I love smoothies, but every time I go to a smoothie shop or juice bar, I find myself paying around $7 for a 16-ounce cup. I started experimenting with what kinds of smoothies I could make in my apartment using mostly fresh ingredients. If you have a blender, you can make all these smoothie recipes in your dorm room as well. Here is how you can maximize your groceries and make five different smoothies with only ten ingredients.
Ingredients
You will need: 1 carton orange juice, 1 carton strawberries, 1 bunch bananas, 1 container vanilla yogurt, 1 carton apple juice, 1 bag fresh spinach, 1 jar peanut butter, 1 half-gallon milk, 1 jar Nutella and 1 carton raspberries.
1. Strawberry Banana Blend
Combine ¼ cup orange juice, a handful of sliced strawberries, one or two sliced bananas and a large spoonful of vanilla yogurt in a blender. Blend until smooth, taste, and add more of any ingredient to reach your desired taste/consistency. I prefer my smoothies without ice because I find that it waters down some of the flavor, but add ice if you prefer a thicker smoothie.
2. Green Dream
Combine ¼ cup apple juice, a couple large handfuls of spinach, one or two sliced whole bananas, a tablespoon of peanut butter and a large spoonful of yogurt in a blender and blend until smooth. Even if you’re not a fan of spinach, it blends well and you can barely taste it while still receiving its nutrients.
3. Chunky Monkey
Combine ¼ cup milk, one or two sliced bananas, a tablespoon of peanut butter and a tablespoon of Nutella in a blender and blend until smooth. Add more peanut butter or Nutella for a thicker smoothie consistency.
4. Berry Blast
Combine ¼ cup apple juice, a handful of sliced strawberries, half a carton of raspberries and a large spoonful of yogurt in a blender and blend until smooth. If you have other berries in your fridge that you’re trying to use up, add those as well for some extra flavor.
5. Chocolate Berry
Combine about ¼ cup milk, a handful of sliced strawberries, half a carton of raspberries, a tablespoon of peanut butter and a tablespoon of Nutella in a blender and blend until smooth. This is one of my personal favorites and is a great afternoon dessert.
Creating these different smoothies has been a fun experimental process and has also taught me to be resourceful in using various ingredients I can find at home. If I have produce that is about to go bad or juice nearing its expiration date, I can throw those ingredients together in a blender for a quick breakfast or snack. Smoothies made at home are cheaper, easier and you can personalize them based on your specific tastes and preferences.