Smoothies are beloved by wellness influencers because they can pack in a lot of different foods (which can boost the nutritional profile), they're easy to take on the way to the gym, work or another activity, you can throw in your favorite supplement powders (though it's absolutely not necessary) and if you add the right combo of ingredients, they can turn out to be a gorgeous color.
But it's crucial to make sure you're adding in items that pack in vitamins and minerals so you're not just snacking on something sweet that doesn't serve you as well as it could. For example, variety is key, so try throwing in different kinds of fruits and veggies — the more the merrier, as it can improve gut health and more, registered dietitian Frances Largeman-Roth tells TODAY.com.
Some ingredients you'll like to keep on hand for easy, health smoothies include:
- Greek yogurt
- Frozen or fresh berries or other fruits
- Frozen or fresh spinach, kale or other greens
- Ice
- Peanut butter
- Dates
- Protein powder
- Seeds, such as chia or flax
- Coconut water
- Dairy or nut milk
Here are some other tips for making a healthy smoothie and some easy recipes to try.
How to make a healthy smoothie
Here are some of Largeman-Roth's tips for making the best smoothie:
- Choose several different types of fruits and veggies. Use a mixture of fresh and frozen produce to help things mix up smoothly.
- Choose ingredients that don't spike your blood sugar.
- Include fiber and protein to keep you satisfied until your next meal.
- Adding nuts, cacao, and bright and zesty greens can also provide an extra energy boost.
- Keep a little extra space in the blender to avoid a chunky texture.
- Add liquids first (including yogurt) to better incorporate powdered ingredients, like protein supplements.
Take a look at the ideas below to find your next healthy smoothie recipe that will keep your energy up all day long.
Smoothies with veggies
You may be accustomed to using avocado in salads and guacamole, but it pairs well with fruit and greens for a filling breakfast treat, too. Even a small amount will add richness to your smoothie.
This green machine covers all the bases with a handful of kale and spinach for a mild, earthy flavor, as well as antioxidants, a date and banana for sweetness. There's also chia seeds for protein and omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds for fiber, and coconut meat and milk for healthy fat with a tropical flavor.
Green smoothies don't have to be green! This beautiful orange smoothie looks as lovely as it tastes, plus it’s packed full of metabolism-boosting ingredients.
The beautiful bright-blue color is created from an extract of spirulina, says food expert Catherine McCord. “The kid (and parent) in me rejoiced the day I discovered magical blue algae powder,” she says. "The spirulina taste is completely masked, and it delivers 24% of your daily iron, containing even more than spinach, and is believed to support joints and increase energy.”
This smoothie tastes cool and refreshing, and the avocados make it creamy and filling. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for a morning or afternoon.
This smoothie is "great to serve the kids since I’ve noticed that kids tend to enjoy the refreshing taste of mint. Plus, it also helps mask some of the spinach flavor," says cookbook author Brittany Williams. “It's a great way to get fruits and veggies all in one drink.”
This smoothie could be a meal since the protein powder and avocado make it extra creamy and filling.
Matcha fans will enjoy this recipe that includes healthy fats and hydrating coconut milk for a filling morning meal or post-workout snack.
Smoothies don’t need to taste like salad to be healthy. Just keep the sugar low by limiting fruit, and fill up on protein, fat and fiber.
Grapes, turmeric, banana and watercress (a mustardy green and natural diuretic) come together in a unique combination to make this drink a special addition to a healthful diet.
“I love this smoothie because it’s a fast and fresh way to start the day. The addition of cool mint makes it a real eye-opener,” says Sandra Lee.
Fruity smoothies
This beauty incorporates a navel orange (nearly always in season from California) and orange juice, and packs over 500 milligrams of potassium.
Chef and cookbook author Gaby Dalkin says frozen fruit is a favorite smoothie ingredient. “It’s picked at the height of ripeness and won’t go bad. So get crazy, make different colored smoothies every day, and start the day on a colorful note.”
This option is loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber to power your day from the inside out. Try topping these with a few extra seeds and fresh fruit.
For those who don't like the taste of greens in a smoothie but want the nutrition boost, this is a go-to recipe. It features a secret green veggie that’s hard to taste or notice. Each satisfying sip contains good-for-you ingredients that provide a nice dose of fiber and calcium.
This smoothie provides quality nutrition from potassium in the fresh ingredients cantaloupe and avocado, vitamin C from mangoes, heart-healthy fats from avocado, protein and essential nutrients from Greek yogurt and milk.
This smoothie includes naturally sweet Medjool dates, buttery avocado and blueberries that are great any time of day. It makes an awesome on-the-go breakfast, as well as a great midday snack.
“I’ve been tweaking my smoothie recipe since 2012, and I am pretty sure it contains the most nutritious ingredients found in one single glass of goodness on earth,” says Kristi Funk. “This can serve as your breakfast, lunch, or dinner, full of phytonutrient fabulousness.”
“I call this my four-ingredient vacation … because a frozen coconut-pineapple beverage instantly transports me to the beach!” says Joy Bauer. “It tastes clean and refreshing, yet rich and indulgent, and is comprised of wholesome ingredients you can feel good about slurping.”
This smoothie has a lot of personality. It’s a burst of sunshine to start the day in a creamy, berry red smoothie. What’s the secret energizing ingredient? Avocado! It makes the smoothie thick while balancing the sweetness of the date, berries and OJ.
This delightfully refreshing smoothie is incredibly easy to make, but contains lots of filling fiber and antioxidant-rich ingredients like blueberries and coffee to fuel your morning … or any time you need a little pick-me-up!
Get the many health benefits or turmeric by adding it to your morning smoothie. The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to be beneficial in treating symptoms of Crohn’s disease, IBS and stomach ulcers. Just spin the ingredients together in a blender and you have a drink that gets your day going and fights inflammation.
This ultimate smoothie recipe makes a great nutritional breakfast or on-the-go snack. It will keep you full and satiated, and helps you stay on top of cravings. The almond milk can be replaced with coconut milk, cashew milk or full-fat organic dairy milk.
The gorgeous, bright pink hue of this vegan smoothie will help you get energized at any time of day. And the magnesium it contains will help keep your ticker healthy. Plus, the hemp seeds in the recipe have the ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids for reducing heart disease risk.
Combine the healthful benefits of green tea with sweet, juicy mango, probiotic-packed yogurt and ice for cool factor.
Peaches and berries are some signature summer fruits. This recipe is creamy yet refreshing and a go-to when you want a little brightness in your day.
Ready to bolster your immune system? Start with this scrumptious and satisfying smoothie. It’s loaded with critical nutrients that play a role in warding off colds and viruses — think vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc, along with a hit of anti-inflammatory kapow.
Greet the morning with a smoothie as bright as the rising sun. Tropical mango, juicy orange and creamy banana make this smoothie flavorful and filling. It’s great for a snack or a mini meal.
Created by YouTuber Ahmad Alzahabi during Ramadan, this smoothie uses dates (used commonly to break fasts) because they have lots of fiber and sugar to help replenish the body. Paired with sweet banana, creamy Greek yogurt, plus cinnamon and vanilla, it’s a treat that tastes like ice cream but feels like a healthy snack or meal.
This nourishing bone broth smoothie (or “brothie”) is a beet and berry lover’s dream! Sweetened with blueberries, cherries and blackberries, this beverage is a truly satisfying snack or breakfast option.
This smoothie combines the anti-inflammatory power of cherries and pomegranate juice with nitrate-rich beets, which some studies show can increase muscle function and lower blood pressure. The addition of vanilla protein powder can help you repair and build muscle tissue.
Smoothie bowls
Why spend $12 to $15 on an açaí bowl at a cafe when you can make your own in just five minutes? The best part is that you can top them with anything you love and have on hand, so have fun experimenting with toppings!
Invigorate your smoothie game with fresh, fruity smoothie bowls topped with your choice of healthy, crunchy add-ons. You can boost the amount of protein by adding protein powder or Greek yogurt.
Have you ever scrolled through social media and been totally blown away by gorgeous, vibrant smoothie bowls of all colors? They look totally complicated, but they can be super easy to make at home. The base is simply frozen coconut milk cubes and the possibilities for mix-ins is pretty much endless!
Reimagining the nostalgic ice cream parlor treat, Catherine McCord developed a healthier smoothie version that can be enjoyed with a spoon. If you want to take it to a whole other level, add any or all of the toppings for the ultimate healthful indulgence.
Yes, you can eat ice cream for breakfast when you make this healthy vegan version. Top it with your favorite fruit, nuts, seeds or granola.
Even though they look like dessert, these double-chocolate smoothie bowls are actually good for you. It tastes like frozen yogurt, but is made from all fruits and vegetables. The best part is that you can make them with regular or dairy-free chocolate chips or even cocoa nibs, which have no added sugar.
Use kale to boost the nutrient-value in this tasty, creamy smoothie bowl. You can tailor the topping ingredients to your liking but it’s delicious with some muesli or granola and a sweet sliced apple.
Fresh raspberries and strawberries scream summer. Blend them up with some tropical banana, thick Greek yogurt and you’ve got yourself a healthy breakfast (or dessert).
Pretty in color and packed with nutritional value, whip up this blue hued smoothie bowl for a perfect morning treat.
