25+ Smoothie Recipes | Cupcakes and Kale Chips

Looking for the best smoothie recipes? Whether you like your smoothies light and fruity, packed with protein, blended with green veggies, or rich and decadent, you’re sure to find something for everyone in this collection.

A two-by-three collage of different smoothies with a translucent box in the middle with text overlay that says "The Best Cool & Creamy Smoothie Recipes".

The Best Smoothie Recipes

The best smoothie recipes are ones that truly satisfy – you can whip up a banana-chocolate smoothie for dessert, or make a refreshing berry smoothie on a hot day. If you add some protein your smoothie can also double as a meal. I love making smoothies smoothie because they feel better for me than a milkshake but are still indulgent.

Want something rich and creamy? Try a banana chocolate pistachio smoothie! During the cooler months, the perfect fall smoothie features a sweet blend of pumpkin and chocolate. If you’re in the mood for something more tropical, try a mango “lava flow” smoothie or a smoothie that’s almost like an orange creamsicle. From berries to peanut butter to chocolate to a dose of greens, you’ll love my list of the best smoothie recipes included below!

two peanut butter and jelly smoothies on a wooden board on a table with bowls of frozen mixed berries and peanut butter

What Makes a Good Smoothie?

In my opinion, the best smoothies are ones that are thick and sweet, almost like a milkshake but without the ice cream! You can make a smoothie with frozen or fresh fruit, add fruit juice, or do a simple yogurt and peanut butter concoction. Here are a few tips that will help you make the best smoothie:

Use frozen bananas. A frozen banana is your secret weapon when you make a fruit or nut butter-based smoothie. It adds an incredible creaminess that tastes almost like ice cream, but it’s pure banana. You can cut up a ripe banana into coins and freeze it in a sealable, freezer-safe bag for easy access.
Pop in some frozen fruit. I also love using frozen fruit when I make smoothies. I’ll pick up a bag of mixed berries and keep it in the freezer so I can easily make a fruit smoothie whenever I’m in the mood.
Fruit instead of ice. Following with the previous tip, skip adding ice to your smoothie and simply use frozen fruit. This way you’ll get extra flavor and your smoothie won’t be too watery.
Add a liquid. However, you will often need to add a splash of liquid to help keep your smoothie well, smooth. I prefer to use a small amount of milk or almond milk to thin out my smoothie if needed.
Protein boost: To up the amount of protein in your smoothie, add a tablespoon or two of almond butter or peanut butter. You can also add chia seeds or oats for more oomph.
Throw in some greens. Add a handful of baby spinach or kale leaves into your fruit smoothie – chances are it will blend in so seamlessly you’ll never know you’re getting some extra greens!
Or an avocado. I love avocados in smoothies! You’ll get the added benefit is that avocado gives an even more creamy texture to your smoothie while making it more satisfying.

Chocolate Chip Banana Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie with ingredients in the background

Can You Prepare Smoothies in Advance?

My preference is to prepare a smoothie and then drink it right away, but technically you can make a smoothie in advance and store it in the fridge. I would advise against making a smoothie that contains avocado in advance because it can affect the flavor and color of the smoothie the longer it sits. Here’s how to make a smoothie ahead of time:

Fridge – Make your smoothie and pour it into a sealable container, like a mason jar. Try to use a container that’s not too large, because you want to remove as much oxygen from the smoothie container as possible. Store your smoothie in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezer – You can prepare your smoothie, then pour it into an ice cream tray. Freeze the smoothie in “ice” cubes and once it’s frozen, either leave it in the tray or remove it from the tray and place the cubes in a freezer-safe, sealable bag for up to 3 months. Thaw the smoothie cubes in the fridge. Note that the smoothie may be slightly more watery after it’s been defrosted.

Overhead of a Creamsicle Orange Smoothie

25+ Easy Smoothie Recipes You Have To Try

Check out my favorite smoothie recipes below.

Cheesecake Strawberry Smoothie in a glass with strawberries for garnish and striped straws

Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie

Transform a basic strawberry smoothie into something more indulgent but still light. It tastes like a rich and dreamy slice of cheesecake with the perfect amount of tangy flavor to balance the sweetness.

The Best Smoothie Recipes

What Makes a Good Smoothie?

Can You Prepare Smoothies in Advance?

25+ Easy Smoothie Recipes You Have To Try

Here are a Couple of Smoothie Bowls

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Hi, I'm Brianne!