Blueberry Beet Smoothie

This sweet and creamy blueberry beet smoothie is perfect for sipping away the summer heat, and fueling up on antioxidants at the same time. Jump to the recipe here, or read on.

Blueberry Beet Smoothie | Will Cook For Friends

It’s official. Tis the season to lay around under the ceiling fan, eat ice cream for breakfast, and lather on sunscreen just to take the dog out to pee. I’ve been watching Game of Thrones, and they keep promising that winter is coming… but when?! Clearly they haven’t been to Michigan.

There are a few good things about all this heat, though. Things like fresh fruit and berries that are so unbelievably sweet, I can’t help but pop them like candy all day long. And flowers that make the whole world smell like it took a shower and put on some perfume. And fresh summer sweet corn, and refreshing cocktails, and did I mention ice cream for breakfast? Yeah, that wasn’t a joke.

But when I’m not eating ice cream for breakfast, smoothies are my go-to cool down, because they are kinda delicious (like ice cream) but totally healthy (not like ice cream). Yay, healthy choices!

Blueberry Beet Smoothie | Will Cook For Friends

Blueberries are one of my favorite fruits ever, and when they are at their peak I like to throw them into bowls of oatmeal or yogurt, or eat them with just a little evaporated milk poured over (if you haven’t tried it, go — do it now, then come back and tell me it isn’t amazing). Even when they aren’t at their peak, though, I always have them in the freezer — frozen berries are ideal for smoothies, because they’re easy to have on hand, and they keep the drink nice and cold without the need for loads of ice.

Now, I know there’s a bit of an elephant in the room, and that is “beets.” Yes, this is a blueberry BEET smoothie, and yes, I realize not everyone is a fan of beets. But guess what, raw red beets are super sweet, and just a little bit earthy (not anywhere near as bad as canned beets) and just a little chunk adds some complexity to the blueberries and yogurt. Plus, it makes for an even prettier color, and more antioxidant goodness. So, basically, There’s no better way to beet the heat!

(You see what I did there? Yeah? Okay, I’m done now.)

Blueberry Beet Smoothie | Will Cook For Friends

A few notes about making this smoothie: if you don’t have a good,  high-speed blender, you may find that the blueberry skins (and maybe even the beet itself) don’t get blended quite as smoothly as you’d like. If this is the case, you can add a handful of ice to thicken the smoothie up so it’s more of a slushy consistency (which will hide some of the textural flaws), or you can pass it through a strainer to remove any solid bits the blender couldn’t manage. Also, I suggest wearing an apron when you make anything with beets, just in case a little splatter gets on you. Or, you know, make it in the nude, because it’s just that hot out and honey badger don’t care.

What’s your go-to smoothie to beat the heat? Let me know in the comments!

5.0 from 3 reviews
Blueberry Beet Smoothie
 
Cook time
Total time
 
Lightly sweet, refreshing, and full of antioxidants!
Author:
Serves: 1 serving
Ingredients
  • 1 cup frozen blueberries
  • ½ cup plain yogurt (regular, or greek)
  • 1 1-inch piece raw red beet, peeled
  • 2-4 TBSP milk, or almond milk
  • Optional: a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness
  • Optional: a handful of ice, if you want a thicker smoothie
  • Optional: 1-2 small mint leaves, to make it even more refreshing
Instructions
  1. Place all of the ingredients except the milk in a blender, and blend until smooth. Add the milk a little at a time, until the smoothie has reached the desired consistency. If you want a thicker smoothie, add a handful of ice. Taste, and add a little honey if you'd like it sweeter.
Notes
Note: if you don't have a good, high-speed blender, you may find that the skins from the blueberries don't get blended as smoothly as you would like. If the texture is a little rough, you can add ice to thicken it up, which will make any bits less noticeable, or you can pass the smoothie through a sieve to remove any pieces the blender couldn't manage.

You can use fresh berries instead of frozen, but in this case I recommend opting for a handful of ice to thicken the smoothie and cool it down.

 

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8 Responses to Blueberry Beet Smoothie

  1. Christine | Vermilion Roots May 27, 2016 at 2:10 pm #

    That is a healthy color! I’ve only ever made smoothies with cooked beets. I’m not sure my blender is powerful enough for raw beets. But I’ll try anyway. :-)

    • Willow Arlen May 31, 2016 at 12:04 pm #

      I agree, Christine, that color is just so good! You could definitely make this with cooked beet instead of raw so it would blend easier. Having a really powerful blender is helpful for chunks of raw veggies, but cooking them is a great alternative. :)

  2. Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table May 31, 2016 at 10:32 am #

    I am ALL about the blueberries as well! They really are nature’s perfect candy and in the summertime, there’s nothing better than having a bowlful in the fridge so I can add them to all my foods all day long! And I personally adore beets, raw and roasted, so I’m definitely going to be adding that to this smoothie – plus, more veggie goodness! I know my kiddos will love this too (beet hummus is their favorite lunch) and I’ll feel good that it’s so wholesome! Pinned!

    • Willow Arlen May 31, 2016 at 12:02 pm #

      Thanks, Kathryn! Aren’t blueberries the best? And that’s awesome that your kids like beets — I think that’s a sign you’ve done somethin’ right! ;)

  3. Barbara June 14, 2016 at 4:32 pm #

    I like beets and blueberries! I’ve bookmarked your recipe! Thanks for sharing it, Willow!

  4. Corinne July 21, 2016 at 2:45 am #

    Apart from being completely hungry, I’m also totally inspired. Your food photography is incredible! Thanks so much for sharing your gifts.

    Corinne

  5. Lauren @ Lauren Caris Cooks August 4, 2016 at 3:55 pm #

    Bluberries are one of my absolute favourites too, and that close up shot!! *hearteyes*!! I love adding beets to a smoothie, they are so perfect!!

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