Welcome to my culinary corner! Today, I’m excited to share a refreshing and nutritious strawberry smoothie recipe. As a professional chef, I believe in the magic of fresh ingredients and simple techniques to create a delightful experience. This strawberry smoothie is perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a post-workout refresher. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1 medium banana, sliced
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
1/2 cup ice cubes
1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
Execution
Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash the fresh strawberries thoroughly. Hull and halve them. Slice the banana and set aside all your measured ingredients.
Blend It Up: In a high-speed blender, add the strawberries, banana, Greek yogurt, milk, and honey (if using). Top with ice cubes for that refreshing chill. For an extra nutritional kick, sprinkle in chia seeds or flaxseeds.
Blend to Perfection: Blend on high until smooth and creamy, around 30-45 seconds, until all ingredients meld into a luscious, velvety texture.
Taste and Adjust: Taste your smoothie. If it’s not sweet enough, add a little more honey or maple syrup. If it’s too thick for your liking, splash in a bit more milk and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve and Enjoy: Pour the smoothie into a tall glass. Garnish with a fresh strawberry or a sprinkle of chia seeds for a touch of elegance. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors!
Additional tips
- For a creamier texture, add a scoop of vanilla protein powder or a spoonful of almond butter.
- Swap out the banana for half an avocado to create a rich, velvety smoothie with a mild, nutty flavor.
- For a tropical twist, add a handful of fresh or frozen pineapple or mango chunks.
- Incorporate a handful of spinach or kale for an extra boost of greens without sacrificing the fruity flavor.
- Enhance the smoothie’s nutritional profile with a teaspoon of spirulina or matcha powder for a vibrant green color and additional health benefits.
Nutritional Value
This strawberry smoothie is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 kcal per serving (depending on added sweeteners and milk choice).
- Protein: About 8-10 grams from Greek yogurt and chia seeds.
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 35-40 grams, providing quick energy from natural sugars in fruits.
- Fiber: 4-6 grams, primarily from strawberries, banana, and chia seeds, aiding in digestion and maintaining satiety.
- Fat: 2-4 grams, mostly healthy fats from Greek yogurt and chia seeds.
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin C: High levels from strawberries support immune health.
- Potassium: From bananas, essential for heart health and maintaining proper muscle function.
- Calcium: Especially if using dairy milk or fortified plant-based milk, supporting bone health.
