Smoothies are an easy way to consume more fruits and vegetables. They’re also a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal on the go and incredibly easy to make. That led us to go searching for the very best smoothie recipes out there, and they’re all recommended by nutritional and culinary experts. If you need a little convincing that you should try incorporating smoothies into your diet more often, read on.
One reason is because they could be good for your heart! Researchers in Australia find nitrate-rich vegetables, leafy greens and beetroot, lower blood pressure and the risk of developing heart disease. A team from Edith Cowan University says consuming just one cup of raw leafy greens each day can result in a 26 percent lower chance of heart disease later in life. And surprisingly, if you throw in a handful of spinach into a fruit smoothie, you can’t even taste it!
Speaking of fruit … People say, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but researchers from Aston University have found that eating more fruit may also keep the therapist at bay. Their study found that people who habitually and frequently eat fruit are more likely to report greater positive mental well-being and are less likely to experience depressive symptoms. But if sitting down and chewing away just isn’t your thing, smoothies are an excellent way to consume more fruit while you chew less.
How many servings of fruit and veggies should you be eating though? Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology analyzed an extensive set of data to determine the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and the onset of chronic disease. What they found was that eight servings a day is optimal for one’s health. They concluded that if fruit and vegetable consumption worldwide were on par with optimal levels, 7.8 million deaths a year could be prevented, including two to four million deaths related to cardiovascular disease, and 660,000 deaths related to cancer.
Bottom line: Try to eat more of what’s good for you — like the best smoothie recipes we found most frequently recommended across 13 expert websites. With so many options, you’re sure to find something you love in the suggestions below. Let us know what you think in the comments. And if you’re in need of a blender to make your next smoothie, check out the best expert-recommended blenders.
The List: Best Smoothie Recipes, According To Food Pros
1. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
A PB & B anyone? Tasty recommends a delicious Peanut Butter Banana Caffeinated Smoothie, writing, “Get your coffee and breakfast in at the same time with this sweet, salty, protein-packed, and caffeinated smoothie. We can’t think of a better way to start the day.” Get their recipe
Fit Foodie Finds shares their top pick: “Our personal fav? Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie topped with a drizzle of peanut butter and chocolate chips!” Get their recipe
The Big Man’s World says, “Making a smoothie should be easy and NOT time consuming, and these recipes prove just that — they’ve been made thousands of times and have 5-star reviews!” The first on the big list? A Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie! And here’s why it’s so special: “This chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie is a healthy way to satisfy the sweet tooth, and needs just 4 ingredients! No sugar and no dairy needed, it’s so thick and creamy!” Get their recipe
2. Strawberry Banana (Or Just Strawberry) Smoothie
Food Network claims, “There’s no better pair than strawberry and banana when you’re making smoothies. They work together to give your drink just the right amount of sweetness and tang.” Get their recipe
Gypsyplate chooses this combo, too: “We’re starting this yum list of smoothies with one of the easiest morning drinks you can make: [Strawberry Banana Smoothie]. With 3 ingredients and a blender, you can make this at home in just 5 minutes. This is a classic favorite flavor combination. Kids and adults alike will love this delicious smoothie recipe!” Get their recipe
Not bananas about bananas? A rave review from A Couple Cooks suggests going without ‘em: “Here’s the very best strawberry smoothie to highlight that sweet berry flavor! It’s got the perfect creamy texture and the perfect just sweet enough fruit flavor. This one’s a family favorite, and you’ll find us slurping it often. Make it, memorize it, and make a perfect healthy smoothie on repeat!” Get the recipe
3. Blueberry Smoothie
Cupcakes and Kale Chips suggests trying a Blueberry Cheesecake Smoothie: “A sweet and creamy breakfast or snack tastes like dessert. Adding cream cheese gives it that perfect creaminess and tangy flavor you love about cheesecake. But instead of a rich treat, this is something you can have every day.” Get their recipe
Delish knows a thing or two about delicious smoothies and recommends this Blueberry Smoothie recipe “berry” much: “Craving a smoothie, but not a banana fan? This blueberry smoothie is just as creamy, but skips the tropical fruit in lieu of almond butter and oat milk.” Get the recipe
Prevention opts for their Blueberry Smoothie in a bowl: “Who says smoothies are only for sipping? Blend together frozen blueberries, almond milk, almond butter, and vanilla until ultra-creamy and divine. Once you divide into two bowls, decorate with fresh blueberries, hemp seeds, vanilla granola, and more for the breakfast bowl of your dreams.” Get their recipe
4. Green Smoothie Bowl
The next two recommendations are also smoothie bowls!
Greatist is loving a Banana Mango Green Smoothie Bowl for breakfast: “If oatmeal and cereal are your breakfasts of choice, try transitioning into the green smoothie world with a smoothie bowl. With kale, mango, microgreens or alfalfa sprouts, hemp seeds, and almond milk, it’s hard to beat how healthy and tasty this wonder bowl is. We also love adding fresh raspberries to the top for an extra antioxidant kick.” Get their recipe
Taste wants you to get a taste of a Super Green Smoothie Bowl: “Get the day off to a delicious and nutritious start with this super green smoothie bowl.” Get their recipe
5. Pumpkin Smoothie
Pumpkin Smoothie?! According to The Pioneer Woman’s site, “Ree had her doubts the first time she heard the words ‘Pumpkin Smoothie’ but that changed the second she tried these. ‘It turned out to be one of the creamiest, most delicious treats I’d ever tasted — almost like a pumpkin milkshake, but not nearly as sinful,’ she said.” Get their recipe
AllRecipes is all about a Pumpkin Pie Smoothie: “Although this smoothie might taste like pumpkin pie thanks to the pumpkin puree (an excellent source of vitamin A) and warm spices, it’s as healthy as it gets.” Get their recipe
Despite being a traditional fall-favorite, it’s these two experts’ go-to smoothie all year long. What’s your favorite smoothie recipe? Share it with us in the comments!
You might also be interested in:
- Best Foods For Fiber
- Best Fruit For Weight Loss
- Best Vegan Protein Powder
- Best Anti-Cancer Foods
- Best Avocado Oils
Sources:
- Tasty
- Fit Foodie Finds
- The Big Man’s World
- Food Network
- Gypsyplate
- A Couple Cooks
- Cupcakes and Kale Chips
- Delish
- Prevention
- Greatist
- Taste
- The Pioneer Woman
- AllRecipes
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. Study Finds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
I like Pumpkin Smoothie