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Summer is almost here and honestly, I’m pretty excited! It gets hot where I live, but the mornings and evenings in the summer are unreal! Plus, summer is the season of all things cherry and berry and I’m about it. Another reason I dig the warmer months it I get to break out the blender for smoothies! And you know I’m all about the smoothies. Given my love of cherries, berries, and blended drinks, it was only logical that I create this Cherry Berry Summer Smoothie to kick off the season!
What’s in the Cherry Berry Summer Smoothie?
Well, obviously, there are cherries and berries! Those of you who have seen some of my other smoothie recipes know I’m not usually super into fruit-based smoothies. They taste good, but they can be pretty full of sugar. That being said, I’m also a huge fruit fan. I eat a lot of berries in particular! And, summer is the season of berries, so obviously I had to figure out a new, refreshing way to take advantage of my favorite fruit. As for cherries, I really do love them, but I often forget about them until they are right in front of my face! One day, strolling the aisles at the grocery store, as I often do, I saw frozen dark cherries on sale! So, obviously, I had to buy them. And now that the weather is finally warming up, it’s time to put those babies to use!
Cherries are a great source of magnesium, which is necessary for good digestion, blood sugar management, and a healthy sleep pattern. Seeing as it’s summer, I’m all about relaxing, so good sleep and gut health is key for me. They’re also a potent source of potassium! I included blueberries in this recipe for a low-glycemic antioxidants boost and some additional vitamin C. Strawberries add a little more tartness to this blend while bringing even more vitamin C, fiber, and potassium to the blend. The frozen cauliflower in this drink adds smoothness, while also providing additional fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
Coconut water is used as the liquid in this recipe because of its mellow flavor and health benefits. It contains electrolytes in the form of sodium and potassium. Coconut water is also naturally relatively low in sugar. But make sure you use just plain coconut water! Read your labels before purchasing and look for brands where the only ingredient is “coconut water”.
This smoothie is ideal for supplements as well. For a healthy protein source, I use collagen powder, which also provides hair, skin, nail, and digestive benefits. Reishi is my go-to adaptogen for this recipe as I’m all about the mellow vibes in the summertime. This medicinal mushroom not only helps with mental stress, but will help your body combat the physical stresses of summer. Flaxseed was also added to this blend. It’s a great source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which is great for inflammation, something my body always struggles with, especially at the beginning of summer. Coconut butter is a tasty, low-sugar source of healthy fats to round out this Cherry Berry Summer Smoothie recipe.
Servings |
oz
|
- 1/2 cup frozen cherries
- 1/3 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower
- 1 scoop collagen powder (or protein of choice)
- 1 tsp reishi (or supplements/herbs/adaptogens of choice)
- 1- 1 1/2 cup coconut water
- 1 handful spinach (optional)
- 1 tsp coconut butter
- 1 tbsp finely ground flax seed
Ingredients
|
|
- Add frozen fruit and cauliflower to blender.
- Add spinach (if you choose to), collagen (or other protein), and reishi powder (or supplements of choice).
- Add 1 cup of coconut water and begin blending.
- Add more coconut water as needed, or for a thinner smoothie.
- Pour into glass, add desired toppings, and enjoy!
Funny coming across this post as I was just telling a friend of mine how I want to make a smoothie. I never would have thought to add cauliflower to my smoothing but your recipe looks very intersteresting. Will have to give it a try!
Cauliflower adds creaminess, thickness, and extra fiber! Always a good addition in my book ☺️ I hope you enjoy!
This recipe sounds so yummy! I’m definitely gonna give it a try since it’s been so hot and humid these past few days!
Thank you so much! It’s super refreshing! Hope it helps get you through the heat and humidity!
Hey Shannon! Always a pleasure to pop back over to your blog. I would have NEVER thought of putting frozen cauliflower in a smoothie but that’s a great idea! I’m also going to look into more about adaptogens…that word has been floating around a lot lately so I need to do some research. Coconut butter is another thing I’ve been wanting to try but haven’t yet, so this recipe is ticking lots of boxes for me!
Frozen cauliflower is a great option for thickening up a smoothie and making it super creamy, without changing the flavor! Adaptogens are great! I actually have a post about them on my blog as well, but I need to write an update for it. If you’re interested in trying adaptogens, I’m by no means an expert, but I’d be happy to address any questions you have! Working with an herbalist and doing your research is also a good idea! If you like coconut, you’ll LOVE coconut butter. It’s a great way to get some healthy fats into smoothies, but honestly it’s my favorite with chocolate!
Mmmm coconut and chocolate. Say no more! And thank you re: adaptogens!
Seriously a great combo! It’s the base of my pine pollen peppermint patties too! and you’re quite welcome!
This looks delicious and incredibly delicious. I love good food that is colorful and healthy.
thank you so much! it’s pretty tasty!
My husband is obsessed with smoothies, definitely gonna have to try this one out!
If he likes berries, he’ll love this one! I hope he enjoys!
Totally pinning this for the next time I whip up a smoothie!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy!
Looks so yum! I love adding collagen powder, but I’ve never thought to add cauliflower!
Cauliflower adds creaminess, thickness, fiber, and all sorts of vitamins and minerals, without changing the flavor!
Mmmmm cherries sound so good right now!
Aren’t they so good? So happy it’s cherry season!
I’ve never added coconut butter to smoothies – definitely interested in trying in now!
It’s a great way to get in those healthy fats, and it adds sweetness without extra sugar! It’s also super good in chocolate smoothies!
Refreshing smoothie recipe. Love it. Will definitely try this weekend. Thank you.
Thank you! Enjoy!
I cannot wait to try this on a hot summer day!
It’s incredibly refreshing! Enjoy!