Banana Beet Smoothie Recipe
If you’re craving a nutritious boost that’s both vibrant and delicious, then you’re going to love this Banana Beet Smoothie Recipe. It’s one of those smoothies that feels like a treat while packing a serious punch of vitamins and flavor. Seriously, the earthiness of the beet perfectly balances out the sweetness of banana and tart raspberries. You’ll see why this blend has quickly become one of my go-to morning pick-me-ups. Plus, it’s super simple to make, so keep reading and I’ll walk you right through it!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The natural sweetness of the banana and raspberries cuts through the earthy beet taste, making the smoothie enjoyable even if you’re new to beets.
- Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: Beets offer antioxidants and vitamins, while the banana adds creaminess plus potassium – powerhouse combo for energy.
- Quick & Easy Prep: Minimal cooking for the beet and simple blending mean it’s ready in under 10 minutes.
- Flexible & Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe by adding seeds or superfood powders to suit your nutritional needs.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Banana Beet Smoothie Recipe plays a role in creating a nourishing and satisfying drink. When shopping, look for fresh beets with firm skin, ripe bananas for natural sweetness, and frozen raspberries to keep it cool and refreshing.
- Beet: No need to peel the skin since it’s thin and nutritious; just wash and chop—it adds beautiful color plus earthy flavor and fiber.
- Water: Simple hydration base helps cook the beet and keep the smoothie light.
- Banana: Adds creaminess and natural sweetness; use ripe for best flavor or frozen to chill the smoothie.
- Non-dairy milk: Helps blend everything smoothly and keeps the smoothie creamy without dairy. Almond or oat milk works great.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and balances the earthiness of the beet with a little tang.
- Frozen raspberries: Bring a tart punch and chill the smoothie for a refreshing taste.
- Chia seeds (optional): For added fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, plus they thicken the smoothie slightly.
- Hemp seeds (optional): Boost protein and add a subtle nutty flavor.
- Maca root powder (optional): A superfood addition that can enhance energy and mood.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the best things about this Banana Beet Smoothie Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I often swap the non-dairy milk based on what I have on hand, and sometimes I’ll throw in extra greens if I’m feeling adventurous. Don’t be afraid to experiment to make it your own!
- Variation: I sometimes add a handful of spinach or kale for an extra veggie boost; it doesn’t overpower the flavor thanks to the banana and beet.
- Dairy-Free & Vegan: Simply use any plant-based milk and skip any optional add-ins if you want to keep it simple.
- Cold & Creamy: Use frozen banana slices to get a thicker, shake-like texture without needing ice.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Banana Beet Smoothie Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Beets
First, grab a small beet and cut off the leafy top and bottom. Wash it well and give it a good scrub to remove any dirt. No peeling needed here—just chop it into half-inch cubes. Smaller pieces help cook faster. Bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil in a small pot, then add the beet cubes. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork or they blend smoothly. This quick cooking step softens the beet to keep your smoothie silky rather than gritty.
Step 2: Assemble the Smoothie Ingredients
While the beets are cooking, peel your medium banana and toss it into the blender alongside ½ cup of your favorite non-dairy milk, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, and ⅔ cup of frozen raspberries. If you’re using chia seeds, hemp seeds, or maca powder, add them now too. This way, all flavors start blending beautifully.
Step 3: Cool the Beets and Blend Everything
Once your beets are cooked, drain the water and let them cool a bit if you want a chilled smoothie. I’ve found that adding hot beets to frozen raspberries can make your smoothie a little warm, which isn’t always what you’re going for. When ready, pour the tender beets into the blender and blend until everything is smooth and luscious. Taste it and adjust flavors if needed – sometimes a bit more lemon juice brightens things up perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Banana Beet Smoothie Recipe
- Chop beets small: This speeds up cooking and ensures your blender doesn’t have to work overtime.
- Cool the beets: Cooling prevents your smoothie from turning into a warm drink when using frozen berries.
- Use frozen banana slices: Keeps the smoothie creamy and cold without watering it down with ice.
- Adjust lemon juice: Adding fresh lemon really wakes up the flavors, so don’t skip it!
How to Serve Banana Beet Smoothie Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my smoothie with a sprinkle of hemp seeds or a few chia seeds for a nice crunch and extra nutrients. Sometimes I add a fresh raspberry or a tiny mint leaf for that pretty pop of color. If you want a touch of indulgence, a few cacao nibs are wonderful here.
Side Dishes
This Banana Beet Smoothie Recipe pairs really well with a simple bowl of overnight oats or a hearty slice of avocado toast. Both options give you some extra staying power if you’re looking for a bigger breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a brunch or want to impress guests, serve the smoothie in clear glass jars layered with crushed granola or fresh fruit on top. You can even freeze the smoothie partially in popsicle molds for a fun, healthy treat kids and adults love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover smoothie (which is rare in my house!), store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake or stir before drinking, as some separation is natural.
Freezing
For make-ahead convenience, you can freeze the smoothie in ice cube trays and blend the cubes with a splash of non-dairy milk whenever you want a fresh smoothie. This works wonderfully for portion control and quick prep.
Reheating
Generally, this smoothie is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you must warm it up, gently heat it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently, but be aware it might lose some of its fresh brightness.
FAQs
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Can I use raw beets in the Banana Beet Smoothie Recipe?
You can use raw beets, but cooking them slightly softens their texture and mellows the earthy flavor, making your smoothie smoother and more balanced. If you want to use raw, blend thoroughly and consider adding extra banana or sweetener.
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What non-dairy milk works best?
I often use oat or almond milk because they have mild flavors that complement the smoothie, but feel free to use coconut, soy, or any milk you prefer. Just pick unsweetened versions to control sweetness.
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Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the cooked beets and blend all ingredients just before drinking or freeze the smoothie cubes to blend fresh later. However, fresh blending keeps the best texture and flavor.
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What if I don’t have maca root powder?
Maca root powder is optional and adds a subtle boost of nutrition. If you don’t have it, the smoothie is perfectly tasty without it.
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How can I make this smoothie creamier?
Use frozen banana slices instead of fresh, and add a bit more non-dairy milk to get that rich, creamy texture you love.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Beet Smoothie Recipe has honestly become a little ritual for me—when I blend it up, I feel like I’m doing something really good for my body while indulging in a delicious treat. It’s simple, flexible, and quick, perfect for busy mornings or whenever your energy needs a lift. I hope you give it a try and enjoy the bright flavors and vibrant color as much as I do. Trust me, once you make this smoothie a part of your routine, it’ll feel like a little happy moment in your day you won’t want to miss!
Print
Banana Beet Smoothie Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A vibrant and nutritious Banana Beet Smoothie featuring cooked beets, fresh banana, frozen raspberries, and optional superfood seeds and maca powder. This smoothie combines the earthiness of beets with the sweetness of banana and tartness of raspberries for a refreshing and wholesome drink perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 small beet
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium banana
- ½ cup non-dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ⅔ cup frozen raspberries
Optional Superfood Additions
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon hemp seeds
- 1 ½ tablespoons maca root powder
Instructions
- Prepare the beet: Cut the top and tail off the beet, then wash and scrub it clean without peeling. Chop the beet into ½-inch cubes to help it cook faster and blend easily.
- Cook the beet: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the chopped beet cubes and cook for about 5 minutes until tender enough to blend smoothly.
- Prepare the blender: While the beet cooks, add the peeled banana, non-dairy milk, fresh lemon juice, frozen raspberries, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and maca root powder (if using) to the blender.
- Add cooked beet and blend: When beets are done, strain and add only the beet pieces to the blender. Allow the beets to cool to your preferred temperature to maintain smoothie chill, especially because of the frozen raspberries. Blend all ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Notes
- Smaller beet cubes will cook faster and blend more easily.
- Allow cooked beets to cool if you prefer a colder smoothie.
- Use frozen bananas for a creamier, shake-like texture and to reduce waste from overripe bananas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg