This is my go-to berry smoothie combo
It’s no secret around here that I LOOOOVEEEEE frozen fruit smoothies (especially in the summer here in Texas when it gets SO hot!)
But of all the smoothie recipes I’ve made, this Mixed Berry Smoothie would have to be my pick!!
The combo of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries, combines with a burst of fresh lemon to give you the BEST balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
The #1 Reason this Mixed Berry Smoothie is the Best
Many other smoothie recipes out there count on ice to thicken them up. But my secret? Use a blend of frozen AND fresh fruit for the best texture and the least watery result. Not only will you end up with a fruity and flavor-packed smoothie, but it will also be easier to blend up super smooth thanks to the softer fresh fruit.
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
- Sweetener. This is optional and will depend on your other ingredients and personal taste. Make the smoothie first and then add it in if you would like more sweetness. Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar will all work.
- Mixed Berries. It’s best to use frozen mixed berries. (More on this below!) I like to save time and just buy a bag of frozen fruit at the store, but you can always freeze fresh fruit if it’s in season! (Check out my guides for freezing fresh strawberries and freezing fresh blueberries at home!)
- Banana. Using a ripe banana is best because it will give it a sweeter flavor. Make sure to use room-temperature bananas so the ingredients can blend together more easily.
- Milk. I’ve found that 2% and whole milk, or a full-fat plant-based milk if you need it dairy-free, will give you the creamiest smoothie.
- Yogurt. Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is the best option. Regular, goat’s milk, or other nut or plant-based yogurt will all work. Plain yogurt without flavor reduces the amount of sugar.
Pro Tip: Thaw previously frozen fruit at room temperature for 15 minutes prior to blending to make it softer and easier to blend.
Step-by-step Instructions
Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
Choose the right blender.
You can use either a smaller, individual-sized blender (like a Nutribullet or Ninja), or a larger high-speed blender (I absolutely ADORE my Vitamix when making multiple smoothies!)
Either size will work great, but you will want to pay attention to where the blade is located. This will influence the order in which you add your smoothie ingredients so you get a super smooth texture.
Pro Tip: Place the softer ingredients closer to the blade and the harder ingredients further from the blade.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Start blending on a low speed and gradually increase to high for the creamiest consistency, blending for about 1-2 minutes or until you reach the perfect creamy consistency. If your blender has trouble, stop and stir, or add a bit more liquid.
You may also need to scrape down the sides of the container to ensure everything is well mixed. Add additional sweetener, to taste, and re-blend if needed.
Serve with fresh berries and a sprinkle of lemon zest to make it extra pretty!
Optional Smoothie Add-Ins
This berry smoothie is a great recipe to start with, but if you want to switch it up, here are some easy additions to have fun with:
- Other fresh or frozen fruits: Kiwi, mango, pineapple, or peach mix in beautifully for even more fruity variety.
- Protein powder: A scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein makes this smoothie more filling. (Pea protein is awesome for this!)
- Gluten-free oats: I love adding these into smoothies for extra fiber which also keeps me full longer.
- Nut butter: Almond, peanut, or cashew butter adds protein, creaminess, and a hint of nutty flavor.
- Avocado: Makes it ultra-creamy and adds heart-healthy fats.
- Chia seeds, hemp seeds, and flaxseed oil: Blend them in for an omega-3 boost.
- Leafy greens: Spinach or kale blend in easily without changing the flavor too much.
FAQs
Yes! Swap the yogurt for a frozen banana, coconut milk, or almond milk to keep it creamy and dairy-free.
Yes! You can absolutely put frozen berries in a smoothie. In fact, frozen berries are essential to create that smooth yet icy texture without including actual ice cubes, which can dilute the flavor.
Use frozen bananas instead of fresh, add less liquid, or blend in a handful of gluten-free oats or chia seeds.
Milk, coconut water, orange juice, or even plain water all work great. Choose based on how creamy, sweet, or refreshing you want it!
Yes, but for the best texture, drink it fresh. If prepping ahead, store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and shake or stir before drinking.
How to Meal Prep a Smoothie
Prepare the smoothie ingredients in advance to make mornings even easier!
Measure out the frozen fruit and yogurt and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Store the bags for up to 3-4 months in freezer. Let it sit out at room for 30 minutes so the ingredients can thaw, add your liquid of choice (milk in this case!) then blend and serve.
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Mixed Berry Smoothie Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen mixed berries thawed for 5 minutes
- 1 medium banana cut into 1-inch chunks
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1-2 tablespoons sweetener optional
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender such as a Vitamix or Nutribullet. Place the softer ingredients closer to the blade and the harder ingredients further from the blade.2 cups frozen mixed berries, 1 medium banana, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1-2 tablespoons sweetener, 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Start blending on low and gradually increase to high, blending for about 1-2 minutes total, or until you reach a creamy consistency. If your blender has trouble, stop and stir, or add a bit more liquid. You may also need to scrape down the sides of the container to ensure everything is well mixed.
- Add additional sweetener, to taste, and re-blend if needed. Serve with fresh berries and additional lemon zest, if desired.
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Video
Notes
- Yield: This recipe makes enough for two 8-oz. smoothies or one large, 16-oz. smoothie.
- Milk: Regular, oat, cashew, almond, or soy milk can be used if you do not like coconut.
- Yogurt: Greek yogurt, goat yogurt, or any other plant or nut-based yogurt may be used.
- Prep-ahead: To prepare in advance, you can measure out ingredients and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Store for up to 3-4 months in the freezer. Let it sit out for 20-30 minutes so the ingredients can thaw, then blend before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Frozen Fruit Smoothies
Learn the basics for How to Make a Fruit Smoothie, or check out one of these simple smoothie recipes next:
Turned out great!
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
Thank you for show me how to make smoothies
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Monica! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
Awesome thanks for the Recipe idea
Of course!
I would love to fix this mixed berry smoothie, but banana sometimes bothers my stomach. Is there anything I can use as a substitute?
You can try mango or avocado, but it will affect the flavor slightly.