Delicious & Refreshing Kiwi Strawberry Smoothie

Delicious & Refreshing Kiwi Strawberry Smoothie

This smoothie is packed with fresh fruit flavor and is perfect for a quick breakfast, healthy snack, or a refreshing treat on a warm day. The tiny black specks in the smoothie are likely from the kiwi seeds, which are completely edible and add a nice texture.

Yields: 1 serving Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (about 150g) fresh strawberries, hulled
• 2 medium kiwis, peeled
• 1/2 cup (120ml) liquid (choose one below):
  • Water: For a lighter, more fruit-forward taste.
  • Orange juice: For extra sweetness and a citrusy kick.
  • Coconut water: For a hint of tropical flavor and electrolytes.
  • Almond milk (or other plant-based milk): For a creamier texture.
• 1/2 cup (about 75g) ice cubes (adjust to desired thickness and chilliness)
• Optional add-ins:
  • 1-2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar (if you prefer it sweeter)
  • 1/2 ripe banana (for extra creaminess and natural sweetness)
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt (for protein and creaminess)
  • 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or unflavored works well)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds (for fiber and omega-3s)
  • A handful of spinach (you won’t taste it, but it adds nutrients!)

Equipment:

• Blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions:

1. Prepare the fruit:
   • Strawberries: Rinse the strawberries thoroughly under cold water. Gently remove the green leafy tops (hull them). You can leave them whole or halve them if they are very large.
   • Kiwis: Peel the kiwis. You can use a vegetable peeler or carefully slice off the skin with a knife. Once peeled, you can cut them into a few chunks to help with blending.
2. Combine ingredients in the blender: Add the hulled strawberries, peeled kiwi chunks, and your chosen liquid (water, juice, milk, or coconut water) to your blender.
3. Add ice and optional ingredients: Add the ice cubes. If you’re using any optional add-ins like banana, yogurt, seeds, or protein powder, add them to the blender now.
4. Blend until smooth: Secure the lid on your blender. Start blending on a low speed and gradually increase to high. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible chunks of fruit or ice. This usually takes about 30-60 seconds, depending on your blender.
5. Adjust consistency and sweetness (if needed):
   • If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more liquid (1-2 tablespoons at a time) and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.
   • If it’s not sweet enough for your liking, add a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar and blend briefly to combine.
6. Pour and serve: Pour the kiwi strawberry smoothie into a tall glass.
7. Garnish (optional): For an extra touch like the picture, you can garnish with a fresh strawberry and a slice of kiwi on the rim of the glass.
8. Enjoy immediately! Smoothies are best enjoyed fresh.

Tips for Success:

• Use ripe fruit: Ripe strawberries and kiwis will give you the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Frozen fruit: If you want an even colder and thicker smoothie without as much ice dilution, you can use frozen strawberries. If using all frozen fruit, you might need a little more liquid.
• Customize: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the liquid and optional add-ins to find your perfect blend!
• For meal prep: You can portion out your fresh fruit into freezer bags ahead of time (strawberries, kiwi chunks, and optional banana). When you’re ready for a smoothie, just dump the frozen fruit into the blender with your liquid and ice.

Enjoy your delicious and vibrant Kiwi Strawberry Smoothie!