Why You’ll Love This Beet and Berry Smoothie

• A Color That Pops. Let’s be real, we eat (and drink) with our eyes first. This smoothie delivers a shock of deep, radiant pink that’s guaranteed to make you smile before you even take a sip. It’s pure liquid sunshine, even on the grayest of days.
• It’s Surprisingly Sweet. The natural sugars from the ripe banana and mixed berries work magic on the earthy beet, creating a perfectly balanced sweetness without any added sugar. It tastes like a treat but fuels your body like a champion.
• Effortless & Quick. This is a no-fuss, one-blender situation. You’re literally minutes away from a wholesome breakfast or snack. It’s the perfect solution for those mornings when you’re running late but still want something good for you.
• Incredibly Adaptable. Don’t have almond milk? Use oat. Want more protein? Toss in a scoop of your favorite powder. This recipe is a fantastic base that welcomes your personal twists and tweaks.

Ingredients & Tools

• 1 medium raw beet, peeled and roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1 ripe banana, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional, but brightens everything up)

Tools: A high-speed blender is really helpful here to completely break down the raw beet.

The quality of your ingredients really shines through in a simple recipe like this. Using a ripe, spotty banana is key for natural sweetness, and frozen berries give you that wonderfully thick, milkshake-like texture without needing ice. Don’t skip the lemon juice—it’s a tiny addition that makes a huge difference, cutting through the richness and making the berry flavors sing.

Serves: 1 large or 2 smaller servings | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes

Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes

• To Peel or Not to Peel? I highly recommend peeling your beet. The skin can have a slightly bitter, dirt-like taste that we don’t want in our smoothie. A good vegetable peeler makes quick work of it.
• The Frozen Fruit Factor. Using at least one frozen element (the berries or the banana) is non-negotiable for that thick, creamy texture. If you use all fresh fruit, you’ll end up with a thin, watery smoothie. Trust me on this one.
• Yogurt Choices. Greek yogurt adds a lovely protein boost and creaminess. For a dairy-free version, coconut yogurt works beautifully. If you don’t have yogurt, a scoop of nut butter is a great alternative for richness.
• Prepping for Speed. For ultra-fast mornings, consider pre-chopping your beet and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can also pre-portion all your smoothie ingredients into bags and freeze them.

How to Make Beet and Berry Smoothie

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Dishes

• Avocado Toast with Everything Bagel Seasoning — The creamy, savory fat from the avocado provides a wonderful counterpoint to the sweet, bright smoothie, making it a truly balanced meal.
• A Soft-Boiled Egg with a Pinch of Salt — For a quick protein hit that’s simple and satisfying. The richness of the yolk complements the fruitiness of the drink beautifully.

Drinks

• A Hot Cup of Green Tea — The mild, slightly grassy notes of green tea are a calming companion to the vibrant smoothie, without overwhelming your palate.
• Sparkling Water with a Lime Wedge — The bubbles and citrus cleanse the palate between sips, making each taste of the smoothie feel fresh and new.

Something Sweet

• A Small Square of Dark Chocolate (70% or higher) — Enjoyed after the smoothie, the bitterness of the dark chocolate is a sophisticated and delightful way to finish your meal.
• A Few Almond Butter Stuffed Dates — If you have a serious sweet tooth, one or two of these feel incredibly indulgent but are still whole-food based.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using all fresh fruit. This is the number one reason for a watery smoothie. The frozen fruit is what gives it that lovely, thick, spoonable consistency. Always include at least one frozen element.
• Mistake: Not peeling the beet. The skin can add a bitter, earthy flavor that might be off-putting. Taking that extra minute to peel it ensures a clean, sweet taste.
• Mistake: Overfilling the blender. If you’re doubling the recipe, blend in batches. Overfilling can strain your blender’s motor and result in an uneven texture with chunks left behind.
• Mistake: Skipping the taste test. Everyone’s palate is different! Always taste your smoothie before pouring it out. You might find it needs a tiny adjustment to be perfect for you.

Expert Tips

• Tip: Freeze your beet. For the ultimate thick and frosty texture, peel and chop your beet, then freeze it solid. A frozen beet blends up creamier and eliminates any chance of a watery result.
• Tip: Boost the creaminess with avocado. If you don’t have banana, a quarter of an avocado will give you an incredibly rich and silky texture without adding a strong flavor.
• Tip: Make smoothie packs. Spend 15 minutes on a Sunday pre-portioning the beet, berries, and banana into individual freezer bags. On busy mornings, just dump a bag into the blender with the liquid—it’s a total game-changer.
• Tip: Clean your blender instantly. The easiest way to clean your blender? Right after pouring your smoothie, fill the jar halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap, then blend for 30 seconds. Rinse, and it’s clean!

FAQs

Can I use cooked beets instead of raw?
You absolutely can! Canned or pre-cooked beets will work and will actually yield a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor and a smoother texture since they’re softer. If using cooked beets, I’d recommend freezing them first to help maintain the thick consistency, as they contain more water than raw beets. The color will be just as gorgeous, if not more intense.

I don’t have a high-powered blender. Can I still make this?
Yes, but you’ll need to adapt. The key is to chop the raw beet into much smaller pieces—think dime-sized—to help a standard blender break them down. You might also need to blend for a longer time, stopping to scrape down the sides a few times. Starting with the liquid at the bottom is even more crucial to get the blades moving.

How can I make this smoothie more filling for a meal replacement?
To turn this into a more substantial meal, focus on adding protein and healthy fats. A scoop of protein powder, a tablespoon of nut butter (almond or peanut butter are great), or even a handful of rolled oats will add staying power. The oats blend in seamlessly and add a lovely thickness.

How long can I store this smoothie?
It’s always best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store it in a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It will separate a bit—that’s natural. Just give it a really good shake or a quick re-blend before drinking. The color may darken slightly due to the beets oxidizing, but it’s still perfectly fine to drink.

Can I add greens like spinach or kale?
Please do! A large handful of spinach is my favorite addition. It will change the color to a deeper burgundy or brownish-purple, but you won’t taste it at all amidst the berries and beet. It’s an effortless way to sneak in extra nutrients. Kale works too, but make sure you remove the tough stems first.