This is a variation of our greek yogurt smoothie base recipe. While we love raspberries and blackberries in smoothies, we know that some people get annoyed with the seeds. This Greek Yogurt Berry smoothie features cherries and blueberries that provide similar benefits without the pesky seeds, in addition to protein-rich Greek yogurt, optional spinach, and a splash of vanilla!
Learn How to Make the Base Recipe
Must-Know Cooking Skill
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for the Best Greek Yogurt Berry Smoothie
If you want to make this Greek yogurt smoothie recipe for breakfast and are usually crunched for time in the morning, place all of the non-frozen ingredients in your blender’s jar and place it in the fridge the night before. Add the frozen ingredients in the morning and blend!
If your smoothie is too thick after blending, add more liquid. If it is too thin, add more fruit or ice.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Milk or Milk Alternative: use cow’s milk or soy milk for a higher protein smoothie. You can also substitute 100% fruit juice, coconut milk, or even water. Learn about the differences between plant based milk and cow’s milk here.
- Greek Yogurt: substitute any plain or dairy-free variety. Or substitute kefir as seen in our Kefir Smoothie Base Recipe.
- Banana: substitute avocado to create a creamy mixed berry smoothie without banana.
- Frozen Blueberries and Cherries: use any single or mixed berries of your choosing and/or mix in other frozen fruits. Be sure to use no-added-sugar varieties.
- Vanilla Extract: substitute almond extract, but only use ¼ teaspoon.
- Baby Spinach: use regular spinach or kale. If you are unsure about the flavor of greens in your smoothies, start with spinach. Spinach has a milder flavor than heartier greens like kale. Do not use arugula or mustard greens.
Recipe Variations
Add any other ingredients of your choice, such as spices, oats, nut butters, chia seeds, and/or flax seeds. Note that the texture will change as you add more ingredients.
Need some smoothie recipe inspiration?
Use our greek yogurt smoothie base recipe as a guide to make it your own or try out these other variations!
Which Blender is Best for Smoothies?
Any blender will work! While a Vitamix probably makes the creamiest smoothies, any full-size blender, single-serve blender, immersion blender, or even food processor will do the job.
Are Greek Yogurt Smoothies Healthy?
While eating whole fruit is normally best, a smoothie can be a great way to get lots of fruits and/or vegetables in one easy serving. The featured ingredients in this smoothie recipe are Greek yogurt, banana, and berries!
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a great source of B vitamins, calcium, and probiotics. It is also higher in protein than regular yogurt, making this smoothie filling and satisfying.
We recommend buying plain varieties in order to avoid added sugars and organic, if you can afford it. Select a fat content that works with your overall diet. If you tend to consume a lot of foods high in saturated fat, a low-fat or fat-free variety is your best choice. If you limit saturated fat in your diet, full-fat varieties are okay.
Banana
Bananas contain prebiotic fiber, vitamins, and minerals – important for digestion, steady energy, and metabolism. Greenish bananas are firm and higher in prebiotic fiber. Brownish bananas are soft and higher in natural sugar, making them sweeter. Ripe bananas are preferable for this recipe because they add natural sweetness to the smoothie.
Berries
Berries are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Together, these nutrients promote heart health and may reduce inflammation. (1)
Leafy Greens
If you choose to add them, leafy greens provide essential vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that promote health and help fight diseases.
For more information about which ingredients are best, check out our ingredient guide.
Berry Smoothie Serving Suggestions
This Greek yogurt berry smoothie can be a meal on its own or can be an accompaniment to a healthy breakfast! Pair with overnight oats, energy bites, whole wheat muffins, or granola for a satisfying meal.
Will Smoothies Keep in the Fridge?
Keep leftovers in the fridge and enjoy the next day. They can hold for longer than a day in the fridge but often will start to separate. Simply shake before drinking for nutritious smoothie goodness.
Want more delicious berry breakfast recipes?
Try out these favorite recipes, and as always, adjust to YOUR taste!
Greek Yogurt Berry Smoothie with Vanilla
Ingredients
- ½ cup milk or milk alternative
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 large ripe banana (~1 cup)
- ½ cup frozen blueberries
- ½ cup frozen cherries
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup lightly packed baby spinach (optional)
- 6-8 ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and puree. Enjoy!
This Post Has 2 Comments
My kids love this recipe! Easy to make and delicious!!
Love it! 🙂