Try some fresh fruit first thing in the morning! These are the best smoothie recipes to start your day on the right foot. From a silky green smoothie to a gut soothing bitter melon fruit smoothie – to a cooling, caffeine loaded coffee banana shake. Add granola or protein powder as you see fit – and hit those morning goals!
A good smoothie can make the best breakfast. Because when you drink a blast of berries and fruity flavors before you’re fully awake, it can really wipe the sleep from your eyes. And there’s something almost meditative about cutting fruit and vegetables, loading up the blender and flipping that switch for a midday snack.
Easy Smoothie Recipes You Can Tailor to Your Tastes
Add what you like! These delicious smoothie recipes are all tried and tested in my kitchen – but at the same time are essentially blueprints. Do you like almonds, chia seeds, and cacao nibs in your tropical smoothie? How about peaches and oranges instead of raspberries? Go for it.
Likewise, you should feel empowered to add protein powder or substitute any dairy for plant based milks like almond milk, coconut milk and oat milk. Now let’s dive in to these smoothie recipes.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie (With Matcha)
Four ingredients. Five minutes. That’s all you need for a boost of glorious morning sweetness in your glass. While this smoothie recipe works with fresh strawberries, I like using frozen berries so the overall temperature is icy without tasting watered down. But the real star of the show is a bit of Japanese matcha powder. It delivers delicate flavor and a boost of antioxidants.
Gut Soothing Bitter Melon Smoothie Recipe
Bright and fruity, you might not guess that this mixed berry, spinach and pineapple smoothie is hiding an ingredient known specifically for it’s bitterness. Bitter melon is just that (from a flavor perspective). But it is used extensively in Asian cuisine for its anti-inflammatory properties. You can barely taste it in this smoothie recipe. And hey, let’s be real here: I actually like the taste of bitter melon on it’s own. Your mileage may vary. Add ground flax seeds and psyllium husk for fiber for a dose of tummy calming deliciousness.
Cantaloupe Smoothie
Get a quick dose of both vitamin C and A with this silky smooth breakfast drink. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a smoothie, it doesn’t get any easier than this one. Add chopped cantaloupe, fresh orange juice, coconut or almond milk and some ice cubes to a blender and turn it on. That’s it! Easy. It’s sweet and satisfying. And you’ll be feeling that inner-glow freshness for the rest of the day!
Watermelon Smoothie Recipe
Tart, sweet and refreshing – this simple blend will cool you down and rehydrate you after a workout (or after a long night out with friends). Watermelon is so light and subtle and works really well with a one-two punch of banana and pineapple. Fresh coconut water is packed with electrolytes like potassium and manganese. And Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a few grams of protein to your self care regime.
Beauty Fruit Smoothie Recipe
The first time Ben tried this simple smoothie recipe, he thought it was just a blueberry smoothie. But I actually like to use a blend of frozen strawberries, blackberries and blueberries from the freezer aisle. And that’s for 2 reasons. Frozen berries keep your smoothie on the colder side without adding ice that might eventually water it down. And I’ve always got a bag of berries in the freezer, so I never have to worry about whether I can stick to my morning care routine. Btw, this is one of those fruit shakes that is thick enough that you could use it for a smoothie bowl topped with your favorite granola and yogurt if that’s how you roll.
Korean Banana Milk – 바나나 우유
Referring to this sweet treat as a smoothie seems like a stretch at first glance. But in reality there are four simple ingredients that are blended to perfection. If that’s not a smoothie recipe, then I don’t know what is. This iconic Korean drink is simply bananas and milk. If you’re steering clear of dairy, I find that oat milk works best for this one. You can make it a little sweeter with a pinch of sugar, honey or pure maple syrup. And a tiny bit of vanilla extract makes this one really sing. Check this video for step by step instructions.
Mango Lassi
I make this yogurt based drink all the time. Because, aside from being delicious, it really fills me up in the morning. For mango lassi, I’d recommend you use fresh mangos for the best flavor – but frozen works in a pinch (and I’ve even tried it with canned mango pulp with decent results). A pinch of cardamom adds an almost alpine flavor to the fruity mix. And I’ve taken to adding two or three saffron threads when I’ve got them in the pantry. Trust me, you’re gonna love this one!
Bright Skin Smoothie Recipe
Sometimes a recipe stands out. This was one of the first times I made a homemade smoothie with the hopes of making my skin shine from the inside out. Did it work? I’d like to think so. But the combination of lemon, strawberries, kiwis, apples and bananas tasted so good that I realized I’d be making this on a regular basis no matter what my complexion looked like. Coconut milk sends this one into tropical smoothie territory – but you can feel free to use almond or soy milk if that’s your preference.
Coffee Banana Smoothie
If you have an early morning obligation, why not enjoy your coffee and get a boost of omega 3s at the same time? Coffee and almond milk get a nutritional augmentation from bananas, ground flaxseed and chopped walnuts. If that sounds crazy, try it anyway – and tell me you don’t feel energized on your way in to that early meeting.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
This is one of those magical combinations that tastes like a banana milkshake, but happens to also be a fairly balanced breakfast. Peanut butter and bananas have a natural symbiosis. But if you’re a fan of other nut butters, feel free to use them (almond butter is one of my personal faves). Add ground flaxseed for a few grams of fiber. And don’t forget the pure maple syrup for a boost of understated sweetness.
Green Goddess Smoothie
Looks like blended avocados, but don’t worry! No avocados were harmed in the making of this breakfast shake. This is an after workout protein bomb that still manages to be sweet. Sure, there’s banana, mango, spinach (use kale in a pinch) and kiwi in the mix. But the not-so-secret ingredient that bolsters the whole thing is actually silken tofu. Sounds strange, but soft bean curd really contributes a satiny texture to this smoothie recipe overall. And it’s so reenergizing and restorative after a session on the stationary bike or that kickboxing class that makes your downstairs neighbors think you’ve lost the plot.
Green Tea Apple Smoothie
Are you a green tea fanatic in the morning? You might be surprised to know that green tea has a fair amount of caffeine. Not as much as coffee, but it’ll pin your eyes open in a pinch. Plus it just tastes great. I’ve paired green tea with the sweet and sour perfection of granny smith apples – plus a couple other yummy ingredients. And, as with most smoothie recipes, all you have to do is turn the blender on for a little breakfast nirvana.
Strawberry Pineapple Coconut Smoothie
If you needed further proof that simple recipes can transport you (in spirit) to faraway places, may I introduce you to this tropical tasting gem. Strawberries, pineapple and coconut milk are all you need for this easy breakfast drink. Three blended ingredients – and you’re sitting on a beach somewhere warm and sunny while waves lap against the sand. Well, for as long as your smoothie lasts anyway.
Try a Wellness Tonic or Infused Water
Have you tried any of these easy, healthy smoothie recipes? Are there changes you made that you’d like to share? Sound off! Share your recommendations, tips and tricks in the comments section below.
Questions and Reviews
Just made the Korean banana milk. Used almond butter and honey. Delicious!