Whether it’s because you’re trying to lose weight for those days by the pool or at the beach, or whether it’s because it is just so hot that you need something cool, smoothies seem to be a staple of summer in most places. Go down to your local smoothie shop, and you’ll find that it’s packed most days during summer, but why spend the money to buy your summer smoothies when you could make them at home and perfect them to your unique preferences? Have you ever walked into a smoothie store and found yourself disappointed that there were no smoothies that had the exact proportions or the precise fruits you wanted? It’s easy to find a low-cost blender and set up your own smoothie shop in the comfort of your kitchen. Get some of your favorite fruits, ice cream, milk or orange juice and flax seeds, granola or your favorite filler, and you’ll be all set. Need some fun ideas for smoothie recipes? Check out the ones below.
Watermelon Frosty
Watermelon is one of the less seen fruits in smoothies, but it is delicious. This delicious smoothie is light and airy, the perfect cooler for beside the pool or at the beach. It’s so good, you might have trouble keeping your friends at bay as you try to enjoy this delectable drink!
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups frozen watermelon, cubes
1/2 cup coconut water or water (add more as needed)
1-2 Tbsp maple syrup, grade B
1 large lemon or 2 limes, squeezed
1 fresh banana
Optional: add a few pinches of cayenne for a spicy kick!
Party cocktail version: add 1-2 shots of your fave alcohol
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a high speed blender like a Vitamix and blend until frosty. Note: Start off with just 1/4 cup of the water liquid and add more in splashes as needed to blend.
Pour into frosted glasses to keep cool, garnish with lime or fresh watermelon sliced.
Recipe via Lunch Box Bunch
Grapefruit Green Smoothie
Grapefruit isn’t for everyone, but those who enjoy it tend to be grapefruit fanatics. If grapefruits tend to be a little sour for your, sweeten them up by adding some bananas and yogurt or vanilla ice cream. If you’re feeling extra healthy, add some spinach and you’re all set.
Ingredients:
1 grapefruit, peeled, seeds removed (reserve juice)
1 large sweet apple, cored and skin removed (I prefer honeycrisp)
2 cups spinach (I like to freeze mine to keep it extra fresh)
1 large ripe banana, previously sliced and frozen
2-3 ice cubes
Unsweetened almond milk, water or orange juice to thin (~1/2 cup)
OPTIONAL: 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a blender (including reserved grapefruit juice) and blend until creamy and smooth. Add more liquid if too thick, ice to thicken, and banana or apple to sweeten. Serves two.
Recipe via Minimalist Baker
Kiwi Basil Smoothie
Another healthy smoothie with a fruit that’s not widely advertized for smoothies is the kiwi basil smoothie. Kiwi is a great blend of sweet and flavorful fruit that is a wonderful ingredient for your ideal smoothie recipe.
Ingredients:
3 frozen kiwis (freeze in small cubes for easy blending.
1 banana
1 pink grapefruit, juiced (about 3/4 cup juice)
1 Tbsp agave syrup
Small handful of fresh basil
Handful of ice cubes
Instructions:
Blend. Pour. Serve!
Recipe via Lunch Box Bunch
Blue Acai Smoothie
A classic favorite, this blueberry smoothie will delight your taste buds and cool your senses on the hot summer days to follow. Acai is high in antioxidants, protein and it is a great source of healthy omega fats. If you are looking to keep your figure without sacrificing flavor this summer, this smoothie might be your life savor.
Ingredients:
2 Sambazon Acai Frozen Smoothie packs
1 bottle (10.5 oz.) Sambazon Acai Juice, Trinity Blend Flavor
2 handfuls ice (coconut water ice cubes preferred)
1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries
1 ripe banana, raw
2/3 cup soy milk
optional:
1 tsp agave syrup
1 scoop Macro Greens green supe food powder
Instructions:
Blend smoothie until smooth.
Add the fresh banana last.
Adjust soy milk amount for preferred thickness of smoothie.
This smoothie blends up dark black purple-just the way true acai should be! Yum!
Recipe via Lunch Box Bunch
Key Lime Pie Protein Shake
Okay, so it’s not technically a smoothie, but it does fall into the category of perfectly chilled drinks that are ideal for a hot summer day. Not only that, but it’s still healthy and nutritious, while tasting like dessert! This shake could even substitute your weekly or nightly dessert for something a bit less sugary.
Ingredients:
2 scoops DailyBurn Fuel-6 in vanilla
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 frozen banana
1 tablespoon key lime juice
Zest of one key lime
1/2 teaspoon maple syrup
1 cup ice cubes
1 tablespoon nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon crushed graham crackers
Instructions:
In a blender, mix protein powder, almond milk, frozen banana, key lime juice, maple syrup and ice until smooth. Top with a dollop of yogurt and graham cracker crumbs.
Recipe via DailyBurn
These are just a few examples of the many possibilities that become available once you create your own smoothie shop in the comfort of your kitchen. We encourage you to experiment with your favorite fruits and veggies and find out what your favorite smoothies might be.