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    Home » How to Make A Smoothie

    How to Make A Smoothie

    Published: Apr 3, 2022 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    I drink a smoothie every day! In this post I share my tips and teach you how to make a smoothie & share our favorite smoothie recipes! Making smoothies is easy, healthy and delicious.

    How to Make A Smoothie - green smoothie in a glass

    I drink a smoothie every day, and have for over a decade.

    I'm not exaggerating either, I pack my blender (Vitamix, of course) and take it with me whenever we travel. I love starting my day with a glass full of fruit, greens and protein.

    It's really easy to learn how to make a smoothie, since all of our smoothie recipes are made in less than 5 minutes!

    Once you learn how to make smoothies that are nutritious and delicious - even your kids will enjoy them! I love making smoothies to sneak some fruits, veggies and protein into our daily lives in a way my kids absolutely love. 

    So, I'm going to break down how to make smoothies and I include a list of all of my favorite easy smoothie recipes.

    How to Make A Smoothie - mom making a smoothie with her two kids

    How to make a Smoothie: Tip #1: Use a High-Powered blender! 

    The first step in learning how to make a smoothie is to understand that not all blenders are created equal.

    I bought my first Vitamix because I was sick of chunky smoothies. I have not-so-fond memories of literally trying to make a smoothie in my food processor because I had one, and spending money on a fancy blender was a stretch for us financially. The chunks of spinach made me gag, and we decided to buy a reconditioned Vitamix (that is still blending strong 11 years later).

    I wanted a blender that would pulverize anything and everything I put into my smoothies and the Vitamix was the answer (plus I used it to make baby food)!

    Check out my Vitamix Buying Guide where I give my exhaustive reasons for choosing a Vitamix blender a decade ago, and my top recommendations about which model to buy!

    How to Make A Smoothie- photo of a smoothie blending in a blender

    How to make smoothies: Tip #2: Add liquid ingredients first

    When making a smoothie, it's important to always add the liquid ingredients into the blending container first. This ensures the other ingredients don't get stuck under the blades. It also creates a vortex that pulls everything into the blades for a smooth blend.

    Best liquids for smoothies

    I always use some sort of non-dairy milk in my smoothies because I think it gives them the best taste and texture. However there are many different liquids that could be used: 

    • Almond Milk (my personal favorite)
    • Coconut Milk
    • Any percentage of dairy milk
    • Rice Milk
    • Oat Milk
    • Cashew Milk
    • Coconut Water 
    • Water (not recommended, but can be used)
    How to Make A Smoothie - liquid being poured into a blending container

    How to make a Smoothie: Tip #3 Use Frozen Ingredients 

    Using frozen fruit and greens is crucial to making the thickest, creamiest smoothies. You'll notice I typically do not use ice in my smoothie recipes, because it waters down the flavor and gives smoothies an icy texture - of which I am not a fan. 

    Fruits for Smoothies

    Here are some suggestions for fruits to use to make the best smoothies (all frozen, of course). 

    • bananas
    • mango
    • pineapple
    • strawberries
    • blueberries
    • raspberries
    • peaches
    • cherries
    • oranges
    • grapefruit
    How to Make A Smoothie - frozen fruit

    Greens for smoothies

    • spinach
    • kale
    • swiss chard
    • romain lettuce
    • beet greens
    • carrot tops
    • collard greens
    • dandelion greens
    How to Make A Smoothie - frozen spinach

    I typically like to add the greens first, then the frozen fruit on top to help push the greens into the blades. However, you can choose which order to put them in!

    How to Make A Smoothie - ingredients in the blender before blending

    How to make a smoothie: Tip #4 Pre-portion add-ins.

    I prefer to measure out all the add-ins I want in my smoothies and store them in small containers that are ready to go in the mornings. This way I am not trying to find the perfect combination of protein powders, seeds, etc. during the busy and often rushed hours of the mornings.

    tupperwares filled with protein powder

    Blend & Tamp

    Finally, once you have put all of the ingredients in your blender (liquids first, remember), it's time to blend. Be sure the lid is secure. Always start blending on low speed and increase to high.

    How to Make A Smoothie - overhead view of ingredients in a blending container

    I have my smoothie making down to a science and I almost always blend my smoothies for 50 seconds exactly. Make sure to keep pressing the ingredients down into the blades with the tamper (if you're using a Vitamix), and blend until the mixture is completely smooth.

    How to Make A Smoothie - blended smoothie in a blender

    Smoothie Making FAQS

    How do you freeze bananas for smoothies?

    In my opinion, bananas are an essential ingredient to make the best healthy smoothies for both natural sweetness and a creamy texture. So, make sure to purchase bananas designated to freeze for smoothies when you go grocery shopping.
    To freeze bananas for smoothies, let the bananas ripen then cut them into halves or thirds. Flash freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight, freezer-friendly container to store! 

    How do you freeze greens to use in smoothies?

    Freeze Greens
    If using greens, I recommend freezing them for thick cold smoothies - however you don't really have to. I usually just buy large containers of greens at the store and put them directly in the freezer so I always have some on hand.
    Blend and freeze greens in cubes
    If you don't have a lot of space in your freezer, you can take fresh greens and blend them with a small amount of water until the mixture is smooth. Then freeze in ice cube trays and store frozen cubes of greens in an airtight container in the freezer. I used to do this when we lived in a condo and didn't have an extra freezer in the basement! 

    What liquid do you put in smoothies?

    My top recommendations are: almond milk, coconut milk, whole milk, coconut water and oat milk.

    Do you put ice in a smoothie?

    No. I usually choose to use frozen ingredients instead of putting ice in my smoothies.

    Do you need yogurt in smoothies?

    No, yogurt isn't a necessary ingredient in smoothies. It adds protein, flavor and creaminess but it isn't required to make smoothies.

    Can I just blend frozen fruit?

    You really do need at least a splash of liquid to make a smoothie, so If you'd prefer to just use frozen fruit you can always use water as the liquid so that the ingredients will blend.

    How do you thicken smoothies?

    My favorite way to thicken smoothies is using frozen ingredients or yogurt.

    How to Make A Smoothie - two glasses filled with green smoothie

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Best Smoothie Recipe (How to Make a Smoothie)

    Laura
    Start your day right with this easy best smoothie recipe. I drink a smoothie every day! In this post I share my tips and teach you how to make a smoothie! Making smoothies is easy, healthy and delicious.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 2 mins
    Total Time 2 mins
    Course beverage, Breakfast, Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2 Servings
    Calories 153 kcal

    Equipment

    • Vitamix blender
    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
    • 1 cup greens, frozen
    • 1 medium banana, frozen
    • 1 cup fruit, frozen
    • 2 TBS add-ins (protein powder, collagen, honey, etc).

    Instructions
     

    • Put ingredients into the container of a Vitamix blender in the order listed.
    • Start blending on low speed and increase to high.
    • Blend on high speed for 50-60 seconds until mixture is smooth.
    • Pour into glasses and enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Smoothie liquid suggestions: 

    Almond milk, coconut milk, dairy milk, rice milk, oat milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, coconut water. 
    Smoothie Greens Suggestions
    Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, romaine lettuce, beet greens, carrot tops, collard greens, dandelion greens.
    Fruit Suggestions
    Mango, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, grapefruit, oranges, peaches, cherries, grapes. 
    Add-in suggestions: 
    Protein powder, nut butter, collagen powder, maca, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, bee pollen, acai berry powder, raw cacao nibs, coconut oil, cinnamon, honey.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8ozCalories: 153kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 274mgPotassium: 484mgFiber: 5gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 3209IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 264mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Check out some of our favorite smoothie recipes:

    Smoothies are a an easy and delicious way to sneak some fruit, veggies and protein into your day! This is a list of my favorite smoothie recipes that are healthy and tasty!

    Strawberry Banana Smoothie

    The best strawberry banana smoothie recipe ever! It’s easy (ready in less than 5 minutes), healthy, and made with yogurt so it’s full of protein! It’s the perfect snack or breakfast!

    Best Green Smoothie

    How to make the best green smoothie recipe! A simple green smoothie that is healthy, tastes amazing, and it’s made with 4 ingredients in less than 5 minutes!

    Smoothie Bowl Recipe

    The best easy & healthy smoothie bowl recipe (3 varieties) with 5 ingredients in 5 minutes! Smoothie bowls make a great breakfast, brunch or snack, and you can save so much money making them at home!

    Healthy Blueberry Smoothie Recipe

    This healthy blueberry smoothie recipe is made in 5 minutes with 5 ingredients. It’s light & refreshing and makes a great breakfast or snack. Add spinach to make it a green blueberry banana smoothie!

    Avocado Smoothie

    This banana avocado smoothie recipe is thick, creamy and delicious. It tastes like a vanilla milkshake but is made with healthy ingredients like avocados and spinach. It's easy to make in 5 minutes!

    Orange Smoothie

    This healthy orange smoothie is like sunshine in a glass. This orange banana smoothie is made with 6 ingredients in 5 minutes and tastes like a healthy liquid creamsicle!

    Watermelon Smoothie

    This watermelon smoothie recipe is light and refreshing. A healthy and delicious way to cool off on a hot summer day, made with 5 ingredients in 3 minutes.

    Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

    This thick and creamy banana peanut butter smoothie is made with 5 ingredients in 5 minutes. Flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, it's a delicious healthy breakfast or afternoon snack! Add greens and protein powder if you'd like to add extra nutrition!

    Mango Smoothie

    This healthy & easy mango smoothie is made in 5 minutes with 6 ingredients (including coconut milk, yogurt and banana)! It’s ultra creamy and you can use fresh or frozen mango and easily make it dairy-free!

    Homemade Acai Bowl Recipe

    This homemade acai bowl recipe is made in 5 minutes with 7 ingredients. Learn how to make an acai bowl that tastes even better than expensive store-bought varieties.

    Tropical Smoothie Recipe

    This healthy Tropical Smoothie recipe is easy to make with 6 ingredients in 5 minutes, and it’s like a beach vacation in a glass! One sip will transport you to some beach, somewhere.

    Banana Smoothie

    This thick and creamy banana smoothie recipe is made with 6 ingredients in 5 minutes. Flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, it's a delicious healthy breakfast or afternoon snack! Add greens and protein powder for an extra nutritional boost!

    Pumpkin Smoothie

    This healthy pumpkin smoothie is a nutritious way to satisfy your pumpkin spice cravings in the fall. It’s like a liquid pumpkin pie in a glass but made with good-for-you ingredients like pumpkin, bananas, Greek yogurt, fall spices and maple syrup.

    Pineapple Smoothie

    This healthy Pineapple Smoothie recipe is easy to make with only 5 ingredients in 5 minutes! One sip of this pineapple banana smoothie will make you feel like you’re on a tropical island, it’s like a beach vacation in a glass!

    Mixed Berry Smoothie

    This mixed berry smoothie recipe is delicious & nutritious! It only takes 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to make this healthy berry smoothie, which can be enjoyed as a quick breakfast or afternoon snack!

    Zucchini Smoothie

    This Zucchini Smoothie Recipe is the perfect way to use the abundance of zucchini growing in your garden this summer! It’s made with only 7 ingredients and comes together in less than 5 minutes!

    Beet & Pomegranate Smoothie

    This Beet & Pomegranate Smoothie with Spinach is a beautiful and healthy breakfast recipe that utilizes the best winter produce! 

    Citrus Green Smoothie

    This Citrus Green Smoothie Recipe is an amazing healthy breakfast or snack! Packed with grapefruit, oranges, bananas & strawberries, it’s a plant-based, clean eating smoothie recipe that boost the immune system.

    Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Green Smoothie! A healthy smoothie recipe packed with protein and greens that tastes like a peanut butter cup! Plus it’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan!

    Blueberry Citrus Smoothie with Spinach

    This Blueberry Citrus Smoothie with Spinach is made with only 7 ingredients and is ready in under 5 minutes! Packed full of antioxidants and Vitamin C, this delicious green smoothie is a nutrition powerhouse.

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Smoothie

    This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Smoothie has no added sugar or protein powders! It’s an entire breakfast in a glass! Vegan, gluten free and dairy free!

    mom making smoothies with her kids

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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