Triple Berry Banana Smoothie

Triple Berry Banana Smoothie

This vibrant and delicious smoothie is packed with antioxidants and vitamins from three kinds of berries, with the added creaminess and sweetness of banana.

Yields: 1 large serving or 2 smaller servings Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (about 150g) mixed berries (fresh or frozen):
  • 1/2 cup strawberries, hulled and quartered (if fresh)
  • 1/4 cup raspberries
  • 1/4 cup blueberries
• 1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced (frozen banana works best for a colder, thicker smoothie)
• 1/2 cup liquid (choose one):
  • Unsweetened almond milk
  • Dairy milk (skim, 2%, whole)
  • Coconut water
  • Orange juice (for a tangier smoothie)
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for extra protein and creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional, if using fresh fruit and want it colder/thicker)

Equipment:

• Blender

Instructions:

1. Prepare ingredients: If using fresh berries, wash them thoroughly. Peel and slice your banana.
2. Add to blender: Place all the ingredients into your blender in the following order to ensure smooth blending:
   • Liquid (milk, water, or juice)
   • Yogurt (if using)
   • Banana
   • Mixed berries
   • Honey/maple syrup and vanilla extract (if using)
   • Ice cubes (if using)
3. Blend: Secure the lid on your blender. Start blending on a low speed, then gradually increase to high. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no berry chunks remaining. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides with a spatula if ingredients get stuck.
4. Adjust consistency: If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more liquid (milk, water) and blend again. If it’s too thin, add a few more frozen berries, more frozen banana, or a few ice cubes and blend until desired consistency is reached.
5. Serve: Pour the smoothie into a tall glass and enjoy immediately!

Tips and Variations:

• For a thicker smoothie: Use frozen berries and a frozen banana. You can also add 1/4 cup of rolled oats or 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds/flax seeds (they will thicken as they sit).
• For added protein: In addition to Greek yogurt, you can add 1 scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder.
• Boost nutrition: Add a handful of spinach (you won’t taste it much with the strong berry flavor!), 1 tablespoon of almond butter, or a spoonful of acai powder.
• Sweetness: Taste the smoothie before adding any sweetener. Ripe bananas and berries can provide enough sweetness on their own.
• Make ahead: Smoothies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the dry ingredients (berries, banana slices) in a freezer bag for quick blending later.