Fruit Smoothie

Pro tips

• Use chilled orange juice straight from the refrigerator and frozen berries for a naturally thick, cold smoothie without adding ice, which dilutes flavor.
• Peel and slice the banana just before blending to prevent browning and maintain bright flavor.
• Blend in two stages: first mix the orange juice and banana until smooth, then add berries and pulse briefly to preserve their texture and color.

Substitutions

• Orange juice → apple juice or mango juice (shifts flavor profile but maintains sweetness)
• Strawberries → raspberries or blackberries (flavor changes but texture remains consistent)
• Banana → 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (adds creaminess and protein; reduces sweetness)

Storage & make-ahead

Drink immediately for best flavor and texture. Refrigerate leftovers up to 24 hours; stir before serving as separation occurs.

Equipment

blender

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

Yes. Blend and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, though separation may occur—stir or shake before serving.

What berries work best for this smoothie?

Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries all work equally well. Frozen berries create a thicker consistency than fresh.

Do I need a high-powered blender?

A standard blender works fine. For smoother results with frozen berries, a high-powered blender reduces blending time.

Can I substitute the orange juice?

Yes. Apple juice, mango juice, or coconut milk are good alternatives, though flavor will change slightly.

How can I make this smoothie thicker?

Use frozen berries instead of fresh, reduce orange juice by 2 oz, or add Greek yogurt or nut butter.