It’s hard to make a bad smoothie. Blended fruit tastes good with just about anything!
But there are a few ways to take your smoothies to the next level, so that they’re creamy, thick, flavorful and sweet, yet still healthy.
The key is to add one – or all – of these three amazing ingredients:
1. Avocado. Technically avocado is a fruit, but nutritionally & texturally it’s more like a fat. Adding a little avocado to your smoothie (~1/4 of an avocado) will make it ultra-creamy and smooth. It’s also a great replacement for yogurt if you can’t have or don’t eat dairy.
2. Dates. I never add sugar, honey or other sweeteners to my smoothie, but sometimes I crave a sweeter or more indulgent taste. Dates to the rescue! Even one dried date adds a sweet, caramel-like flavor that makes you feel like you’re eating dessert.
3. Vanilla extract. A splash (1/2 teaspoon or so) of vanilla extract adds a deep, rich flavor to any smoothie. You won’t necessarily taste vanilla, you’ll just get an extra punch of flavor that makes your tastebuds extra happy.
Any other smoothie ingredients you love to add?? Please share!
6 Comments
Chef Hollie
September 25, 2013 at 2:55 pmWe love adding avocados! One smoothie I’ve made with hundreds of kids and they LOVED it was with plain greek yogurt, spinach (yes!!), frozen strawberries, and a dash of agave nectar if you need it…sooo good!
Amelia
September 26, 2013 at 8:08 amSounds delicious, Hollie!
Karen
September 25, 2013 at 9:40 pmCanned “light” apricots are amazing in smoothies with veggies. The tartness of the apricots overrides any “green” taste and makes the other flavors extra bright.
Amelia
September 26, 2013 at 8:08 amI would have never thought to add canned apricots – love that tart/sweet taste – great idea!
Megan (The Lyons' Share)
September 26, 2013 at 8:04 amI almost always add frozen berries (they pack a ton of flavor!) and spinach or kale (they pack a ton of nutrients!). Almond milk is another “must have” in my smoothies, and depending on what I include, cinnamon or ginger are great.
Amelia
September 26, 2013 at 8:09 amAlmond milk is a fave of mine too – but I never add cinnamon – love this!