Blackberry Strawberry Smoothie

The strawberry blackberry smoothie combines frozen berries, banana, dairy-free milk, and fresh spinach to make a healthy refreshing smoothie.  It’s a great way to add more veggies to your diet.  Enjoy it as an afternoon pick-me-up. 

The recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free!  For more dairy-free smoothies try a blueberry raspberry smoothie or a tropical island green smoothie with pineapple.

Recipe features

• Refreshing treat that’s naturally sweetened!
• Packed with berries!
• Only takes 5 minutes!
• Uses simple ingredients!

Ingredient notes and substitutions

The blackberry strawberry smoothie uses simple ingredients, but please see the recipe card below for the exact measurements.

Fresh spinach - Kale can be used instead of spinach.  Use fresh kale that has been pulled from the stem and torn into pieces.  It shouldn’t be wilted and discard any slimy bits.  If your blender has trouble with kale, try blending the liquid with just the kale first, then add the berries and banana.

If you’re new to adding greens to smoothies, you may want to start with 1 cup. If you prefer just a fruit smoothie, leave it out. Want to add new greens to your smoothie? Try an arugula smoothie that pairs the peppery greens with pineapple and oranges.

Frozen blackberries - I opt for frozen berries in my smoothies.  They tend to be cheaper than fresh berries and since they’re frozen they make the smoothie chilled and thicker.  If you use fresh berries, try using a frozen banana to have a chilled smoothie.  Sometimes blackberries may have seeds that don’t blend well.

Frozen strawberries -Again, I opt for frozen strawberries because they tend to be cheaper than fresh.  This also means no chopping or washing, so the smoothie comes together more quickly.  They’ll also make the strawberry blackberry smoothie chilled and thicker compared to fresh berries.  For leftover frozen strawberries try strawberry overnight oats or a mango strawberry and banana smoothie.

Fresh strawberries can also be used.  Fresh or frozen berries can vary in degrees of sweetness, so if the smoothie isn’t sweet enough try adding a pitted date or a touch of maple syrup.

Banana - To make the strawberry banana blackberry smoothie sweeter, use a ripe banana.  I prefer bananas that have just started to get brown spots for smoothies.  The banana combined with the milk will also make the smoothie creamy.  I don’t use a frozen banana in this recipe to have a combination of fresh and frozen fruits, but I’m sure a frozen banana would work just fine. 

Dairy-free milk - Any non-dairy milk should work fine.  They vary in degrees of creaminess, so use your favorite.  Try cashew, soy, oat, or almond milk.  The milk does make the smoothie creamy, but I’m sure you can do half water and half milk.

New to adding greens to your smoothie?

If you’re new to adding greens to your smoothie and not sure if you’d like it, start with spinach.  It has a milder taste than kale and it’s easier to cover up with fruit.  You can also try adding half the amount of greens, then over time slowly increase the amount as you get used to them.

How to make a blackberry strawberry smoothie

Place all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.  Keep the berries frozen to have a chilled strawberry and blackberry smoothie.  Once blended I like to give it a little extra time due to the seeds sometimes found in blackberries.  Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Variations

• If the blackberry strawberry banana smoothie isn’t sweet enough, add a pitted date or maple syrup.  If the date isn’t soft, try soaking it in warm water for 15 minutes or place it in the milk for the smoothie.  If you opt to use the milk to soften the date, store it in the refrigerator for an hour.  For more smoothies with dates try a carrot banana smoothie.
• Use kale instead of spinach.  Remove the stem and tear the leaves into bite-size pieces.  Kale can be more difficult to blend, so add it to the blender along with the liquid and blend until smooth.  Then add the rest of the ingredients.
• Reduce the dairy-free milk and make it into a smoothie bowl; top it with chia seeds, fresh fruit, and oil-free granola.  Start with ½ cup of milk, then add more until you get a thick smoothie bowl texture.
• To make it less sweet, use more greens or reduce the recipe's suggested amount of fruit.  
• Swap out the berries for peaches, blueberries, or raspberries.

Tips

• If using fresh berries, use frozen bananas to have a chilled smoothie.
• If you are using all fresh fruit it won’t be as thick.  Try adding ice cubes to make it cold (this may dilute the smoothie). 

Serving suggestions

Smoothies tend to be delicious but not very filling.  I use them as an afternoon snack and not as a main meal.  To enjoy this smoothie as a meal, try pairing it with vegan avocado toast, vegan toast, dairy-free overnight oats, or plant-based granola.

Frequently asked questions?

Storage

The blackberry and strawberry smoothie is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.  Consume within 24 hours.  If there is any liquid separation, stir it back in.  The vibrant color the berries give the smoothie does fade after being stored in the refrigerator overnight.

Leftover smoothies can also be frozen in ice cube trays for later.  Add the ice cubes to a blender along with water or dairy-free milk, or add them to help flavor a new smoothie.

Related recipes

• Pineapple beet smoothie
• Arugula smoothie with pineapple
• Vegan chocolate banana smoothie
• Pineapple slushie
• Mango and cherry smoothie
• Beet and kale smoothie with frozen berries

I hope you enjoy this vegan smoothie!  If you did, please feel free to rate it and leave a comment.