Relaxing with a chilled, healthy fruit smoothie is a fun and refreshing way to enjoy the summer sun. And with National Smoothie Day coming up on June 21, now is the perfect time to celebrate with a yummy, colorful treat.
If you’re not able to make your way to TropicalParadise juice bar or even Jamba down the road, try making your own smoothie—customized for you! Whether you want to increase your protein intake, sneak more veggies into your meals, or even just enjoy a little sweet breakfast indulgence, creating your own smoothie is always a great choice. Here are some recipes to inspire your smoothie-blending skills.
Protein-Packed Recipes
When used for meal replacement, smoothies should be packed with protein and healthy fats so you stay full until your next meal. You can add protein and healthy fats through ingredients like nut butters, Greek yogurt, hemp or chia seeds, protein powder, and milk. Here’s a delicious smoothie recipe adapted from Men’s Health Magazine that’ll keep you satisfied long after you take the last sip.
Pink Protein Smoothie
Blend the following:
- 12 ounces of milk or Greek yogurt
- 2 scoops vanilla-flavored protein powder
- 1 banana
- 1 cup of frozen strawberries
- 1 cup of spinach
- 2 tablespoon of chia or hemp seeds
Veggie-Infused Options
Smoothies are one of the tastiest ways to get more vitamin-rich vegetables into either your meals or the meals of your picky children. Rich in vitamins K, A, and C, spinach is always an easy way to power up the nutritional value of your green smoothie. Consider trying cauliflower, zucchini, or carrots in your smoothies to transform that tasty drink into a superfood. Steam up some cauliflower for this great recipe.
Daily Greens Smoothie
Blend the following:
- 1/2 cup spinach
- 1/4 avocado
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1 tablespoon hemp hearts
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 cup nut milk of your choice
Sweet, Yet Nutritious, Indulgence
Sweltering summer evenings are the perfect time to whip up a sweet and frosty dinner alternative. Whether you choose a smoothie drink or a smoothie bowl, ripe summer melons or tangy pineapples are great options for your DIY smoothie creations. Or give this smoothie bowl recipe a go.
Purple Smoothie Bowl
Blend the following:
- 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 banana
- 1/2 cup frozen blackberries
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 cup frozen raspberries
Pour the blended mixture into a bowl and top with garnishes like granola, coconut, kiwi slices, and more bananas and berries, and drizzle with honey.
Pull out your blender, grab some fruit and veggie ingredients, and celebrate National Smoothie Day by making your own colorful smoothie creation! Make up your own recipe or try a protein-packed smoothie, veggie-infused refresher, or even a sweet smoothie bowl. Here’s to a delicious summer!