Cherry Smoothie
There’s something refreshing and invigorating about a Cherry Smoothie. On a hot summer day, when the sun is shining and the air is thick with warmth, I often find myself craving something cool and fruity. This smoothie is my go-to remedy. I love the vibrant color of the dark cherries and the creamy texture that comes from the Greek yogurt. Every sip feels like a mini-vacation in a glass! Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up in just a few minutes.
As a busy person, I appreciate recipes that provide a burst of flavor without taking hours to prepare. This Cherry Smoothie fits that bill perfectly. All you need is a blender and a few simple ingredients, and you can have a healthy treat ready in no time. Whether I’m heading out for a morning workout or just want a nutritious snack in the afternoon, this smoothie always satisfies my cravings.
One of my favorite parts about making this Cherry Smoothie is experimenting with various ingredients. Sometimes I’ll add a pinch of flaxseed for an extra health boost or a touch of honey for sweetness. The possibilities are endless! And let’s not forget the essential joy of enjoying something homemade and refreshing. When you take that first sip, you can taste the love and care that goes into it. So come along and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Recipe Snapshot
5 mins
5 mins
0 mins
Medium
220 kcal
8 g
Gluten-Free, AIP, Low FODMAP
5 g
Blender
What You’ll Enjoy About This Cherry Smoothie
It’s Quick and Easy
One of the main reasons I adore this Cherry Smoothie is how quick and easy it is to prepare. No need for complicated steps or extensive cooking techniques. You literally just toss everything into the blender!
Nutritious Ingredients
This smoothie is not just a tasty treat; it’s packed with nutrition. The dark cherries are rich in antioxidants, while the Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess, making it a balanced option for breakfast or a snack.
Customizable to Your Taste
What I love about smoothies is their versatility. You can easily modify the Cherry Smoothie to suit your preferences. Want it dairy-free? Switch to almond milk and non-dairy yogurt. Feel like a bit of a health boost? Add some spinach or kale!
Perfect for Summer
During the scorching summer months, this smoothie becomes my refresher of choice. The cold, fruity flavor is incredibly satisfying when the heat is on. I often find myself making a big batch and sharing it with friends at barbecues or picnic gatherings.
Great for Kids
Not only do I enjoy this Cherry Smoothie, but my kids do too! It’s an excellent way to sneak in some fruits and dairy, and they love the bright color. Plus, it’s fun to let them help with the blending process!
Meal Prep Friendly
This smoothie is perfect for meal prep. You can pre-portion the ingredients into bags and freeze them. In the morning, just blend with your liquid of choice, and you’re good to go!
What’s In This Cherry Smoothie
The Cherry Smoothie comes together with just a few wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously to create a deliciously creamy and fruity drink. Each component plays a critical role, ensuring the smoothie is both satisfying and nourishing.
- ½ cup milk, any variety: The base liquid for the smoothie, providing creaminess. You can use dairy or non-dairy options like almond or oat milk.
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt: This adds protein and a boost of creaminess, making the smoothie thick and satisfying.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can skip this or replace it with almond extract!
- 1 cup pitted dark cherries, frozen: The star of the smoothie! They provide natural sweetness and a beautiful color. Frozen cherries help create a thick, icy consistency.
- 1 large ripe banana, in large chunks: The banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess, making the smoothie even more filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed, optional: A superfood that brings Omega-3 fatty acids and extra fiber, making this smoothie even more nutritious.
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, optional: You can adjust the sweetness to your liking, depending on how sweet your cherries and banana are.
How to Cook Cherry Smoothie
Preparing this Cherry Smoothie is as simple as it gets! You’ll love how effortless it is to create a refreshing drink that satisfies your sweet tooth.
Start by placing milk into your blender. I prefer to use almond milk for a nutty flavor, but any variety works.
Next, add in Greek yogurt. This will add a delightful creaminess to your smoothie, making it rich and satisfying.
If you’re using it, sprinkle in the flaxseed. This is optional, but it’s a great way to add some healthy fats and fiber!
Now, add the honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter smoothie. Adjust according to your taste.
Finally, toss in the frozen dark cherries and chunks of banana. They are the stars of this smoothie, providing the delicious flavor and texture.
Secure the lid on your blender and blend until everything is well combined and smooth. You want to achieve a creamy consistency, so blend for about 30 seconds to a minute.
Once blended, check the texture. If it’s too thick, feel free to add a bit more milk and blend again until it reaches your desired consistency.
Pour the smoothie into a glass and, if desired, sprinkle with some granola or a few extra cherries on top for a lovely touch.
Lastly, serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste of your homemade Cherry Smoothie!
Things Worth Knowing
- Use frozen fruit: This helps create a thick and icy texture that’s refreshing.
- Adjust sweetness: Depending on the ripeness of your bananas and cherries, you may need more or less sweetener.
- Blend well: Ensure all ingredients are fully blended for a smooth consistency.
- Experiment: Try adding other fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a unique twist!
Variations to Try
Looking to mix things up with your Cherry Smoothie? Here are some fun variations to explore!
- Add spinach: For a green twist, throw in a handful of fresh spinach. You won’t even taste it!
- Make it tropical: Swap the cherries for pineapple or mango for a tropical feel.
- Nut butter boost: Adding a spoonful of almond or peanut butter can enhance the richness and add protein.
- Use fresh cherries: If you have access to fresh cherries, feel free to pit and use them for a vibrant flavor.
- Chocolate cherry smoothie: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey treat!
What Goes Well With This Cherry Smoothie
Pairing your Cherry Smoothie with some delightful side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some options:
- Pancakes: A stack of fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup will complement the smoothie perfectly, making for a delicious breakfast.
- Breakfast bowl: Serve the smoothie alongside a yogurt bowl topped with granola, nuts, and fresh fruits.
- Smoothie bowl: Pour the smoothie into a bowl and top with seeds, nuts, and other fruits for a fun breakfast.
- Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with berries and melons can make a refreshing side.
- Granola bars: Enjoy the smoothie with homemade or store-bought granola bars for a perfect snack.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Cherry Smoothie is truly a delightful way to enjoy the taste of summer in a glass. With its vibrant flavors and creamy texture, it’s a treat you can feel good about. I encourage you to try making this smoothie at home; it’s quick, easy, and delicious!
Don’t hesitate to get creative and personalize the recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy every sip of this refreshing drink!
Cherry Smoothie
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- ½ cup milk any variety
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pitted dark cherries frozen
- 1 large ripe banana in large chunks
- 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed optional
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup optional
Instructions
- Start by placing milk into your blender. I prefer to use almond milk for a nutty flavor, but any variety works.
- Next, add in Greek yogurt. This will add a delightful creaminess to your smoothie, making it rich and satisfying.
- If you’re using it, sprinkle in the flaxseed. This is optional, but it’s a great way to add some healthy fats and fiber!
- Now, add the honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter smoothie. Adjust according to your taste.
- Finally, toss in the frozen dark cherries and chunks of banana. They are the stars of this smoothie, providing the delicious flavor and texture.
- Secure the lid on your blender and blend until everything is well combined and smooth. You want to achieve a creamy consistency, so blend for about 30 seconds to a minute.
- Once blended, check the texture. If it’s too thick, feel free to add a bit more milk and blend again until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Pour the smoothie into a glass and, if desired, sprinkle with some granola or a few extra cherries on top for a lovely touch.
- Lastly, serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste of your homemade Cherry Smoothie!
Notes
- Dairy-Free Cherry Smoothie: Use almond milk and non-dairy plain yogurt.
- Cherry Smoothie with Fresh Cherries: Be sure to pit your cherries before adding them to the blender. Since the berries are fresh, it is best to use frozen banana chunks to give the smoothie a nice thick, frosty texture.
- Cherry Almond Smoothie: Use almond milk as your milk of choice, add â…› teaspoon of almond extract, and omit the vanilla extract.
