Smoothies are one of my absolute favorite snacks and breakfasts. They’re quick and easy to make, delicious, nutrient-packed, and so satisfying (as long as you make them right)! Plus, these frozen fruit smoothie recipes are so easy to mix and match with your favorite flavors.
Below, I’m sharing my easy to follow formula for building satisfying, refreshing, and nourishing smoothies with frozen fruit!
Use this post as a template to get creative, or try some of my favorite healthy smoothie recipe combinations, included at the end of the post. Enjoy!
Easy Fruit Smoothie Formula (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Start With Frozen Fruit.
Add 1 1/2 cups of frozen fruit to your blender. Any fruit will work!
I like to use frozen fruit over fresh fruit, because it gives your healthy smoothie a frosty thickness without having to water down the flavor with ice.
Plus, it’s usually cheaper than fresh fruit, AND it’s available year round. 🙂
The only fruit I usually use fresh is a banana – it makes the smoothie extra creamy. They do freeze well, too, so long as you peel them first!
(Check out my healthy recipes for overripe bananas post for instructions on how to freeze a banana properly!)
Step 2: Add Greens (optional).
Adding 1 cup of leafy greens like kale or spinach gives your smoothie a nutritional boost and fun color, but I promise you won’t notice the taste!
If you’re trying this for the first time, start with spinach – it’s even less flavorful. And be sure to remove the stems if you use kale – the stems can be bitter!
Step 3: Add Protein.
I like to add 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or a scoop of protein powder to my smoothies for extra staying power.
Adding protein makes your smoothie much more filling and satisfying! And, using Greek yogurt adds creaminess (which is always a plus!).
Step 4: Add Healthy Fats.
Adding a tablespoon or two of flax seed, chia seeds, or nut butter gives your smoothie much more staying power so you don’t sip it down and get hungry right after!
Avocado is also great in smoothies, and packed with healthy fats. Just add 1/4 to 1/2 a ripe avocado instead of the nuts/seeds.
Step 5: Add Liquid.
Add 1 cup of liquid to your blender. This is essential to give your smoothie the right texture, and allow for proper blending.
I like to stick to unsweetened plant-based milks (like almond milk) or whole dairy milk rather than fruit juice, because you have plenty of sweetness from the fruit already!
Step 6: Boost with Flavor Add-Ins (optional)
Take your smoothie to the next level with flavor add-ins like vanilla extract, lemon zest, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and more!
I’ve found a splash of vanilla extract will elevate pretty much any smoothie. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are delicious for fall-inspired flavors, and lemon zest will brighten up berry-flavored smoothies.
Here’s a breakdown of the formula to keep on hand as a handy resource! 🙂
Do I need to add ice to frozen fruit smoothies?
Nope! One of the perks of using frozen fruit is that it gives smoothies a thicker consistency without having to add ice. Ice dilutes the flavor of smoothies, so I avoid using it when I can.
But, if you only have fresh fruit on hand, you may want to add a handful of ice – otherwise, your smoothie may come out too thin. It all depends on your smoothie texture preference!
And now, for a few frozen fruit smoothie recipe ideas! The combinations are endless, but here are some of my tried and true healthy smoothie recipes:
Healthy Fruit Smoothie Variations
Yogurt Berry Smoothie
Combine frozen strawberries, blueberries & cherries (1/2 cup each) with plain (or vanilla) Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and unsweetened almond milk.
If you’re not a fan of the texture of chia seeds, let the chia seeds soak in the almond milk for at least 15 minutes before blending. They’ll absorb the moisture and soften up!
Mango Pineapple Smoothie
Combine frozen mango and pineapple (1/2 cup each) with 1/2 banana (fresh or frozen), kale (stems removed), Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and almond milk. Blend until smooth!
This tropical smoothie is especially perfect for the warm summer months. Feel free to swap out the almond milk with coconut milk for extra creaminess and a hint of added coconut flavor.
Spinach Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie
Combine one frozen banana with a handful of spinach, scoop of protein powder, scoop of peanut butter, and almond milk. Add a splash of vanilla extract, some cocoa powder, and shake of ground cinnamon.
This banana smoothie is so tasty and comforting, and you won’t notice the spinach at all!
Lemon Berry Smoothie
Combine frozen strawberries (1 cup) and cherries (1/2 cup), with Greek yogurt, flax seeds, milk, vanilla extract, and a bit of lemon zest.
The lemon pairs so well with the berries here. Bright, fruity, creamy, and delicious!
What are your favorite frozen fruit smoothies to make? What new combinations are you excited to try? Get creative!
Here are a few of my other healthy smoothie recipe variations already here on the blog:
