Make a Blueberry Smoothie

Smoothies are both delicious and healthy. They are also simple to make. Smoothies made from strawberries or bananas are the most popular, but have you ever tried making a smoothie with blueberries? Blueberries are sweet, and full of vitamins and antioxidants. They are perfect smoothie additions for sweet tooths and health fanatics alike.

Ingredients

• 6 ounces (180 grams) blueberries, fresh or frozen
• 6 ounces (180 grams) yogurt (blueberry, plain, or vanilla)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• ½ cup (about 3 cubes) ice, (optional)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk

Makes 1 – 2 servings

Steps

Making a Basic Blueberry Smoothie

1. Place the yogurt into the blender. You can use any type of yogurt you want, but blueberry, plain, or vanilla will taste the best.
2. Add the blueberries. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries. If you use fresh blueberries, make sure that you rinse them in a strainer/colander under running water. If you are using frozen blueberries, just toss them in. You do not need to thaw them.
3. Pour in some milk if you want a thinner smoothie. If you'd like a thicker smoothie, leave the milk out.
4. Add ½ cup (about 3 cubes) of ice if you are using fresh blueberries. If you are using frozen blueberries, you won't need to add any ice. They will already give you the thickness you need.
5. Add some honey if you'd like a sweeter smoothie. If you are using a flavored yogurt, such as blueberry or vanilla, you probably won't need to add the honey at all.
6. Close the blender and pulse for a few seconds, until smooth. From time to time, you may need to open up the blender, and push the mixture down the sides using a spatula. Don't worry if the smoothie looks "grainy." These are simply the blueberry skins. Most blenders will not be able to grind them up all the way.
   • If the smoothie is too thin, add some more ice. If the smoothie is too thick, add more milk.
7. Pour the smoothie a glass and serve. This will be enough for one large servings, or two smaller servings. If the smoothie is very thick, use a spatula to help "guide" it into the cups.

Making Variations

1. Use almond milk and flax seeds for a healthy twist, or if you can't have dairy. In a blender, combine 2 cups (475 milliliters) of cold almond milk, ¼ cup (25 grams) of blueberries, 1 tablespoon of flax seeds, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Blend until smooth, then pour into 2 glasses, and serve.
   • If you are vegan, try another sweetener, such as maple syrup, agave, or stevia.
   • For a pop of color, garnish the smoothie with a mint leaf.
2. Add a banana to make it a Make a Non Dairy Banana Blueberry Smoothie. Add 1 ripe banana, 1 cup (100 grams) of frozen blueberries, and 1 cup (250 grams) of nonfat, plain yogurt. Blend until smooth, then pour into 2 glasses, and serve immediately.
   • If you cannot find frozen blueberries, use fresh ones instead. Add a few ice cubes into the blender to help thicken it.
   • If the smoothie is too thick for you, add a splash of milk, and blend some more.
3. Make a breakfast smoothie with oatmeal and a banana. In a blender, pulse 1/3 cup (35 grams) of rolled oats until they are finely-ground. Add 6 ounces (170 grams) of fat-free Greek yogurt, ¾ cup (120 grams) of blueberries, and 1 banana. Add up to ½ cup (120 milliliters) of water; the more water you use, the thinner your smoothie will be. Blend until smooth, then pour into 2 glasses and serve.
   • You can use fresh or frozen fruit for this. If you are using fresh fruit, add a few ice cubes before blending it.
4. Try it with ice cream instead of yogurt. Put 1 cup (100 grams) of blueberries, 1 cup milk (240 milliliters), 2 large scoops of vanilla ice cream, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Blend until smooth, then pour into 2 tall glasses, and serve.
   • For a twist, add a banana and reduce the milk to a mere splash.
5. Satisfy your sweet tooth with some spices and cocoa powder. In a blender, combine 1 cup (100 grams) of frozen blueberries, 1 cup (240 milliliters) of milk, 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of maple syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add a dash of ground cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg. Blend until smooth, pour into a tall glass, and serve.
   • Instead of maple syrup, try agave nectar.
   • For a hint of color, garnish it with a few blueberries.

Tips

• Try this smoothie with vanilla ice cream instead of yogurt. Some people say that this enhances the blueberry flavor.
• If you don't want blueberry skin in your smoothie, consider straining it before you blend.
• Make your smoothie more elegant by garnishing it with some fresh blueberries.
• Add a dash of spice, such as cardamom or cinnamon, to flavor up your smoothie.

Things You'll Need

• Blender
• Tall glass

Related Articles

• Make a Banana Blueberry Smoothie
• Make a Lemon Blueberry Banana Smoothie
• Make a Strawberry Banana Blueberry Smoothie
• Make a Frozen Strawberry Smoothie

Sources and Citations

See also

• Make a Vitamin Boosting Smoothie
• Make a Pumpkin Smoothie
• Make a Smoothie with 7 Up and Cherries
• Choose a Blender for Making Smoothies
• Make a Blueberry Muffin Smoothie
• Make a Smoothie
• Make a Strawberry Banana Smoothie
• Make a Simple Strawberry Smoothie
• Make a Strawberry and Orange Juice Smoothie
• Make a Pulpy Fruit Smoothie

Read more ...