Strawberry and Basil Smoothie
This refreshing smoothie combines the sweetness of strawberries with the peppery, aromatic notes of fresh basil for a unique and delicious twist on a classic. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a post-workout treat.
Yields: 1 serving Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (about 150g) frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk of your choice (dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk work well)
- 1/4 cup (60g) Greek yogurt or plain yogurt (for a creamier texture and added protein)
- 5-7 fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to your sweetness preference)
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional, to brighten the flavors)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash the fresh basil leaves thoroughly.
- If your strawberries are not frozen, you can use fresh ones and add 4-5 ice cubes to the blender to achieve a thick, cold consistency.
- Combine in the Blender:
- Add the frozen strawberries, milk, Greek yogurt, basil leaves, and honey or maple syrup (if using) into your blender.
- Blend:
- Secure the lid and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more milk and blend again.
- If you’re using lemon juice, add it now and give it a quick blend.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the smoothie. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more honey or maple syrup. If the basil flavor is too subtle, add another leaf or two and blend again.
- Serve:
- Pour the smoothie into a tall glass.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry cut in half and a few small basil leaves on top, just like in the picture.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Variations:
- For a Thicker Smoothie: Use less milk or add a frozen banana.
- For a Thinner Smoothie: Add more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder.
- Nutritional Boost: Add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds before blending.
- Alternative Herbs: You can substitute basil with fresh mint for a different flavor profile.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Use stevia or a different natural sweetener if you prefer.