How to Make the Ultimate Smoothie

Meet the only smoothie you'll never need.

Smoothies are an amazing way to pack nutritious foods into a quick drink, and when they're made right, they can be out-of-this-world delicious. Perfect for quick on-the-go breakfasts, smart post-workout recovery snacks or even an occasional meal replacement; smoothies are the epitome of easy, mindful choices. The best part? They can be adapted to your taste preferences and nutritional requirements with a few easy steps.

Follow along to learn how to make your ideal smoothie, sans recipe—it's easier than you think.

1 CHOOSE YOUR FAVORITE FRUITS & VEGETABLES

Fruits and vegetables are key components to achieving a flavorful smoothie. Yes, you can certainly go with the standard bananas, berries, peaches, kiwi and pineapple. However, feel free to expand your flavor horizons with choices like kale, spinach, beets, pears, watermelon, pomegranates, mangos, avocados and even cooked butternut squash! If you love eating these fruits and veggies on their own, try them blended up.

TIP

Keep in mind that the more juice your fruits and vegetables contain, the less liquid you should add. For example, watermelon, peaches, pineapple and kiwi all have a high water content compared to other ingredients like bananas, beets and avocados.

2 CHOOSE A SMOOTHIE BASE

Traditionally, smoothies are made with a milk or fruit juice base. But don't feel tied down! Switch up your base to meet your nutritional and flavor needs. Some great base options are coconut, cashew, rice or almond milk, green tea, coffee or simply water.

TIP

An adequate amount of base would be about 1-2 cups. Adjust this amount based on the moisture content of the fruits and vegetables you chose, as well as how thick or thin you prefer your smoothie

3 THICKEN YOUR SMOOTHIE

If you want a creamy smoothie, you'll need to add in a thickener. Great choices include yogurts, coconut meat, oatmeal, chickpeas, beans, chia seeds, protein powder, nuts, nut butters or ice. These options are also a great way to add additional protein and nutrients when your smoothie is acting as a meal replacement.

4 ADD SWEETNESS & FLAVOR

Adding flavor and sweetness to your smoothie doesn’t have to come with lots of calories. Herbs like mint and basil, or spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg are healthy ways to kick up your blend. If calories are okay with you, opt for honey, maple syrup, figs, dates or raw sugar.

TIP

Use these sweeteners and flavor options sparingly, a little bit goes a long way.

5 BLEND & POUR

Add all of the ingredients you chose to a blender and puree. Blend long enough to ensure all the ingredients are creamy and evenly incorporated. If too thick, add a little more of your base. If too thin, add a bit more thickener until you achieve your preferred consistency.

Pour into your favorite glass or to-go cup and grab a straw. Feel free to top with additional ingredients like berries, coconut, seeds, granola or any other extra ingredients and toppings. Enjoy right away.

Need some additional smoothie inspiration? Give these blend-worthy combos a try:

Green Power Smoothie: Combine kale, pineapple, kiwi, green apple, along with your favorite base, thickener and sweetener for a fantastic green treat.

Morning Wake-Up Smoothie: Combine oatmeal, chia seeds, coffee and your choice of thickener and sweetener for a great on-the-go morning breakfast.

About Delightful.e.made

Erin, the “E” in Delightful E Made, delights in sharing the best of all that she cooks, bakes, creates and loves. She has a true joy for being in the kitchen and making things for the people around her. Follow her on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.