30 smoothies that’ll put a zing in your spring

September 10, 2021

Sup something super

A nutritious and delicious blend of goodness, smoothies provide energy and nourishment. And because there are countless combinations of fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, dairy, herbs and spices, there’s a drink to suit all tastes. For optimum health, try using organic produce where possible and do your bit for the planet by composting waste and replacing plastic straws with paper or stainless steel ones.

Apple, avocado, celery and lime

For a creamy green dream of a smoothie with a citrus kick, blend avocado, sliced sweet apple and chopped celery, adding fresh lime juice by the spoonful to taste. This combination is sure to kickstart your day with a zing.

Apple, banana and cinnamon

For a nourishing, spiced smoothie that tastes more like a dessert, chop bananas and blend with sweet red apples, plain yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon. If it’s too thick, add a little milk and check the spicing in case you need to adjust it.

Beetroot, honey and ginger

For a much-needed energy and vitamin boost, blend fresh, peeled and chopped beetroot with bananas, some grated ginger and a dollop of honey. You can add crushed ice to thicken it and a splash of fresh blood orange juice for an extra kick.

Avocado, spinach, apple and chia

Blitz some avocado with a generous handful of spinach, chopped green apple, banana and a splash of coconut water. You can add a touch of honey for extra sweetness and top with crunchy, wholesome chia seeds.

Blueberry, banana and almond milk

This dairy-free smoothie has a lovely purple hue to it thanks to the tart blueberries that stop it from becoming too sweet. A spoonful of almond or peanut butter will give it body and, if it’s too thick, add a little ice or almond milk to the blender.

Carrot, banana and pineapple

There’s a whole lotta goodness in this drink. A blend of peeled carrots, banana and pineapple with some grated fresh ginger and a helping of turmeric, it’s golden, it’s sweet, it’s spicy and it’s very good for you.

Cranberry and berry

Cranberries are often overlooked as a smoothie ingredient, which is a culinary crime because these small, tart berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Blend frozen cranberries with frozen berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or a selection of those) and frozen banana. If it’s too thick add a little juice from a freshly squeezed orange.

Blackberry and vanilla

This blackberry and vanilla smoothie seems indulgent because it conjures up the flavours of berry pie and ice cream, but it’s actually very healthy. If you’re texture-sensitive and don’t like the chewy blackberry seeds, you can blend the berries, juice and water first and then strain before finishing the recipe.

Coconut milk and mango

This two-ingredient smoothie is made with fresh mango chunks (or you can use frozen) and coconut milk. Ready in no time, finish it with mint leaves for extra freshness and fresh grated coconut for a fruity, smooth-as-silk drink.

Dragon fruit and raspberry

Chop the flesh of a beautiful dragon fruit and blend with raspberries, coconut water, freshly squeezed orange juice and a little grated ginger for an antioxidant powerhouse drink. It’ll also look and taste great as a smoothie bowl if you thicken the mixture up with a banana.

Mango chilli

Sweet and tropical with a hint of chilli heat, this mango chilli smoothie will certainly put a spring in your step. The key to this firecracker smoothie is using pure red chilli powder (without the addition of other spices), however, you can substitute the chilli powder for fresh finely chopped and de-seeded red jalapeños, if you like.

Kiwi, mint and lime

Blitz together fresh mint leaves (stalks removed) with the flesh of two or three kiwis, lime juice, banana, and some water or coconut water if you prefer. For an even greener glow, throw in a handful of spinach.

Grapefruit, apple and ginger

This crushed ice smoothie is made by blending the juice of two grapefruits with chopped sweet apple and some freshly grated ginger to create a refreshing, zingy drink. If the acidic, sour flavours are too much for you, add a teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.

Mandarin, star fruit and lime

Sweet, fragrant mandarins don’t have the tartness of oranges, so they go great when mixed with fresh lime juice, bananas and peeled star fruit. This drink can become too tangy so add a little honey to balance it and serve with a slice of star fruit for a smoothie with style.

Pear, kiwi and honey

This smoothie is a harmonious blend of juicy pears, kiwi and honey blended together with a little ice. To make it a bit more substantial throw in a banana for good measure or turn it into a smoothie bowl and top with homemade granola and fresh fruit.

Mango, apple and yuzu

A popular citrus fruit in Japan, yuzu has a powerful citrus flavour often described as being between a lime and a grapefruit. It adds a welcome sour note to this mix of sweet mango, apple and Greek yogurt blitzed to a perfection with ice.

Pomegranate, orange and beetroot

This pomegranate, beetroot and orange smoothie is tart, sweet and tangy – just the ticket to get you raring in the morning. Make sure you don’t overdo it with the beet so it’s still quite fruity. If it doesn’t turn out perfect, simply add more fruit and save half for the next day. A smoothie will keep in the fridge for a couple of days, however, make sure to give it a good shake before drinking.

Orange, papaya and turmeric

Vitamin-packed papaya marries well with zesty oranges. Blend together with a teaspoon of wonder spice turmeric and ice to create a vibrant smoothie that will boost your immune system.

Papaya, lime and mint

A nutrient-dense exotic fruit, papaya adds great texture and flavour to smoothies. For a different take on a drink with this vibrant fruit, blend with fresh lime juice, mint leaves and a handful of raw almonds. If it’s too tart, add a little honey to sweeten.

Spicy pineapple and kale

This healthy pineapple and kale smoothie is green and sweet and it has a spicy hit from the ginger and cayenne that will wake up your taste buds. Most grocery stores sell bags of frozen fruit perfect for making smoothies so make sure you stock up and have a variety of options on hand when you want to whip up a drink quickly.

Sea buckthorn and orange

For something a little different try this energising drink. Bursting with vitamin C, sea buckthorn is a shrub with pale orange berries that are especially popular in northern Europe. If you can’t get your hands on the berries, try adding a few drops of sea buckthorn oil to an orange smoothie made with freshly squeezed orange juice, banana and crushed ice.

Spicy carrot and beetroot

Blend peeled carrots, fresh beetroot and tart apples (these are to balance the earthy sweetness of root vegetables) with a knob of grated ginger for a fiery smoothie that will set you up right for the day.

Watermelon and strawberry

Sweet, light and refreshing, this smoothie is best served frozen. Blend cubed watermelon (remove the black seeds first) with frozen banana, frozen strawberries and a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice. Especially refreshing in summer, it’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

Tropical

For a totally tropical smoothie that’s as bright as the Caribbean sunshine, blitz a banana and freshly squeezed orange juice with frozen mango and pineapple chunks. If it’s too thick add a little more orange juice, sprinkle with seed mix and add some mint leaves for extra freshness.

White peach and raspberry

Chop some peaches – preferably the sweeter white variety – and add to a blender with frozen raspberries. You can thicken the drink with a banana or loosen it with some almond milk. We can’t think of a more delicious way to start your day.

Lemon cherry

Cherries aren’t seasonal for long but when they’re around, make the most of this juicy, ruby red fruit. For a heavenly libation, blend fresh de-stoned cherries (or you can use frozen) with a liberal squirt of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a little honey for sweetness, and a small dollop of Greek yogurt. It’s more like a treat rather than a meal.

Acai and raspberry smoothie bowl

Spoonable smoothie bowls are also a healthy alternative to cereal at breakfast. This revitalising option is made with frozen acai purée, frozen raspberries and banana blended with a little Greek yogurt. Feel free to improvise with your toppings and try different combinations of freshly grated coconut, fresh mint and goji berries. You can add homemade granola or white sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Matcha, spinach and ginger

Regarded as superfood by many, matcha – a powerful anti-inflammatory powder made from green tea – adds colour and nourishment to any smoothie. It goes particularly well with fresh grated ginger, spinach, peeled and de-seeded oranges and water. Add ice for a frosted version.

Superfood smoothie bowl

Made with all our favourite health foods – avocado, banana, kale, spinach and strawberries – this super smoothie bowl will give your body and brain a welcome boost. Add a little almond milk if it’s too thick and top with sliced bananas, chia seeds, kiwi, raspberries and walnuts for a dish that’s almost too attractive to eat.

Blue Majik smoothie bowl

It may look like food from a sci-fi film, but the colour is actually caused by Blue Majik powder, which is an extract of spirulina (a type of algae) with anti-inflammatory properties. Blend a teaspoon of it with bananas and almond milk or Greek yogurt, pour into a bowl and top with an array of sliced banana, chia seeds, fresh coconut shavings or pomegranate seeds.