Quick & Easy Berry Smoothie

A berry smoothie that’s refreshing, tasty, and naturally sweet. Here’s how to make it in 5 minutes with 4 ingredients in a blender at home.

Jump to:

• Recipe Highlights
• Berry Smoothie Health Benefits
• Ingredient Notes
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Optional Add-Ins
• Blender Tips
• Expert Tips
• Questions You May Have
• RELATED
• Berry Smoothie

Recipe Highlights

• A berry smoothie is a pureed fruit drink made with just 4 ingredients in a blender.
• Mixed berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. They give this drink its dark purple color.
• The spinach adds even more nutrients and flavor. Its earthy flavor balances the sweetness of the apple juice and berries.

RELATED: 17 Best Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Recipes

Berry Smoothie Health Benefits

Provides Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that keep your cells healthy. Berries are some of the best sources of antioxidants, including anthocyanins and vitamins A, C, and E.

Spinach is also high in flavonoids, a type of antioxidant.

Supports Healthy Digestion

Berries and chia seeds are rich in fiber, which is needed for good digestion. The nutrient works by encouraging healthy bowel movements.

Manages Blood Cholesterol

The fiber in this smoothie can also help reduce high cholesterol levels. This is important because high cholesterol can lead to heart disease.

Reduces Inflammation

Chia seeds are packed with good fats called omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are anti-inflammatory, meaning they can lower inflammation and reduce the risk of disease.

Protects the Brain

Drinking berry smoothies is a great way to protect your brain. That’s because berry anthocyanins fight oxidative stress and inflammation, which can reduce the risk of brain disorders.

RELATED: Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie

Ingredient Notes

• Apple juice
  The liquid base of this smoothie is apple juice. It’s refreshing and tastes great with berries. For the healthiest choice, use apple juice without added sweeteners.
• Chia seeds
  Chia seeds add vitamins, fiber, and plant-based protein to the smoothie. They also have a thickening effect, making the drink even more satisfying.
• Spinach
  Spinach balances the sweetness of apple juice and berries. It adds an earthy flavor without overpowering the smoothie. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants.
• Frozen mixed berries
  The main ingredient of this smoothie is berries. Most store-bought mixed berries contain strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. If freezing your own berries, you can use more or less of certain ones if you’d like.

Step-by-Step Instructions

For full ingredients and instructions, scroll down to the recipe.

1. Pour apple juice into the blender.
   Always add liquid ingredients first.
2. Add chia seeds.
3. Add spinach.
4. Add frozen berries.

5. Blend until smooth.
   Start on low speed, then increase to high.
6. Pour into a cup. Serve immediately.

Optional Add-Ins

Seeds
Instead of chia seeds, try using hemp seeds or flax seed instead. These add-ins also contain protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Butters
To give your smoothie a rich texture, add 1-2 tablespoons nut or seed butter. Tasty options include cashew, almond, or sunflower butter.

Protein powder
For a more filling smoothie, add ½ to 1 scoop of protein powder or collagen powder. Avoid adding too much, which can make the drink too thick and chalky. You can use whey or vegan protein powder, depending on your preference.

Blender Tips

Add ingredients in the right order.
For an efficient blend, always add ingredients in the correct order. The first one should be liquids.

Next, follow with any seeds and powders, then add fresh fruits and vegetables. Heavier ingredients, such as frozen fruit or ice, should be last.

Push ingredients with a tamper.
Use a blender tamper while the lid is in place. This will help the ingredients blend together properly.

Increase the speed slowly.
To protect the motor of your blender, start at low speed before moving to high.

RELATED: Strawberry Smoothie

Expert Tips

• You can use other types of juice, such as white grape juice instead of apple juice.
• Add a bit of apple juice and blend for 10 seconds if the smoothie is too thick.
• Try using kale if you don’t like spinach. You can also omit leafy greens, though the smoothie will contain less nutrients.
• If you’re freezing your own berries, be sure to toss any that are mushy or slimy. Consider slicing the strawberries into halves or quarters first. This will make it easier for the blender to chop up.
• Smoothies taste best when enjoyed within 24 hours. If you need to save leftovers, keep it in an airtight glass jar for 1-2 days.

Questions You May Have

RELATED

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• Strawberry Banana Smoothie
• Strawberry Mango Smoothie
• Banana Smoothie
• Raspberry Smoothie
• Purple Sweet Potato Smoothie

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