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 beet blueberry smoothie is full of nutrients to promote a healthy heart and a sharp mind!
Must-Know Culinary Skill
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for the Best Beet and Blueberry Smoothie
To cook the beets, start by cleaning them with a vegetable brush if possible. Place unpeeled beets in a baking dish, add water to cover ¼” of the bottom of the beets, then cover with foil. Bake at 375ºF until easily pierced with a fork. Cook time will depend on the size of the beets; plan on ~40 minutes for a large beet. Cool slightly, then peel.
If you want to make this blueberry beet 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!
If your beet smoothie is too thick after blending, add more liquid. If it is too thin, add more fruit or ice.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Banana: substitute avocado or mango to maintain the creamy texture; a mango blueberry beet smoothie would be delicious!
- Blueberries: substitute frozen strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, or a mixed berry blend.
- Kefir: substitute ½ cup plain regular or Greek yogurt and ½ cup milk/milk alternative.
- Honey: substitute maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Fresh Ginger: substitute ¼ teaspoon ground ginger to make a beet blueberry ginger smoothie.
Recipe Variations
This recipe for beet blueberry smoothies is super versatile, so feel free to customize to YOUR taste!
“Should I add protein powder to my smoothie?” We don’t recommend it! By adding a few simple ingredients to your morning smoothie, you can make a blueberry beet protein smoothie that satisfies your protein needs and avoids expensive protein powders with questionable ingredients! Avocados, nuts, nut butters, and seeds are all great plant-based protein sources.
Add a handful of leafy greens to make either a beet blueberry spinach smoothie or a kale beet berry smoothie. Kale is slightly bitter, whereas spinach has a more subtle flavor.
Need some kefir smoothie recipe inspiration?
Use our kefir smoothie 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.
Health Benefits of Beet & Berry Smoothies
This beet berry antioxidant smoothie is packed with nutrients! Banana, blueberries, beets, and kefir are the star ingredients in this berry healthy smoothie recipe.
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!
Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in nutrients and phytochemicals which may promote cardiovascular health, decrease cancer risk, and improve cognitive function. (1, 2, 3) Including them as part of a balanced diet is a good step to take towards health.
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 (i.e. lots of animal products), a low-fat or fat-free variety is the best choice. If you limit saturated fat in your overall diet, whole milk varieties are okay.
Read this article to learn more about the health benefits of probiotics.
Beets
Beets are a super nutrient dense food and contain compounds that provide anti-inflammatory, chemoprotective, and antioxidant effects. These compounds and others may reduce blood pressure, improve cardiovascular function, and increase exercise performance and capacity. (4, 5)
For more information about specific ingredients, check out our ingredient guide.
Serving Suggestions
Serve beet blueberry banana smoothies for breakfast, snack, or even dessert!
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.
Will Smoothies Keep in the Fridge?
You can keep leftover smoothies in the fridge and enjoy the next day. They can hold for longer than a day but will often begin to separate. Shake before drinking.
Want more healthy breakfast recipes?
Check out these easy, healthy breakfast ideas!
Dairy Free Smoothies Base Recipe
Baked Oatmeal Cups Base Recipe
Beet Blueberry Smoothie with Kefir
Ingredients
- 1 cup kefir
- 1 large ripe banana (~1 cup)
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 small beet, cooked (~1/4 cup diced)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- ½ teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional)
- 1 cup lightly packed leafy greens (optional)
- 6-8 ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and puree. Enjoy!
This Post Has 2 Comments
Very good combination. I added 4 dates since I don’t like bananas. No honey needed. I didn’t put the ginger but might try it next time.
Thanks for your comment and review! We love that you adjusted to your taste! Hope you enjoy the ginger variation next time 🙂