Summer in the South is home to another level of insane heat and humidity, especially here in North Carolina. Fortunately, these colorful smoothie bowls can help you beat the heat. Each bowl features a variety of ingredients and toppings that are refreshing, satisfying, cost effective, quick, and downright tasty.
Alternatives
These smoothie bowls can be customized to your dietary needs.
Gluten-Free: Each recipe is entirely gluten-free. For the granola topping, I use Udi's gluten-free granola.
Dairy Free: Substitute Greek yogurt for vegan yogurt, such as coconut milk yogurt or soy milk yogurt. For the milk, sub in your favorite dairy free milk. Examples include rice milk, hemp milk, soy milk, coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk, and oat milk.
Lower sugar: Most of these recipes are naturally sweetened from fruit. Instead of lots of white sugar or Nutella, try adding honey, Stevia, agave, or a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra sweetness should you need it.
To make a smoothie bowl, you will need:
- A functional blender
- Fresh fruit / vegetables
- Ice
- Milk, yogurt, or dairy alternative
- Your favorite toppings (This could include coconut flakes, fresh fruit, granola, chia seeds, flax seeds edible flowers, nuts/seeds, and/or herbs, etc.)
Now scroll down to see some of my favorite smoothie recipes, and learn how you can create a smoothie bowl masterpiece. And check out these tips for making your smoothie bowl even healthier.
Strawberry Smoothie With the Fix'ins
This smoothie bowl is not only a work of art, but also uses a nutrient-packed powerhouse of ingredients. In the peak of strawberry season, this is the perfect way to use some freshly picked berries! Double the recipe to share with a friend.
Make it:
Blend together 2 cups fresh strawberries, 1/4 cup cup milk, handful of ice cubes, 1/4 sliced banana, and 1 cup plain Greek yogurt. Pour into bowl and top with blueberries, strawberries, coconut flakes, gluten free granola, chia seeds, and a swirl of Greek yogurt.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
I am a HUGE chocolate and peanut butter fan, so why not put this mouthwatering combination into a smoothie? Flavors of chocolate, banana, peanut butter, and Nutella are sure to send you to heaven. Make sure to have extra, you know, in case of a midnight craving.
Make it:
Blend 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 2 Tbsp of cocoa powder, 1.5 frozen bananas, 2 Tbsp peanut butter, 2 generous spoonfuls of Nutella, and a handful of ice cubes. Pour into bowl and top with mini chocolate chips, sliced banana, cut strawberries, gluten free granola, chia seeds, and a Nutella drizzle. You can never have too much chocolate drizzle.
Berry Banana Smoothie
If you haven't already guessed, I really like berries. I put berries on every meal possible, because why not? This berry smoothie bowl is topped with strawberries and bananas, but it has a different berry in the smoothie—raspberries! If you notice your raspberries starting to ripen faster than you can eat them, add them to this smoothie and you will be all set.
Make it:
Blend 1 container of fresh raspberries, 1 sliced banana, 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, a handful of ice cubes, and 1/4 cup orange juice. Add more juice or more raspberries to thicken or thin to your liking. Pour into bowl and add your favorite toppings! You can't go wrong with fresh fruit, coconut flakes, gluten free granola, and a sprinkle of chia seeds.
Mango Pineapple Smoothie
Get ready to be sent to paradise with this fruity, tropical smoothie bowl. Pro Tip: Bypass attempting to cut an overpriced mango, purchase cheap, frozen mango chunks at your nearest grocery store.
Make it:
Blend together 2 cups frozen mangoes, 1/2 sliced banana, 1/4 cup milk of choice, handful of ice cubes, 1 cup Greek yogurt, and 1/2 cup pineapple juice. Pour into bowl and top with cubed mango, sliced kiwi, shredded coconut flakes, and chia seeds.
Banana Bread Smoothie
Ever thought about making a smoothie that tastes like warm, moist banana bread? I was skeptical at first, but was blown away at how much this smoothie tasted like banana bread. The ingredients for this smoothie bowl are likely already in your pantry (score!). Plus, the addition of chocolate makes everything better, right?
Make it:
Blend 2 frozen bananas, 1 cup milk of choice, 1/2 cup quick cooking oats, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, 2 Tbsp cocoa powder, and a handful of ice. Top with your favorite banana bread toppings: I chose mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, sliced banana, a sprinkle of coconut, and a warm drizzle of honey.
The Classic Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Just like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the strawberry-banana smoothie combination is here to stay forever. I added edible flowers to this smoothie, which can be found at your local farmers market or specialty grocery store.
Make it:
Blend 2 cups strawberries, 1 sliced banana, 1 cup milk of choice, a handful of ice, and a spoonful of honey to sweeten, if needed. Top with sliced banana, cut strawberries, coconut flakes, chia seeds, and edible flower petals.
Super Food Green Smoothie Bowl
Green smoothies rule the world, if you ask me. This hearty, filling smoothie from Minimalist Baker is a complete meal by itself. With ingredients like avocado, fresh fruit, kale, and bananas, it is sure to beat the heat. Not to mention, provide you with all of the healthy vitamins and minerals to be strong and fit this summer.
Make it:
Add 1/4 sliced avocado, 1 cup frozen mixed berries, 1 large handful spinach, a small handful of kale, 1 cup milk of choice, handful of ice cubes, and 2 sliced bananas together and blend. Pour into a bowl (or coconut!) and top with coconut flakes, chopped or sliced nuts, berries, sliced kiwi, and chia seeds.
Mixed Berry Smoothie Bowl
Packed with every topping under the sun, this smoothie bowl is perfect as a hearty, complete breakfast. The bright colors in the mixed berries create a beautiful purple color, while the addition of Greek yogurt allows for a thick, creamy smoothie.
Make it:
Blend 2 cups of frozen mixed berries, 1/2 sliced banana, 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, a handful of ice cubes, and 1/4 cup of milk together. Pour into bowl and top with fresh berries, coconut flakes, chopped nuts, gluten free granola, chia seeds, and banana. Don't forget to take pictures to impress your friends.
Now that you have seen a few smoothie bowl recipes, it's time to try one out for yourself. Try out these recipes or use them as inspiration and see what you can create. Remember: fruit + milk/yogurt or dairy alternative + ice + fresh, colorful toppings—you can't go wrong. Get creative with your bowl and don't forget to show the world your masterpiece.