Berry Smoothie Recipe – Almond Milk, Banana & Chia Seed Blend

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Berry Smoothie Recipe – Almond Milk, Banana & Chia Seed Blend

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, healthy, and delicious breakfast or snack. This berry smoothie is my go-to – it’s packed with goodness, takes just minutes to make, and honestly, tastes like a treat! I first whipped this up on a busy weekday morning when I needed something fast but didn’t want to compromise on nutrition. It’s been a family favourite ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another smoothie recipe. It’s a vibrant blend of sweet berries, creamy banana, and the subtle goodness of almond milk, all boosted with the power of chia seeds. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a post-workout refuel, or a healthy afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, it’s super adaptable – feel free to get creative with your favourite berries and add-ins!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful berry smoothie:

• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup strawberries
• 1 cup blackberries
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (about 240ml)
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 Medjool date
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Almond Milk Varieties

I prefer unsweetened almond milk for this recipe, as the berries and date provide plenty of sweetness. But you can use vanilla-flavoured almond milk for a little extra something! You can also experiment with other plant-based milks like oat milk or cashew milk.

Benefits of Chia Seeds

Don’t skip the chia seeds! They’re a fantastic source of fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. They also help to thicken the smoothie, giving it a lovely creamy texture.

Choosing Ripe Bananas

The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavourful your smoothie will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots – those are the sweetest! If you only have slightly green bananas, that’s okay, but you might want to add a little extra date or a touch of honey.

Berry Selection – Fresh vs. Frozen

You can absolutely use fresh or frozen berries! Frozen berries are often more affordable and convenient, and they give the smoothie a lovely thick, frosty texture. If using fresh berries, you might want to add a few ice cubes to chill it down.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending!

1. First, add the blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries to your blender. Don’t be shy with the berries – the more, the merrier!
2. Pour in the unsweetened almond milk.
3. Peel and add the ripe banana. It’s okay if it’s a little spotty!
4. Now, add the Medjool date. This is our natural sweetener, and it adds a lovely caramel-like flavour.
5. Sprinkle in the chia seeds.
6. Time to blend! Blend all the ingredients on high speed until everything is smooth and creamy. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a couple of times.
7. Pour the smoothie into a glass.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy! It’s best when it’s nice and chilled.

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned over the years…

• If your smoothie is too thick, add a splash more almond milk.
• If it’s too thin, add a few more frozen berries or a little more banana.
• For an extra creamy smoothie, freeze the banana beforehand!

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your almond milk is certified vegan.

Spice Level (Optional additions like ginger or cinnamon)

My friend loves adding a tiny pinch of ginger or cinnamon to her smoothie for a warming flavour. It’s delicious! About ¼ teaspoon is perfect.

Adjusting Sweetness

If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, add another Medjool date or a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.

Adding Protein

Want to make this smoothie even more filling? Add a scoop of your favourite protein powder! Vanilla or unflavoured protein powder works best.

Serving Suggestions

This smoothie is perfect on its own, but it’s also lovely with a sprinkle of granola on top or a side of whole-wheat toast. My kids love having it with a few whole-grain biscuits.

Storage Instructions

This smoothie is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that it may separate, so give it a good stir before drinking.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I use other types of milk in this smoothie?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any milk you like – cow’s milk, soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk… the possibilities are endless.

What if I don’t have Medjool dates? What can I substitute?

If you don’t have Medjool dates, you can use 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar. You could also use a few drops of stevia.

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

While it’s best fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Combine the berries, banana, date, and chia seeds in a freezer-safe bag and freeze. When you’re ready to make the smoothie, just add the frozen mixture and almond milk to the blender.

How can I make this smoothie thicker?

Use frozen berries, freeze the banana beforehand, or add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt (if you’re not vegan).

Are there any health benefits to using mixed berries?

Definitely! Mixed berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre. They’re great for your immune system, heart health, and overall well-being.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy berry smoothie! Let me know in the comments what variations you try. Happy blending!