This is a variation of our kefir smoothie base recipe. Drinking a strawberry kefir smoothie is a great way to start the morning, fuel a workout, or satisfy a craving for something cold, creamy, and sweet! Plus, the combination of prebiotic fiber and probiotic bacteria make this a super gut-friendly smoothie!
Must-Know Culinary Skill
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for the Best Strawberry Kefir Smoothie
If you want to make strawberry kefir smoothies for breakfast and are in a time crunch, place all of the ingredients, except the frozen strawberries, in your blender’s jar and place it in the fridge the night before. Add the strawberries 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!
Place the oats in the blender before adding the other ingredients and blend into a fine powder if you are unsure about the texture of oats in a smoothie.
Add the oats 1 Tablespoon at a time and taste test between each addition if you are unsure about the flavor of oats in your smoothies. Do this until you reach your desired flavor.
If your smoothie is too thick after blending, add more liquid. If it is too thin, add more fruit or ice.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Kefir: substitute 1/2 cup plain Greek or regular yogurt and 1/2 cup milk/milk alternative.
- Banana: substitute another creamy fruit such as mangos or avocados.
- Strawberries: substitute your favorite frozen fruit.
- Oats: substitute quick oats. Do not substitute steel cut oats, as these need to be cooked for optimal digestion.
Recipe Variations
“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 satisfy your protein needs and avoid expensive protein powders with questionable ingredients!
For a higher protein berry smoothie, add the optional nut butter, chia seeds, and/or flax seeds.
Add a dash of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.
If too tangy for your taste, add some honey or agave.
For a chocolate dipped strawberry kefir smoothie, add 1-2 Tablespoons of cocoa powder. The variations are endless!
Need some kefir smoothie recipe inspiration?
Use our kefir smoothie base recipe as a guide, or check out our other kefir smoothie variations!
Kefir Smoothie Base Recipe
Beet Blueberry Smoothie with Kefir
Banana Berry Kefir Smoothie
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. Beyond fruit, this smoothie also features kefir and oats which are both healthy ingredients! The combination of probiotic bacteria and prebiotic fiber make this a super gut-friendly smoothie! Learn all about prebiotics and probiotics in this article!
Fresh & Frozen Fruit
Both fresh and frozen fruit is healthy. Fruit contains fiber, water, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. All of these nutrients help your body fight, prevent, and manage diseases. Aim to include a variety of colors throughout the week.
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.
Oats in a Smoothie?
Yes! Oats add fiber and complex carbohydrates. Fiber is important for digestion, satiety, stable blood sugar, good cholesterol, and healthy gut bacteria. The soluble fiber in oats acts as a prebiotic to feed the healthy bacteria in your gut. Complex carbohydrates are important for steady energy and focus. (1, 2)
For more information about ingredients, 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.
What to do with Leftover Strawberry 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 could start to separate. Simply shake for nutritious smoothie goodness.
Want more healthy breakfast recipes?
Check out these easy recipe ideas!
Dairy Free Smoothies Base Recipe
Greek Yogurt Smoothie Base Recipe
Baked Oatmeal Cups Base Recipe
Read Also: Greek Yogurt Protein Smoothie Recipe
Strawberry Kefir Smoothie with Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup kefir
- 1 large ripe banana
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- ¼ cup old fashioned oats
Additions to YOUR taste
- 1 cup lightly packed leafy greens
- 6-8 ice cubes
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and puree. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ Questions:
How can I make this kefir smoothie higher in protein?
For a higher-protein version, add ingredients such as nut butter, chia seeds, or flax seeds. You can also use Greek yogurt as a kefir substitute.
How do I make a strawberry kefir smoothie less tangy?
If the kefir’s tangy flavor is too strong, add a small amount of honey or agave to taste. A ripe banana also adds natural sweetness to the smoothie.
Can I add spinach to a strawberry kefir smoothie?
Yes. Spinach is a good option if you want to add leafy greens because it has a relatively mild flavor. Keep in mind that the spinach may change the smoothie from its bright pink color to a greenish or brownish color.
How do I thicken or thin a kefir smoothie?
Can I make a strawberry kefir smoothie ahead of time?
How long does a strawberry kefir smoothie last in the refrigerator?
You can keep leftover smoothie in the refrigerator and enjoy it the next day. It may begin to separate if stored longer, so simply shake or stir it before drinking
This Post Has 6 Comments
Loved it and I make it almost everyday since we have been blocked in due to cv… regardless the stuff is nutritious and tastes great
Glad you enjoyed it!
Was not a fan of the Kefir after I bought it, didn’t want it to go to waste so tried this recipe and it’s so good!
Yay! So happy to hear that 🙂 We love using kefir in smoothies! It’s so easy since it’s a pourable yogurt. Try it out with some different fruit combos, and you will use up that bottle in no time!
Hello, what are the nutritional values?
Hi Lydia!
We don’t currently have nutritional values posted, because they can greatly vary depending on brands of products used and how people measure. We also don’t love counting calories, but we realize that method works for some people and diabetics need carb counts, so we have realized the need. After receiving numerous requests, we plan to add them to our recipes soon!
For now, I calculated the nutrition facts for one serving using Lifeway nonfat Kefir:
Calories: 206 kcal
Fat: 1.45 grams
Saturated Fat: 0 grams
Cholesterol: 16 grams
Sodium: 63.7 mg
Carbohydrates: 40 grams
Fiber: 5.3 grams
Added Sugars: 0 grams
Protein: 3.85 grams