Healthy Summer Smoothie Ideas
June 20, 2016
In the heat of a summer day, nothing beats a cold & refreshing beverage. There are plenty of options out there, but instead of reaching for a soda, why not go for something healthy that will help boost your digestive health as well as keep the heat at bay. We’ve been on the lookout for some classic summer smoothie recipes that can be adapted with Natren’s homemade probiotic yogurt (using our Yogurt Starter) or by simply stirring in any of our probiotic powders, to give your summer treat a little extra functional kick.
If you need a little refresher on how to make your own probiotic yogurt, check out our simple tutorial here. Making your own yogurt is simple, and means you avoid the unnecessary sweeteners and preservatives that come with store-bought yogurts. Plus, it’s fun, and a great project for the kids too! In all of the recipes below that call for a yogurt base, simply substitute your own homemade yogurt, made with Natren Yogurt Starter.
Carrot Cake Smoothie
This one we adapted from a recipe posted by “Well Plated, by Erin”. We like this one because, well, who doesn’t like carrot cake, and because it provides a huge amount of nutrients from both fruit (Banana & Pineapple), and vegetables (Carrots), along with a few extra spices to provide that carrot cake flavor. For those of us who have experienced the pain of getting kids to eat their veggies, you’ll appreciate this tasty way of getting raw vitamins inside them.
You Will Need:
- 1/2 cup Banana
- 1/4 cup Pineapple
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 Pinch Nutmeg
- 1 tbsp Flaked Coconut
- 2 tbsp Toasted Walnuts
- 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt
- 1/2 cup Silk Vanilla Cashew Milk
- 1 cup Chopped Carrots
Full Recipe Here
Kale, Oat & Blueberry Smoothie
We’re the first to admit, raw kale in a smoothie does not sound appetizing. However, those leafy greens do pack a punch in terms of nutrient value, and this recipe includes so many tasty ingredients that the end result is an excellent smoothie that works as a nutrient-rich breakfast or lunch. Thanks to Amanda at Once Upon A Recipe for the idea!
You Will Need:
- 1/2 cup Kale Leaves
- 1/2 cup Blueberries
- 2 tbsp Greek Yogurt
- 3 tbsp Raw Oats
- 1/2 Banana
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 1 tsp Honey
- 3-4 ice cubes
Full Recipe Here
Cardamom Mint Lassi
When it comes to keeping cool in hot temperatures, India has it nailed with the Lassi. This recipe from Anjana at Happy and Harried is a refreshing change from the usual Mango variety, bringing in Cardamon and Mint for a little extra flavor. Lassi is an Indian Yogurt drink that blends yogurt and milk together, typically in a 2:1 ratio that keeps it creamy but still light and refreshing.
You Will Need:
- 1 Mint Leaf
- 1 tsp Cardamom
- 1 pinch Salt
- 6 tbsp Sugar
- 2 cups Milk
- 4 cups Yogurt
- 5 Ice Cubes
Full Recipe Here
Creamy Lemon Smoothie
This one is simplicity itself, and is ideal if you live in a citrus-growing area and have a lemon tree in your yard like we do! Rachel Gurk at RachelCooks.com is all about “easy preparations,” and this quick recipe is a testament to that. There are basically 4 ingredients – lemon, yogurt, milk and a little honey to add sweetness. Not only is it quick to make, but also the lemon flavor makes it really refreshing, and because it is so easy to make, it’s a fun project for the kids that will not turn your kitchen into a disaster zone. Special thanks to Deborah Harroun for featuring this recipe in her “Best 100 Smoothies for Kids” book and allowing Rachel to share it on her blog.
You Will Need:
- 2 tbsp Agave Syrup or Honey
- 3 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt
- 1 3/4 cups Ice Cubes
Full Recipe Here
More Recipes on our Pinterest Board
All of these recipes, and more, can be found on our Summer Yogurt Smoothies Pinterest Board. If you like, them, please share with your friends, and don’t forget to let them know our homemade yogurt tips too!
The post Healthy Summer Smoothie Ideas appeared first on Natren Probiotics Blog.
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