Mixed Berry and Tropical Fruit Smoothie

Mixed Berry and Tropical Fruit Smoothie

This vibrant and refreshing smoothie is packed with a delicious blend of berries and tropical fruits. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a post-workout treat.

Yields: 1 large serving Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed frozen berries (strawberries and blueberries are visible in the image)
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 kiwi, peeled
• 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid base (milk, almond milk, coconut water, or yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, to sweeten)
• Ice (optional, for a colder and thicker consistency)

For Garnish:

• 1 whole strawberry
• A few fresh blueberries
• A colorful straw

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruits: Peel the banana and kiwi. If using fresh pineapple, cut it into chunks. Wash the fresh berries.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place the frozen berries, pineapple chunks, banana, and kiwi into a blender.
3. Add Liquid: Pour in 1/2 cup of your chosen liquid base. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency. For a thicker smoothie, use less liquid; for a thinner one, use more.
4. Add Sweetener (Optional): If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, add honey or maple syrup to the blender.
5. Blend: Secure the lid on the blender and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no large chunks of fruit remaining. If the blender is struggling, stop and scrape down the sides with a spatula before continuing.
6. Adjust Consistency: If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more liquid and blend again. If it’s too thin, you can add a few ice cubes or a scoop of frozen yogurt and blend until smooth.
7. Serve: Pour the smoothie into a tall glass.
8. Garnish: Place the whole strawberry and a few fresh blueberries on top of the smoothie. Add a straw and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

• For a creamier smoothie: Use frozen banana chunks instead of fresh, or add a scoop of Greek yogurt or a tablespoon of nut butter.
• For a dairy-free smoothie: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut water as your liquid base.
• For extra nutrients: Add a handful of spinach (you won’t taste it!), a tablespoon of chia seeds, or a scoop of protein powder before blending.
• To save time: Prepare smoothie packs by pre-portioning all the frozen fruits into individual bags and storing them in the freezer. When you’re ready to make a smoothie, just dump the contents of a bag into the blender with your liquid base.