A refreshing and vibrant smoothie packed with nutrients, perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or post-workout boost. The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy kiwi, blended with creamy banana and yogurt, creates a delightful and healthy treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 frozen bananas, sliced (for extra creaminess)
- 2 cups frozen strawberries (or fresh for a sweeter, looser texture)
- 2 ripe kiwis, peeled and chopped
- 180 ml (¾ cup) vanilla Greek yogurt (or plain Greek yogurt + 1 tsp vanilla)
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk or orange juice — optional (for a thinner texture)
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup — optional (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed — optional (for fiber & omega-3s)
- Substitution note: For a vegan option, use plant-based vanilla yogurt and agave syrup instead of honey.
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep the fruit. If your bananas aren’t frozen, slice and freeze them for at least 2 hours for the creamiest result. Peel and roughly chop the kiwis. Measure out the strawberries and yogurt.
Step 2: Layer into the blender. Add yogurt and liquid first (milk or orange juice if using). Then add the frozen bananas, frozen strawberries, and chopped kiwi. Top with honey/agave and chia/flax if using. (Putting the liquid and yogurt first helps the blades move smoothly.)
Step 3: Blend. Start on low speed and ramp to high. Blend until completely smooth and silky — about 45–90 seconds on high, depending on your blender. Stop and scrape sides if needed.
Step 4: Adjust texture. If too thick, add a tablespoon of milk/juice and blend again. If too thin, add a few frozen strawberry pieces or a small handful of ice and pulse until thickened.
Step 5: Taste and sweeten. Taste and add a little more honey/agave if you want it sweeter; blend briefly to combine.
Step 6: Serve immediately. Pour into chilled glasses, garnish with a kiwi slice or a strawberry on the rim, sprinkle a few chia seeds on top if you like, and enjoy.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 5 minutes.
- Healthy: Packed with fruits, protein, and optional fiber.
- Customizable: Easily adjust sweetness, thickness, and ingredients to your preference.
- Delicious: The perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy as a quick breakfast on the go.
- Serve as a refreshing post-workout snack.
- Offer as a healthy dessert option.
- Garnish with extra fruit slices or a sprinkle of chia seeds.
Tips:
- Use frozen bananas for the creamiest, ice-cream like texture — they’re the secret to that mousse-like mouthfeel.
- Layer the blender: liquid + yogurt first, then solid/frozen fruit to avoid motor strain and chunking.
- Don’t overdo sweeteners: vanilla yogurt already adds sugar; taste before adding honey.
- If your blender struggles, let frozen fruit sit 3–5 minutes to soften slightly or use smaller frozen pieces.
- For extra silkiness, blend for a few extra seconds and let the mixture sit 30 seconds — small air bubbles subside and texture improves.
- Avoid reheating — heat will ruin the bright fresh flavors and texture.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition Information: (estimated, varies based on ingredient choices)
- Calories: 250-350
- Protein: 10-15g
- Sodium: 50-100mg
Conclusion
This Creamy Strawberry and Kiwi Smoothie is a delightful and nutritious way to start your day or enjoy a guilt-free treat. With its vibrant flavors and customizable nature, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen? While you can use fresh bananas, the smoothie won’t be as creamy. Freezing the bananas is key to achieving a thick, ice-cream-like texture.
- I don’t have vanilla Greek yogurt. What can I use instead? You can use plain Greek yogurt and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Can I add protein powder to this smoothie? Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder. This will increase the protein content and make it a more substantial meal or snack.
- I’m allergic to kiwi. What fruit can I substitute? Mango, pineapple, or peaches would be great substitutes for kiwi. They will provide a similar tangy-sweet flavor.
- How long can I store this smoothie in the refrigerator? It’s best to consume the smoothie immediately for the best texture and flavor. However, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The texture may change slightly.
