Blueberry Smoothie
This blueberry smoothie is creamy, bright, and easy to make with frozen berries, yogurt, and a splash of milk. It is a quick breakfast, snack, or cool drink for a warm afternoon.
Total
5 min
Servings
2 small smoothies or 1 large smoothie
Level
Easy
A blueberry smoothie is one of the easiest drinks to make at home. Frozen blueberries give it a thick, frosty texture, while banana and yogurt make it creamy without much effort.
This version uses simple ingredients and a regular blender. You can keep it mild and breakfast-friendly, or make it sweeter with a little honey or maple syrup.
It is also easy to adjust. Use dairy or non-dairy milk, add a spoonful of nut butter, or blend in a handful of spinach if you want a little green boost.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
8 items · 2 small smoothies or 1 large smoothie
- 1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries
- 1 ripe banana, fresh or frozen
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or regular plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk, dairy or non-dairy, plus more as needed
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, optional
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional, for brightness
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- Pinch of fine salt
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Gather the ingredients
Set out the blueberries, banana, yogurt, milk, and any optional add-ins. If your banana is frozen solid, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes so it is easier to blend.
2. Add the liquid first
Pour the milk into the blender. Adding liquid first helps the blades move smoothly and keeps thick fruit from getting stuck at the bottom.
3. Add the creamy ingredients
Spoon in the yogurt, then add the banana. The banana adds natural sweetness and helps give the smoothie a soft, creamy texture.
4. Add the blueberries and flavorings
Add the frozen blueberries, honey or maple syrup if using, lemon juice, vanilla, and a tiny pinch of salt. The salt will not make it salty; it helps the fruit flavor taste fuller.
5. Blend until smooth
Start the blender on low, then increase to high. Blend for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the smoothie looks even and no large berry pieces remain.
6. Adjust the texture
If the smoothie is too thick to pour, add more milk 1 tablespoon at a time and blend again. If it is too thin, add a few more frozen blueberries or a couple of ice cubes and blend until thickened.
7. Taste and serve
Taste the smoothie before pouring. Add a little more sweetener or lemon juice if needed, then pour into glasses and serve right away while cold and creamy.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- For make-ahead smoothies, add all ingredients except the milk to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, add the frozen mix to the blender with milk and blend.
- Leftover smoothie can be stored in a covered jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It may separate, which is normal. Shake or stir well before drinking.
- For a dairy-free blueberry smoothie, use a non-dairy yogurt and almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk. Choose unsweetened milk if you want more control over sweetness.
- No banana? Use 1/2 cup frozen mango, 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice, or 1/4 avocado. Mango will add sweetness, cauliflower keeps it mild, and avocado makes it extra creamy.
- For more protein, use Greek yogurt and add 1 tablespoon chia seeds, hemp seeds, or nut butter. If adding protein powder, start with half a scoop so the texture does not become chalky.
- If your blender struggles, stop and scrape down the sides. Add a splash more milk, then blend again. Very thick smoothies need enough liquid to keep moving.
Cook's note
Frozen blueberries are the easiest choice here because they chill and thicken the smoothie at the same time. Fresh blueberries also work, but you may want to add a few ice cubes for a colder drink.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Can I make this blueberry smoothie without yogurt?
Yes. Replace the yogurt with more milk, a non-dairy yogurt, kefir, or 1/4 avocado. The smoothie will be a little thinner without yogurt, so use less milk at first and add more as needed.
Do I need to thaw frozen blueberries before blending?
No. Use them straight from the freezer. Frozen blueberries help make the smoothie thick and cold. If your blender is small or low-powered, let them sit for 3 to 5 minutes before blending.
How can I make the smoothie sweeter?
Use a very ripe banana, then taste before adding sweetener. If it still needs more sweetness, blend in 1 to 2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, or a soft pitted date.
Can I add greens to this smoothie?
Yes. Add 1 small handful of baby spinach. It blends easily and has a mild taste. Kale also works, but it has a stronger flavor and may need a little extra blending.
Why is my smoothie too thick?
It likely has a lot of frozen fruit and not enough liquid. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition, until it reaches the texture you like.
05Keep cooking
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