This is a variation of our kefir smoothie base recipe. A kefir smoothie is a great way to start your morning, fuel a workout, or satisfy a craving for something cold, creamy, and sweet! This banana berry kefir smoothie is delicious, easy to make, and packed with healthy ingredients!
Must-Know Cooking Skill
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Culinary Tips for the Best Berry Banana Smoothie
If you want to make this banana berry kefir smoothie for breakfast and are in a time crunch, place all of the non-frozen ingredients in your blender’s jar and place it in the fridge the night before. Add the frozen ingredients in the morning and blend!
Spinach has a milder flavor than heartier greens like kale, so if you are unsure about the flavor of greens in your smoothies, start with spinach. Leafy greens will turn your beautiful pink smoothie a greenish/brownish hue, but we promise it will still taste great!
If your smoothie is too thick after blending, add more liquid. If it is too thin, add more fruit or ice.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Banana: substitute another creamy fruit, such as mangos or avocados.
- Berries: substitute any frozen fruit.
- Kefir: substitute 1/2 cup plain Greek or regular yogurt + 1/2 cup milk/milk substitute.
- Spinach: substitute kale, but note that it has a slightly stranger flavor. Do not use arugula or mustard greens. If you are uncertain about the taste of greens in your smoothie, bananas hide the taste of leafy greens really well!
Recipe Variations
Add a dash of real vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.
If the smoothie is too tangy for your taste add some honey or agave.
For a higher protein berry smoothie, add 1 Tablespoon of nut butter, chia seeds, and/or flax seeds.
Need some kefir smoothie recipe inspiration?
Use our base recipe as a guide, or try out these other tasty variations!
Which Blender is Best for Smoothies?
Any blender will work! While a Vitamix probably makes the creamiest smoothies, any full-size blender, single-serve blender, immersion blender, or even food processor will do the job.
Are Smoothies Healthy?
While eating whole fruit is normally best, a smoothie can be a great way to get lots of fruits and/or vegetables in one easy serving. This smoothie features fresh banana, berries, kefir, and leafy greens.
Banana
Bananas contain fiber and potassium. The natural sugar in bananas (and all fruit) does not count against your daily sugar budget. Aim to include fruit in all of your meals so that you fill up on beneficial vitamins, minerals, fiber, water, and phytochemicals!
Berries
Berries are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Together, these nutrients promote heart health and may reduce inflammation. (1)
Kefir
What is kefir? What kind should you buy? Kefir is a fermented milk beverage – basically a pourable yogurt drink. It is high in probiotic cultures, which makes for a happy gut. We recommend buying plain varieties to avoid added sugars and organic, if you can afford it. Select a fat content that works with your overall diet. If you tend to consume a lot of foods high in saturated fat, a low-fat or fat-free variety is your best choice. If you limit saturated fat in your diet, whole milk varieties are fine.
Read more about the health benefits of probiotics here!
Leafy Greens
Leafy green veggies are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that promote health and help fight diseases. Blending spinach into a kefir smoothie is an easy way to help promote your health.
For more information about ingredient recommendations, check out our ingredient guide.
Serving Suggestions
Kefir smoothies can be a meal on their own or can be an accompaniment to a healthy breakfast. Pair with our overnight oats, energy bites, whole wheat muffins, or granola for a satisfying meal.
Got Leftover Banana Berry Kefir Smoothie?
Keep leftovers in the fridge and enjoy the next day. This smoothie can hold for longer than a day in the fridge, but it will start to separate. Simply shake before drinking for nutritious smoothie goodness!
Want more healthy breakfast recipes?
Check out these easy base recipe ideas, and as always, adjust to YOUR taste!
Dairy Free Smoothies Base Recipe
Greek Yogurt Smoothie Base Recipe
Baked Oatmeal Cups Base Recipe
Banana Berry Kefir Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain kefir
- 1 large ripe banana (~1 cup)
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1 cup lightly packed spinach (optional)
- 6-8 ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and puree. Enjoy!
This Post Has 6 Comments
I like this with berry mix or with a combination of pineapple, mango, and peaches. I like to use the ‘ice crush’ mode on the blender first, then use the high speed blend mode. A good way to get your fruit every morning!
Way to make it your own!
I did this yummy it was delicious and nobody even knew there was spinach in it!!! Thanks so much!
Yay! Banana hides the spinach flavor so well 🙂
This was great. I added an extra banana to stretch it to 3 servings.
So glad you enjoyed it! I often add an extra banana for exactly the same reason 🙂