Berry Good Smoothie

Imagine summer decided to jump into your blender – that’s exactly what this vibrant smoothie feels like! I stumbled upon this recipe during one of those desperate “must get more fruits into our diet” phases (fellow parents, you know what I’m talking about). Now it’s become our favorite afternoon pick-me-up, and I’ve lost count of how many times my daughter has requested her “purple princess drink.” The best part? It’s as gorgeous as it is delicious – perfect for those days when you need a little brightness in your life.

You know those smoothies that look amazing on Instagram but taste like you’re drinking liquid disappointment? (We’ve all been there, scrolling and crying into our failed Pinterest attempts.) Well, this one actually delivers on both looks AND taste. It’s got this perfect balance of sweet and tart that makes your taste buds do a little happy dance.

The secret? It’s all about letting those frozen berries thaw just a bit before blending. I discovered this by accident one morning when I got distracted by my daughter’s “emergency” (spoiler alert: her stuffed unicorn needed an immediate wardrobe change). But that 10-minute wait makes everything blend up smoother than a jazz playlist!

Quick tip from someone who’s definitely had some smoothie fails: If you’re using store-bought frozen berries, give the bag a little squeeze before buying. If it’s one solid berry brick, keep looking – you want the berries to be individually frozen. Trust me, your blender will thank you!

Berry Good Smoothie

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The Berry Good Smoothie not only tastes delicious, it’s good for your heart too. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries have been linked to lower LDL cholesterol and guess what? This smoothie has them all. Blended to perfection with Vitamin-C-rich orange juice, this smoothie checks all the right boxes.

• Author: Addie Gundry
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1
• Category: Beverages

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups frozen mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries), plus extra for garnish
• 2 kiwi, peeled and sliced, plus extra for garnish
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

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Instructions

1. Place the frozen berries in a blender and let thaw for 10 minutes.
2. Add the kiwi, orange juice, honey (if using), and lime juice.
3. Blend on high until smooth.
4. Pour into a glass and garnish with additional kiwi and berries.

The Ingredients Explained

• Frozen Mixed Berries are our antioxidant powerhouse! We’re talking strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries – it’s like the superhero team of fruits. They bring natural sweetness, tons of vitamin C, and that gorgeous purple-red color that makes you feel fancy even in your morning yoga pants. Substitutions: Any frozen fruit works here – try peaches and strawberries for a summery twist, or go tropical with mango and pineapple. Just keep the total amount the same.
• Kiwi is our secret weapon! Not only does it add this amazing tropical tang, but it’s actually got more vitamin C than an orange. Plus, it gives the smoothie this fresh, bright flavor that makes everything pop. Substitutions: No kiwi? No problem! Try half a green apple or some fresh pineapple. Even a handful of green grapes will work – we’re looking for that fresh, zippy flavor.
• Orange Juice brings everything together with its natural sweetness and adds even more vitamin C (because who doesn’t want to boost their immune system while enjoying their breakfast?). Using freshly squeezed makes it taste like you’re on a fancy vacation, but no judgment if you’re using the boxed stuff – we’re all friends here! Substitutions: Any citrus juice works great – try grapefruit for a tart twist, or coconut water if you’re looking to cut back on sugar. Apple juice works too, just dial back the honey since it’s sweeter.
• Honey is optional but amazing – think of it as your smoothie’s backup dancer. Some days you need it, some days you don’t, depending on how sweet your berries are feeling. Substitutions: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a pitted date will work. Sometimes if my berries are super ripe, I skip this altogether.
• Lime Juice is that little pop of brightness that makes everything sing! It’s like the conductor of our smoothie orchestra, bringing all the flavors into harmony. Substitutions: Lemon juice works too, or a splash of orange juice with a tiny pinch of salt can help bring out those bright flavors.

Pro Tips for Making this Berry Good Smoothie

I buy berries in bulk when they’re in season and freeze them myself on a baking sheet. No more berry blocks, and they taste like summer all year round! Color Control: If you’re particular about the color (or feeding tiny food critics), stick to similar-colored fruits. All red berries make it ruby-colored, while adding blueberries takes it to this gorgeous purple territory. Make it Creamy: Sometimes I’ll throw in half a frozen banana or a splash of coconut milk if I’m craving something more substantial. It changes the color but adds this amazing creamy texture.

Remember, smoothies are like jazz – improvisation is encouraged! Sometimes I’ll toss in some fresh mint from my forever-struggling herb garden, or a handful of spinach (still haven’t been caught!). If you’re feeling adventurous, a tiny piece of fresh ginger adds this amazing zing that’s especially welcome during cold season.

And hey, if your first blend isn’t perfect? That’s what straws are for! Just kidding – adjust the sweetness, add a splash more liquid if it’s too thick, or throw in more berries if it’s too thin. Every blender is different, kind of like how every coffee maker has its own personality (please tell me I’m not the only one who talks to their kitchen appliances).

If you make this Berry Good Smoothie recipe, let me know what you think! And don’t forget to snap a picture before you drink it – it’s basically like capturing a sunset in a glass!