Sip the sweet taste of summer any month of the year with this vibrant Raspberry Smoothie!
It’s warming up, and many of my favorite fruits, like the lovely raspberry, are back in season. I’m all about fresh berries and love seeing them in all their glory at my local farmers’ market, but the wonderful thing about this recipe is that you can enjoy a delicious raspberry smoothie any time of year. How? Well, I opt for frozen berries. They’re generally less expensive than their fresh counterparts and actually enhance the refreshing flavor of this crowd-pleasing smoothie. So whether the weather is frightful or delightful, this raspberry smoothie is guaranteed to add a bit of sunshine to your day.
With store-bought smoothies packaged in eye-catching bottles, you never know what you’re going to get. Sometimes, they’re sickly sweet and taste more like a slushie than a smoothie, while other times they taste great but cost an arm and a leg. My raspberry smoothie is not only affordable, but it aims for simplicity and wholesomeness, nixing things like refined sugar, dairy, and ingredients I can’t even pronounce. It’s all about letting the fruit shine with its natural flavors. Here, the sweet tartness of the raspberries stands out, perfectly balanced by the creaminess of the banana and a touch of maple syrup, if desired. This raspberry smoothie is delicious, nutritious, and quick to make—the ultimate weekday morning treat!
Is This Raspberry Smoothie Healthy?
Raspberries are high in antioxidants and provide a decent amount of fiber, too. I’m sure you eat raspberries for the same reason I do—the taste! But I’ll gladly take that extra dose of vitamin C. This little fruit also contains B vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin K, and vitamin A, not to mention minerals like copper and magnesium. Bananas add even more fiber and potassium. Their sweetness means the touch of maple syrup is totally optional. This smoothie is made with almond milk, making it suitable for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. If you have a nut allergy or just don’t like almond milk, unsweetened oat milk tastes exceptionally creamy, while coconut milk will give the smoothie a tropical touch.
Frozen Over Fresh
Fresh is best, right? Well, not always. Don’t get me wrong—fresh raspberries are essential for some recipes like pastries and salads. Not so with smoothies. I want them frozen. For starters, frozen raspberries tend to be picked at peak ripeness, so that means both the flavor and nutrients are perfectly preserved.
However, my top reason for picking frozen over fresh is that it improves the smoothie’s texture. When coupled with banana, the frozen raspberries give the smoothie a creamy consistency, negating the need for ice. I don’t want to say that ice is bad for smoothies, but given the simplicity of this particular recipe, all ice will do here is dilute the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh. However, it can be stored in a thermos or mason jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze the smoothie in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
I usually like this smoothie on its own or with a healthy muffin. These fuss-free Oatmeal Muffins are one of my favorite grab-and-go snacks, but if you prefer something savory, give these Egg Muffins With Ham, Kale, And Cauliflower Rice a try. A slice of banana bread would also be an excellent pairing, especially this incredibly moist and fragrant Brown Butter Banana Bread. There’s really no wrong pairing for this delicious smoothie.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen raspberries
- 1 large banana
- 1 tablespoon lime juice preferably fresh
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup optional
Instructions
- Combine the frozen raspberries, banana, lime juice, and almond milk in a high-speed blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Taste the smoothie and add maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter flavor. If the smoothie is too thick, blend in additional almond milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Pour the smoothie into glasses and serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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