Healthy Smoothie Recipes

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The best healthy smoothie recipes that’ll pack your day with nutrition, keep you full for hours, AND taste incredible!

healthy smoothies

As someone who is always on the go, my diet has often come second to work. That used to mean I got a lot of takeout, but thankfully, I’ve turned a negative into a positive. Now, I make smoothies every morning, and I’ve never felt better!

Each of these smoothie recipes has been tried and tested by yours truly, and I can assure you they’re each easy to make, use simple ingredients, and ACTUALLY taste incredible. 

Table of Contents
  1. Perfect morning smoothies
  2. Low-carb smoothies
  3. Protein shakes
  4. Dessert in a glass
  5. Frequently asked questions
  6. More recipe collections
  7. How To Make a Smoothie (Recipe Card)

What is the healthiest thing to put in a smoothie?

For many people (myself included), smoothies are a meal in itself. So, it should have a combination of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. This makes for a well-rounded recipe that’ll help you stay fuller for longer. Here are some healthy things you can add to your smoothies:

  • Fiber. Fiber helps you to feel full and satiated. Think fresh fruit or frozen fruit, vegetables, flaxseeds, or oatmeal. 
  • Protein. Similar to fiber, protein aids in fullness and helps promote muscle growth after a workout. Think protein powder, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, quinoa flakes, or hemp seeds. 
  • Healthy fats. Healthy fatty acids add texture and make for a more satisfying drink. Think avocado, seeds, chia seeds, nuts, or nut butter. 

Perfect morning smoothies

These are my preferred smoothies for the morning. Not only are they quick to make, but they’re more nutrient-rich, so I don’t have to worry about being hungry in a couple of hours. 

  • Breakfast smoothie. If you love starting your morning with smoothies but hate the thunderous sound of the blender, you’ll love this breakfast smoothie. It blends in seconds and tastes just like a milkshake. 
  • Oatmeal smoothie. With rolled oats, cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder, chia seeds, and peanut butter, this thick, creamy smoothie is a nutrient powerhouse.
  • Carrot smoothie. I was skeptical about a smoothie with carrots as the base, but this smoothie has changed my mind. Not only is it packed with minerals and fiber, but it tastes like carrot cake, especially if you add a little ginger. 
  • Whole30 smoothie. Of all my whole30 recipes, this is one I still work into my weekly rotation. It combines raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries to make a smoothie rich with antioxidants… and it tastes so refreshing.
  • Oat milk smoothie. Made with 3 ingredients and blended in under a minute, I love how customizable it is!
smoothie with oat milk.

Low-carb smoothies

Yes, believe it or not, you CAN have smoothies even when you’re watching your carbs. In fact, smoothies have become a lifesaver for me when I’m going keto. You can’t tell the difference except that they’re made with low-carb fruits and vegetables. 

  • Keto smoothie. Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor in every sip, I make this smoothie at least once a week. 
  • Avocado smoothie. You only need 3 ingredients to make this ultra-creamy, thick, decadent smoothie… though I’m a big fan of adding mango or peach!
  • Keto acai bowl. Not all smoothies are made for sipping. Blend acai, strawberries, coconut milk, and yogurt, then add your favorite toppings (like keto granola) to make a fresh, creamy smoothie bowl.
  • Keto blueberry smoothie. I love berries in smoothies, especially when you get all that flavor for only 3 grams of net carbs. 
  • Keto green smoothie. As far as spinach smoothie recipes go, this one does NOT taste healthy. Don’t have spinach on hand? It tastes just as good with kale!
  • Keto peanut butter smoothie. Layers of chocolate and peanut butter give this smoothie its flavor while the avocado adds essential creaminess. 
keto blueberry smoothie

Protein shakes

Okay, so I know protein shakes aren’t ‘technically’ smoothies, but they’re pretty close. Most of my protein shakes involve a banana or two for potassium, sweetness, and a little energy boost. 

chocolate protein shake.

Dessert in a glass

Smoothies for dessert are underrated, and I’m determined to make them a thing. Not only do they take care of my sugar cravings, but they don’t leave me feeling stuffed after dinner. 

  • Healthy chocolate peanut butter smoothie. When I’m short on time or have a chocolate craving, I reach for this smoothie recipe. It’s the most foolproof, satisfying recipe. 
  • Chunky monkey smoothie. If you’re staring down at a pile of browning bananas, peel them and pop them into the freezer. Now you have a stash of bananas ready to use in smoothies– like this one!
  • Almond butter smoothie. I love putting almond butter in my smoothies. It adds protein, healthy fat, creamy texture, and sweetness. Save yourself a few bucks and make your own.
  • Coconut milk smoothie. Add some frozen pineapple or orange juice, and it tastes just like a piña colada!
  • Almond milk smoothie. It’s so thick and creamy– you’d never believe it’s made without dairy or sugar.
banana almond milk smoothie

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to add ice?

No! If you see ice in a smoothie, it’s completely optional. Adding ice adds thickness and bulk and even creaminess. If you omit it, consider adding some frozen fruit.

More recipe collections

Healthy smoothie recipes

How To Make a Smoothie

5 from 33 votes
The best healthy smoothie recipes that’ll pack your day with nutrition, keep you full for hours, AND taste incredible! Start with this easy strawberry smoothie first.
Servings: 1 smoothie
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 1 minute
Total: 2 minutes

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • In a high speed blender, add all your ingredients and blend until thick and creamy.
  • Pour into a tall glass and enjoy immediately.

Notes

TO STORE: Freshly made smoothies should be enjoyed immediately, however, they will keep well for up to eight hours refrigerated. Be sure to whisk the smoothie in case of any separation. 
TO FREEZE: Smoothies can be frozen in ‘blocks’ and stored in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, remove the smoothie block from the freezer and re-blend it until smooth. To thin it out, you can add some water, milk, or juice. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1smoothieCalories: 58kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSodium: 332mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 2gVitamin A: 9IUVitamin C: 42mgCalcium: 315mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 5g
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Originally published January 2022, updated and republished June 2024

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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