Cherry Smoothie
A refreshing cherry smoothie with sweet cherries, creamy yogurt, and icy chill, perfect for a quick breakfast or a cooling treat on warm days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain cherries, reserving 3 tablespoons of syrup.
- Combine cherries, reserved syrup, and yogurt in a blender container.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add ice cubes one at a time and blend until smooth.
- Serve in tall glasses with straws.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract or a handful of spinach for a nutrient boost without altering the taste. If you don't have vanilla yogurt, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute, adding creaminess and tang. You can also use frozen cherries if fresh ones are unavailable, just adjust the ice cubes accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
This cherry smoothie is delightful on its own or served alongside a light breakfast like oatmeal or a slice of Aunt Jane'S Lemon Pound Cake. For a more indulgent treat, pair it with Soft Caramels for a sweet contrast. Serve in tall glasses with colorful straws for a fun presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover smoothie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat, blend again briefly to restore texture, as it may separate over time. For best quality, consume fresh, but if you need to save leftovers, consider freezing them in ice cube trays for future smoothies.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Smoothie contains roughly 235 calories, with 10g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (26% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1864mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used in place of canned ones. Just make sure to pit and chop them before blending, and you may need to add a little extra sweetener or syrup to achieve the desired flavor and consistency.
Is this smoothie suitable for children?
Yes, this cherry smoothie is a great option for children. It's packed with nutrients from the cherries and yogurt. You can even make it extra fun by letting kids add their favorite toppings like granola or mini chocolate chips for a treat.
How can I make this smoothie dairy-free?
To make this smoothie dairy-free, substitute the vanilla yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative, such as coconut or almond yogurt. Ensure it is unsweetened for the best flavor balance, and use agave or maple syrup to sweeten if necessary.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).