Perfect Berry Smoothie

This berry smoothie recipe blends frozen mixed berries and banana for a creamy, protein-packed breakfast. Ready in 5 minutes with simple, wholesome ingredients!

When you go to make a smoothie: does it turn out too icy and thick? Or too frothy and thin? Or bitter and tasteless? Here’s the perfect berry smoothie: my answer to made-on-the-fly blender creations!

After countless experiments in my kitchen, I finally cracked the code. This berry smoothie is frosty yet creamy, bursting with fruity flavor, and thick enough to feel substantial. I’ve made it so many times, and my kids request it constantly!

5 Star Reader Review

“The perfect berry smoothie really is perfect!” -C

Ingredients in a Berry Smoothie

For this recipe, I was intentional in my ingredient selection to use healthy ingredients and no overly sugary juices. You’ll also notice banana and yogurt: they’re essential to getting just the right creamy texture for a smoothie. (Trust me, I’ve tried all the variations!) Here’s what you need:

Frozen mixed berries: You can use berries of any kind: I like to use that mix of blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries that’s easy to find in the frozen section.
Banana: Bananas are the perfect fruit for adding creaminess to the body of a smoothie. You can also substitute 1 cup frozen mango, or ½ cup oats along with some extra maple syrup ( to add sweetness).
Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt gives this recipe a protein boost and helpful probiotics, and adds to that creamy texture. You can also use your favorite vegan yogurt.
Ice: You’ve got to throw in a little ice for the perfect smoothie texture. This makes it thicker and fluffier.
Milk: Use either standard milk or non-dairy milk: whatever you prefer. I’ve even made it with water and it still works!
Maple syrup, honey or agave syrup: You need a little extra sweetness to make the berry flavor sing.

Add-ins and Variations

This healthy berry smoothie is pretty perfect as is: but you can always mix it up with tasty additions! Here are a few options:

Almond butter. Use 1 tablespoon or 2 for a stronger almond flavor (it will also dull the color a bit).
Vanilla. Use ¼ to ½ teaspoon vanilla to heighten the flavors.
Cinnamon: Add ⅛ teaspoon to give a hint of spice.
Mint or basil. Add a few fresh mint or basil leaves for an herbaceous spin.
Pineapple or mango. Substitute 1 cup of the frozen berries for 1 cup frozen pineapple or mango.

How to Blend the Perfect Smoothie

The order you add ingredients to your blender matters more than you might think. I always start with the liquid (milk) at the bottom, followed by the yogurt, banana, and finally the frozen berries and ice on top. This makes sure the blades can move and everything blends evenly.

Start blending on low speed for a few seconds, then gradually increase to high. I usually stop the blender at least once to scrape down the sides with a spatula. If your smoothie is too thick to blend properly, add liquid one tablespoon at a time until it moves smoothly.

Dairy Free Variation

You can make this recipe into a vegan smoothie by doing two swaps:

Use vegan yogurt or another ½ banana. This helps to keep right the right smoothie texture.
Substitute non-dairy milk for the milk (1 for 1). Try oat milk, almond milk, or light coconut milk. (Regular coconut milk can be rather thick and have a strong flavor. If that’s all you have, dilute it with a little water.) I’ve even made this smoothie with water and it tastes great!

Storing Leftovers & Meal Prep

Smoothies are best eaten immediately. But this berry smoothie actually lasts 1 to 2 days refrigerated, stored in a sealed container or a mason jar with the lid on. If it separates (which is perfectly normal), just shake it up and you’re good to go.

It’s actually perfect for breakfast on the go. Mix up a smoothie the night before, and you can enjoy it for breakfast the next day.

Dietary Notes

This berry smoothie recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based and dairy-free, see the recipe for variations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh berries, but you’ll need to adjust the recipe slightly. I would use a frozen banana instead of a room temperature one, and you may need to add a little more ice to get the correct texture. I’ve found that frozen berries are actually more convenient and more affordable: but you can definitely use fresh if that’s what you have on hand!

How can I make my berry smoothie thicker or thinner?

For a thicker smoothie, reduce the milk by 2-3 tablespoons or add an extra handful of frozen berries. You can also add more ice or use frozen banana pieces.

If your smoothie is too thick to blend, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the consistency you prefer. I like mine thick enough that it slowly drips off a spoon but thin enough to sip through a straw.

What can I substitute for banana in this recipe?

If you’re not a banana fan, you have several options. Try using 1 cup of frozen mango or an additional ½ cup of Greek yogurt to maintain that creamy texture. You can also try ¼ of a ripe avocado for creaminess, or ½ cup of rolled oats, which adds body and makes the smoothie more filling. Just remember that bananas add sweetness, so you may need to increase the maple syrup.

Can I make this smoothie the night before?

Yes! This berry smoothie stores well for 1 to 2 days. The ingredients may naturally separate as it sits, so give it a quick shake before enjoying it.