Recipe For Strawberry Banana Smoothie With Orange Juice
Smoothies are a healthy and delicious way to pack in nutrients and vitamins into your daily diet. Among the many popular smoothie recipes, a strawberry banana smoothie with orange juice stands out as a crowd favorite. This refreshing and nutrient-dense drink is perfect for breakfast, mid-day snack or post-workout recovery. In this article, we will provide you with an easy-to-follow recipe for making strawberry banana smoothie with orange juice from scratch.
Ingredients
Before we get started, it is essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is what you'll need:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free milk alternative)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Ice cubes (as needed)
Make sure you use ripe bananas and fresh strawberries to get the best flavor and texture. You can also use frozen strawberries for a colder and thicker smoothie. For the orange juice, use freshly squeezed for maximum nutrition or store-bought 100% orange juice without added sugar. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein to the smoothie, while milk or milk alternatives help thin out the mixture. The honey and vanilla extract are optional but add a touch of sweetness and flavor. If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add more ice cubes.
Instructions
Once you have all the ingredients, follow these simple steps to make a delicious strawberry banana smoothie with orange juice:
- Peel the banana and wash the strawberries under cold water.
- Add the banana, strawberries, Greek yogurt, and milk to a blender.
- Pour in the orange juice and add honey and vanilla extract if using.
- Blend the ingredients on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add more milk or orange juice until desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness with additional honey, vanilla or more orange juice.
- Add ice cubes and blend again until a smooth slushy drink is achieved.
- Pour the smoothie into glasses and serve immediately. Garnish with sliced strawberries, banana or mint leaves if desired.
Health Benefits
Aside from being delicious, a strawberry banana smoothie with orange juice has numerous health benefits. Here are some of them:
- Rich in Vitamin C: Strawberries and oranges are both excellent sources of Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, promotes healthy skin and helps in the absorption of iron.
- High in Antioxidants: Strawberries also contain antioxidants that promote heart health, prevent cancer and reduce inflammation in the body.
- Good for Digestion: Greek yogurt contains probiotics that aid in digestion, while banana is rich in fiber that regulates bowel movement.
- Provides Energy: The natural sugars from fruits and the protein from Greek yogurt make this smoothie an ideal pre-workout drink or mid-day pick-me-up.
Conclusion
Strawberry banana smoothie with orange juice is a refreshing and nutrient-dense drink that can be easily made at home. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a healthy and delicious smoothie anytime, anywhere. Add this recipe to your list of healthy breakfast and snack ideas and boost your daily dose of vitamins and antioxidants.
