Smoothies are all the rage today. They’re perfect for our busy lives since you can blend them up quickly and drink it on the go. Smoothies also are a kid-friendly way to eat more fruits (and even veggies).  And most smoothies use dairy products as the liquid ingredient, making them a good source of calcium, protein and Vitamin D. In short, smoothies seem like a dessert while packing in tons of nutrition, too. How many other sweet treats do that?

Mix and Match Smoothie Recipe

The different flavor combinations are endless when making smoothies. With these basic ingredient parts, you can customize to find you and your children’s favorites.

Basic Smoothie Recipe

Follow this basic recipe to make the perfect smoothie for your tastes.

Fruit

½ cup per serving

Any type of fruit works well. Frozen fruit is a great option since it makes your smoothie extra cold and frosty. If you have over-ripe bananas, peel and freeze them for smoothies.

(One word of caution- Some fruits, kiwi and fresh pineapple in particular, can curdle the milk in your smoothie if given enough time. If you drink those smoothies right away, there should be no issue, though. Just don’t make kiwi or pineapple flavored smoothies ahead of time and stick it in the fridge for later.)

Veggies

½ cup per serving

Veggie smoothies are really popular and can be a good way to get pickier eaters to eat their veggies. Green smoothies use leafy greens like kale or spinach to pack in tons of nutrition into a surprisingly tasty beverage. Make sure you have a good blender, or tougher greens like kale won’t blend as smoothly as you need them too. Other veggies, like carrots, beets or cucumbers, can be used in smoothies, too.

Diary

1 cup per serving

Get your calcium (and many other vitamins and minerals) by using low-fat milk or yogurt as your smoothie base. Milk alternatives, like soy or almond milk, work well too if you prefer. Diary gives your smoothie a creamy texture and the protein will make it more filling.

Extras

(varies, depending on ingredient)

Here is your opportunity to boost the taste of your smoothie. A tablespoon of peanut butter or a teaspoon of cinnamon will give your smoothie an extra dose of flavor and nutrition. Be creative and find combinations you like. If you have a good one, share it in the comments!

Need some inspiration? Try some of FNP’s smoothie recipes and start adding in some new ingredients of your own.

• Pineapple Banana Smoothie
• Orange Pineapple Banana Smoothie
• Orange Banana Frosty
• Mighty Milk
• Berry Purple Smoothie

Do you make smoothies in your house? What’s your favorite flavor combinations? Are there any adventurous veggie smoothie drinkers out there?