Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Mixed Berry Smoothie because I can make it with simple ingredients and very little preparation. Using frozen berries gives me a thick, frosty texture without needing lots of ice, while banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess.
I also like how flexible this recipe is. I can use whatever combination of berries I have available, replace the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, add leafy greens, or blend in oats, seeds, or protein powder.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups frozen mixed berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries
- 1 ripe banana, preferably frozen
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup milk or plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, optional
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed, optional
- 1/2 cup ice cubes, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Directions
- I pour the milk into my blender first because adding the liquid at the bottom helps the other ingredients blend more easily.
- I add the Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and banana.
- If I’m using chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or vanilla extract, I add them at this point.
- I blend everything on high until the berries are completely broken down and the smoothie becomes thick and creamy.
- I taste the smoothie before adding any sweetener. Because the sweetness of berries can vary, I add honey or maple syrup only when I think it needs it.
- If my smoothie is too thick, I add a small splash of milk and blend again. If I want it thicker and colder, I add a few ice cubes or additional frozen berries.
- I continue blending until I reach a smooth consistency.
- I pour my Mixed Berry Smoothie into a glass and serve it immediately while it’s cold and creamy.
Servings and Timing
I get approximately 2 small servings or 1 generous smoothie from this recipe.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Blending time: 1–2 minutes
- Total time: About 7 minutes
- Servings: 1 large or 2 small smoothies
Variations
Mixed Berry Spinach Smoothie
I add one or two handfuls of baby spinach before blending. The berries have plenty of flavor, so I find they balance the mild taste of spinach nicely.
Mixed Berry Protein Smoothie
I add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder. Since protein powder can thicken the mixture, I usually add a little extra milk until I get the consistency I want.
Mixed Berry Oat Smoothie
I blend in about 1/4 cup of rolled oats for an extra-thick smoothie. I sometimes blend the oats with the milk first to give my finished drink a smoother texture.
Dairy-Free Mixed Berry Smoothie
I replace regular milk with almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk and use a dairy-free yogurt. I keep the frozen banana in the recipe because it helps maintain a creamy texture.
Mixed Berry Smoothie Without Banana
When I don’t want banana, I replace it with frozen mango, avocado, or additional Greek yogurt. I may add a little honey or maple syrup to compensate for the sweetness normally provided by the banana.
Storage/Reheating
I prefer drinking my Mixed Berry Smoothie immediately after blending because that’s when I get the thickest, coldest, and freshest texture.
If I have leftovers, I pour them into an airtight jar or container and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Some separation is normal, so I shake or stir the smoothie thoroughly before drinking it.
I can also freeze leftover smoothie in an ice cube tray. Once the cubes are solid, I transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When I want another smoothie, I blend the frozen cubes with a little milk until creamy.
I don’t reheat this smoothie. I serve it cold, and if refrigerated leftovers have lost their thick texture, I blend them again with a few frozen berries or ice cubes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen berries?
Yes. I can use fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. When I use fresh fruit, I usually add a handful of ice or a frozen banana to make my smoothie colder and thicker.
What berries are best for a Mixed Berry Smoothie?
I love combining strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries because each berry contributes a slightly different flavor. However, I can use any combination I have available and adjust the proportions to suit my preference.
How do I make my Mixed Berry Smoothie thicker?
I use frozen berries and a frozen banana while reducing the amount of milk slightly. Greek yogurt, chia seeds, rolled oats, and additional frozen fruit can also help me create a thicker consistency.
Can I make a Mixed Berry Smoothie without yogurt?
Yes. I can simply leave out the yogurt and use a little less milk. For extra creaminess, I can add more frozen banana, avocado, coconut milk, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Can I make a Mixed Berry Smoothie ahead of time?
Yes, although I prefer it freshly blended. If I prepare it ahead, I keep it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. I shake, stir, or quickly blend it again before serving because some separation may occur.
Conclusion
This Mixed Berry Smoothie is one of my favorite recipes when I want something fruity, creamy, and quick to prepare. I love how strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries combine to create a balance of sweet and tart flavors, while banana and Greek yogurt give the smoothie a smooth texture.
PrintMixed Berry Smoothie
This Mixed Berry Smoothie combines strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries with banana, Greek yogurt, and milk for a thick, creamy, sweet-tart drink. It is a quick and refreshing choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 large or 2 small smoothies
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen mixed berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries
- 1 ripe banana, preferably frozen
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup milk or plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, optional
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed, optional
- 1/2 cup ice cubes, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Instructions
- Pour the milk into the blender first to help the remaining ingredients blend easily.
- Add the Greek yogurt, frozen mixed berries, and banana.
- Add the chia seeds or ground flaxseed and vanilla extract if using.
- Blend on high until the berries are completely broken down and the smoothie is thick and creamy.
- Taste the smoothie and add honey or maple syrup if additional sweetness is desired.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add a small splash of milk and blend again. For a thicker and colder smoothie, add ice cubes or additional frozen berries.
- Continue blending until completely smooth and the desired consistency is reached.
- Pour into a glass and serve immediately while cold and creamy.
Notes
- Fresh berries can replace frozen berries. Add ice or use a frozen banana for a colder, thicker texture.
- Any combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries can be used according to availability and preference.
- For a spinach variation, add one or two handfuls of fresh baby spinach before blending.
- For extra protein, add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder and increase the milk as needed.
- Add about 1/4 cup rolled oats for a thicker smoothie. For a smoother texture, blend the oats with the milk before adding the remaining ingredients.
- For a dairy-free smoothie, use plant-based milk and dairy-free yogurt.
- For a banana-free version, substitute frozen mango, avocado, or additional Greek yogurt and adjust the sweetness if necessary.
- The smoothie is best served immediately but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Shake, stir, or blend again before serving.
- Leftover smoothie can be frozen in ice cube trays and reblended with a little milk when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
- Calories: 195 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg