There’s something special about cherry based smoothies and this is no exception. It’s ridiculously delicious, think ice cream, yet super nutritious.
Yes, healthy food can and often does taste as good or better than its unhealthy counterpart.
In my world cherries are a cherished delicacy. They’re only available at the farmers’ market for a month or two each year, and I hardly ever buy frozen fruit from the grocery store anymore. However, on a recent trip to Whole Foods I purchased a couple bags of frozen cherries with smoothies in mind.
Cherries are not only delicious, they pack a lot of nutrition. Think antioxidants galore, nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, beta carotene (vitamin A), iron, and folate. They’re also a good source of dietary fiber, and are known for supporting a healthy heart and brain. Two fairly important organs :)
Cherries are also renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties, and are particularly effective at helping those suffering from gout or arthritis. Cherry based drinks can help with inflammation after intense exercise or physical exertion. Inflammation is at the root of many health issues. Getting enough anti-inflammatory foods like cherries into your diet can really make a difference.
Cherries are just another “super fruit” that you should consume on semi-regular basis.
Warning: this smoothie tastes similar to Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream.
I almost added dessert to the name of this smoothie recipe because it tastes so good. Although I don’t want to deter anyone from making this for breakfast or as a meal replacement. Enjoy :)
Cherry Vanilla Smoothie Recipe
The Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup frozen pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (full fat)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or powder
The Add-ons
- 1 tablespoon flax seeds, chia seeds or chia seed gel
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 cup spinach or kale
- 1 serving vanilla protein powder
Show Time
Place ingredients into your high speed blender and blend for around 30-45 seconds or until your desired consistency is reached.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 294
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 31g
- Vitamin A: 16% RDA
- Vitamin C: 14% RDA
- Calcium: 19% RDA
- Iron: 3% RDA
Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts on this Cherry Vanilla smoothie. Happy Blending!
What an amazing smoothie! I substituted the Greek yogurt for blueberry pomegranate instead and it was absolutely wonderful!
I like that endorsement, William :) Blueberry pomegranate must have put this smoothie over the top!
Can I use vanilla yogurt instead and not add the vanilla extract?
You sure can!
Is the 294 calories with the add-ons or without the add-ons?
The calorie count is without the add-ons, Ruthie.
My family loved this – thank you!
Excellent! You’re welcome, Melanie.
Ryan;
Hi,your cherry vanilla smoothie looks really good to drink but very high in carbs and sugar and my blood sugar will be really high if I were to drink this smoothie.is there a way to cut back on the carbs and sugar in this recipe?I love yogurt,cherries and vanilla and the rest of the ingredients in this smoothie.
Kim
Try using 1/2 cup cherries to reduce the sugar/carbs, but still get that sweet cherry taste.
Ryan;
Hi,ok I will try your cherry vanilla smoothie soon and I will use a 1/2 a cup in the cherries along with the other ingredients and I will let you know what I think of it and how much I enjoy drinking your smoothie.my mom also likes drinking some of your smoothies and as soon as she hears my blender on and mixing your smoothies in it,she asks me to make her one.
Kim
Sounds good, Kim!
I just made this with regular vanilla yogurt and only added vanilla protein powder. It’s really good but the protein powder is a little over powering.
Good but I would like it a little more solid. I added less cherries and some 60 cocoa which didn’t really dissolve but got taste put in freezer. Other smoothie I made ask for crushed ice. How would I save in fridge or freezer ? Very lite next time I will try spinach and maybe crushed ice instead of water. Also like that it is lite so my allergies don’t act up. Have to be careful with fresh fruits my throat sometimes itches. Take allergy pills to help and heat some fruit which helps my throat to not itch. Love smoothies but have to be careful
You can certainly add ice and use less water for a thicker smoothie, Gina. Smoothies stay good for several hours refrigerated and several weeks frozen.