This Berry Purple Power Smoothie is pure berry goodness. With a little yogurt and tons of juicy berries, you’ll instantly feel energized. Plus, it’s pretty.
How ya doin’ today? A little to much snacking and pizza dip and snacking and beer? That would be a big fat Y-E-S for me, as well as one too many pieces of fudge. I made over 11 cookbook test recipes over the weekend and spent time with family and friends taste testing it all. Talk about a chocolate (and pizza dip) hangover.
So this morning, I’m drinking a tall purple pinkish “let’s erase all the unhealthy” smoothie. This smoothie is phenomenal– I made it last week and loved it so much that I whipped it up 3 more times in 4 days. When I like something, I LOVE something.
Like, cheesecake. And salted caramel.
Nothing brilliant or fancy here, just 6 easy ingredients. In terms of taste, berries are bold and center. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. I use all frozen berries except for the strawberries– those are fresh. Use all fresh or all frozen or some fresh/some frozen. Really, whatever is most convenient for you. I will suggest, though, if you use all fresh berries– you’ll need to add a little ice to thicken the smoothie up. I’ll include this in the recipe notes.
No bananas here to take away from the berries! While I love using frozen bananas in my smoothies for that unbeatable “ice cream” creamy texture, sometimes I crave a thinner smoothie with other flavors prevailing. So, if you’re not a fan of OR are allergic to bananas, this is your power smoothie. Power = energizing. After one tall glass, you’ll instantly feel like you can tackle the world. World: look out.
Along with the berries, let’s add a splash of coconut water to thin things out. I will admit, I do not like coconut water by itself. Am I the only one? I wish I liked it because I hear so many wonderful things about it, but it’s just not for me. I love it in smoothies though. It adds a lovely subtle coconut flavor. If you do not like coconut water or can’t get ahold of it, use milk instead. I tried this with vanilla almond milk and it’s just as tasty.
I add Greek yogurt for protein. Greek yogurt also leaves a thick, creamy texture. Besides bananas (again, not present in this smoothie!), Greek yogurt is one of my favorite ingredients in smoothies. I use vanilla flavored, but any flavor is fine. Plain, strawberry, blueberry, honey, whatever. Maybe even a peach flavor? Get creative.
I like to add a little honey. Now, the honey is completely optional. I added honey this past week because strawberries aren’t very sweet right now since this isn’t their peak season. Even while using frozen berries (which are often frozen in season), the smoothie tasted a little too tart for me. A smidgen of honey sweetened up the whole glass. I suggest you taste test the smoothie after blending everything up. Then add the honey if you see fit or leave it out for a more tart tasting drink. Totally your preference.
That’s about it. Cold, creamy, short, simple, pretty, and purple. Let’s take on Monday!
This Berry Purple Power Smoothie is pure berry goodness. With a little protein and tons of juicy berries, you'll instantly feel energized.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 6 large strawberries (fresh preferred; frozen is OK)
- 1/2 cup coconut water1
- 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt2
- 1 Tablespoon honey, or to taste (optional)
Directions:
- Make sure you have a strong, powerful blender that will blend up the frozen berries. I like this Ninja, this Ninja, and this Vitamix.
- Add all of the ingredients to the blender in the order listed. Blend on high for at least 3 minutes or until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed. Add more coconut water if it's too thick. Taste; then add 1 Tablespoon of honey (or a little more as needed) if the smoothie is too tart. I usually add 1 Tablespoon.
- Serve and enjoy. Store any leftover smoothie covered in the refrigerator for up to 8-10 hours.
Additional Notes:
If using ALL fresh fruit, I suggest adding a handful of ice to keep the smoothie nice and thick. Frozen raspberries and blueberries are preferred because they lend a lovely thick texture that isn't "icy"-- like ice does.
- If you do not like coconut water or cannot find it, use milk instead. I suggest vanilla almond milk, but any milk you like works. Coconut milk is tasty here as well.
- I prefer nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt, but low fat or full fat are fine too. Use any flavor you like best with these berries or use plain.
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