.
Nutrition (per serving): 1,251kJ (299cal), 1.5 g fat, 0.1 g sat fat, 149 mg sodium, 64 g carbs, 44 g sugars, 7 g fibre, 13 g protein
Just Peachy
Fat-free vanilla ice cream makes this protein packed smoothie sinful and slimming. Skip the spoonful of sugar for a healthier pick.
Servings: 2
- 1 c skim milk
- 2 Tbsp low-fat vanilla yoghurt
- ½ c frozen peaches
- ½ c strawberries
- ⅛ tsp powdered ginger
- 2 tsp whey protein powder
- 3 ice cubes
1. Blend together any liquid ingredients (milk, yoghurt, juice, etc.) and protein powder; this will help break down the grainy powder and make sure it's evenly distributed.
2. Add mushy ingredients, like precooked porridge and fruit, then add ice at the end. For a thicker shake, you can toss in more ice cubes; you'll add volume without the kilojoules.
Nutrition (per serving): 627kJ (150cal), 2 g fat, 1 g sat fat, 73 mg sodium, 26.5 g carbs, 24 g sugars, 2 g fibre, 9 g protein
Apricot-Mango Madness
Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy splash to this sweet smoothie.
Servings: 2
- 6 apricots, peeled, pitted, and chopped (about 2 c)
- 2 ripe mangoes, 10 to 12 ounces each, peeled and chopped (about 2 c)
- 1 c reduced-fat milk or plain low-fat yoghurt
- 4 tsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 8 ice cubes
- Lemon peel twists (garnish)
1. Place the apricots, mangoes, milk or yoghurt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a blender. Process for 8 seconds. Add the ice cubes, and process 6 to 8 seconds longer, or until smooth.
2. Pour into tall glasses, garnish with lemon twists, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition (per serving): 1,054kJ (252cal), 3.5 g fat, 1.5 g sat fat, 57 mg sodium, 53 g carbs, 45.5 g sugars, 6 g fibre, 7 g protein
Watermelon Wonder
Transform a summer fruit favourite into a delightful healthy smoothie. Just remember to buy seedless watermelon or remove the seeds before you blend!
Servings: 2
- 2 c chopped watermelon
- ¼ c fat-free milk
- 2 c ice
Combine the watermelon and milk, and blend for 15 seconds, or until smooth. Add the ice, and blend 20 seconds longer, or to your desired consistency. Add more ice, if needed, and blend for 10 seconds.
Nutrition (per serving): 234kJ (56cal), 0.3 g fat, 0 g sat fat, 19.5 mg sodium, 13 g carbs, 11 g sugars, 0.5 g fibre, 2 g protein
Berry Good Workout Smoothie
Get the energy you need to power through your workout in minutes with this easy-to-make smoothie recipe. For an extra dose of calcium, try adding a teaspoon of Organic Kale Powder.
Servings: 1
- 1½ c chopped strawberries
- 1 c blueberries
- ½ c raspberries
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ c ice cubes
Blend all ingredients.
Nutrition (per serving): 680kJ (162.5cal), 1 g fat, 0.1 g sat fat, 5 mg sodium, 41.5 g carbs, 32 g sugars, 6 g fibre, 2 g protein
Sunrise Smoothie
Blend apricot and peach together, and your smoothie will look like an early-morning sunrise.
Servings: 4
- 1 banana
- 1 c apricot nectar, chilled
- 1 container (250g) low-fat peach yoghurt
- 1 Tbsp frozen lemonade concentrate
- ½ c club soda, chilled
1. Combine the banana, apricot nectar, yoghurt, and lemonade concentrate. Process for 30 seconds, or until smooth and creamy.
2. Stir in the club soda and serve immediately.
Nutrition (per serving): 544kJ (130cal), 0.5 g fat, 0.5 g sat fat, 43.5 mg sodium, 29 g carbs, 16 g sugars, 1.5 g fibre, 2.5 g protein
Berry Vanilla Sensation
Fat-free vanilla yoghurt sweetens this tangy fruit healthy smoothie recipe.
Servings: 2
- ½ c frozen unsweetened raspberries
- ½ c frozen unsweetened strawberries
- ¾ c unsweetened pineapple juice
- 1 c (8 oz) fat-free vanilla yoghurt
Combine the raspberries, strawberries, and pineapple juice. Add the yoghurt. Blend until smooth.
Nutrition (per serving): 803kJ (192cal), 0.5 g fat, 0.1 g sat fat, 86.5 mg sodium, 41 g carbs, 35 g sugars, 2.5 g fibre, 7 g protein
Tutti-Frutti Smoothie
A splash of orange juice infuses summer citrus into this healthy and refreshing snack.
Servings: 2
- ½ c loose-pack mixed frozen berries or strawberries
- ½ c canned crushed pineapple in juice
- ½ c plain yoghurt
- ½ c sliced ripe banana
- ½ c orange juice
Combine the berries, pineapple (with juice), yoghurt, banana, and orange juice in a food processor fitted with the metal blade, in a blender, or in a large measuring cup with an immersion blender. Process for about 2 minutes, or until smooth.
Nutrition (per serving): 585kJ (140cal), 2.5 g fat, 1.5 g sat fat, 30 mg sodium, 29 g carbs, 16 g sugars, 2.5 g fibre, 3.5 g protein
LeeAnn's Luscious Smoothie
To eliminate processed sugar, this reader created a sweet, sugar-free smoothie.
Servings: 1
- 1 c skim milk
- 1 c frozen, unsweetened strawberries
- 1 Tbsp cold-pressed organic flaxseed oil
- 1 Tbsp sunflower or pumpkin seeds (optional)
1. Mix milk and frozen strawberries in a blender for 1 minute.
2. Transfer to a glass and stir in the tablespoon of flaxseed oil, or serve with a tablespoon of sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead.
Nutrition (per serving): 1,071kJ (256cal), 14 g fat, 1.5 g sat fat, 106 mg sodium, 26 g carbs, 19 g sugars, 3 g fibre, 9 g protein
Slim-Down Smoothie
Wonderfully thick and tasty, this healthy smoothie recipe easily substitutes for milkshakes and ice cream.
Servings: 1
- 1 c frozen berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries
- ½ c low-fat yoghurt (any flavour)
- ½ c orange juice or other juice
Place the berries, yoghurt, and orange juice in a blender and pulse for 30 seconds. Blend for 30 seconds, or until smooth.
Nutrition (per serving): 774kJ (185cal), 2 g fat, 1 g sat fat, 90 mg sodium, 35 g carbs, 26 g sugars, 3.5 g fibre, 8 g protein
Soy Good Smoothie
Skipping breakfast can leave you starving mid-morning-and reaching for tempting junk food. Instead, sip this on-the-go soy smoothie.
Servings: 1
- 1 c calcium-fortified vanilla soy milk
- ½ c frozen blueberries
- ½ c corn flakes cereal
- 1 frozen banana, sliced
Combine the milk, blueberries, cereal, and banana in a blender for 20 seconds. Scrape down the sides and blend for an additional 15 seconds.
Nutrition (per serving): 1,464kJ (350cal), 3.5 g fat, 0.1 g sat fat, 192 mg sodium, 74 g carbs, 44 g sugars, 7 g fibre, 9 g protein
Mango Madness
Take advantage ripe mango's disease-fighting ability with this delicious smoothie recipe.
Servings: 2
- 1 can (8 oz) juice-packed pineapple chunks
- 1 c fat-free frozen vanilla yoghurt
- 1 lg ripe mango, peeled and chopped
- 1 ripe banana, sliced
- Crushed or cracked ice
1. Combine the pineapple (with juice), frozen yoghurt, mango, and banana. Blend until smooth.
2. With the blender running. gradually drop in enough ice to bring the level up to 4 cups. Blend until the ice is pureed.
Nutrition (per serving): 1,050kJ (251cal), 0.5 g fat, 0.2 g sat fat, 68 mg sodium, 60 g carbs, 50 g sugars, 4 g fibre, 6.5 g protein