How to Make A Smoothie

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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 Liquids 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

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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 2 votes
Course beverage, Breakfast, Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2 Servings
Calories 153
Prep Time2 minutes
Total Time2 minutes

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 cup greens, frozen
  • 1 medium banana, frozen
  • 1 cup fruit, frozen
  • 2 Tablespoons 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: 8ounces | Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 274mg | Potassium: 484mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 3209IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 264mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

Favorite Smoothie Recipes

mom making smoothies with her kids

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Thank you so much for these recipes. I love smoothies, my husband brought a smoothies machine for me prior to his demise. I’ve never used it yet. Very excited to unbox it now. Thank you, thank you