Mixed Berries and Banana Smoothie

Article by Emily Saladino

Making smoothies in a blender at home is fast and easy, and much more cost-effective than buying frozen fruit shakes at a shop. Here’s everything you need to know to whip up frosty, refreshing fruit smoothies whenever the mood strikes.

How to Make Smoothies with Frozen Fruit Like a Pro

One of the best things about this easy smoothie recipe is its versatility. With these tips from Food Network Kitchen, you’ll be making frozen fruit shakes that everyone will love in no time.

Don’t defrost the fruit (but ice can save the day). Using fruit straight from the freezer gives homemade smoothies their refreshing, frosty texture. If your fruit isn’t frozen already, add 2 or 3 crushed ice cubes to the blender with the other ingredients. Depending on the strength of your blender, you may want to crush the cubes first. Put them in a zip-top plastic bag, seal and set the bag on the counter, then whack the cubes a few times with a rolling pin or heavy-bottomed pan. Stop when the ice is broken but not completely pulverized.

The best fruits for smoothies. The Food Network Kitchen team loves the combination of sweet bananas and tart berries, but you can customize this recipe, too. Substitute some or all the berries for frozen peaches, mangos, pineapples, or other frozen fruits you like. Our recipe developers recommend always using a banana, though, because its consistency makes smoothies rich and creamy.

Substitute Greek yogurt in this smoothie. Use a half-cup of low-fat Greek yogurt instead of low-fat vanilla yogurt to make this frozen fruit smoothies recipe tangy and extra creamy.

Other smoothie ideas and additions. Add a teaspoon of chia seeds, spoonful of nut butter or handful of spinach to give this frozen fruit smoothie recipe a hearty boost. For more ideas, check out our article, 50 Smoothie Recipes that will Satisfy your Hunger.

The Best Blender for Smoothies

Food Network Kitchen tested more than 30 appliances and determined that the Ninja Professional Blender is the best blender for smoothies.

The team analyzed all the blenders’ design, safety features, weight, materials, ease of cleaning and ability to blend smoothie ingredients like ice and frozen fruit. They were impressed by how efficiently the Ninja crushed ice, the shape of the machine, and how easy it is to disassemble and clean it. For more info, check out our guide, The 6 Best Blender for Smoothies.

Can You Freeze Fruit Smoothies?

Yes, you can freeze the blended smoothies — portion the mixture out into reusable containers to freeze and thaw in the fridge the night before you want to drink it. But the texture will be best if you freeze ingredients before blending. You can still get ahead on prep: Divide all the ingredients except the orange juice into zip-topped bags or freezer-safe food storage containers. Store the portioned smoothie ingredients in the freezer for up to one month. When you’re ready to serve them, put the frozen mixture into the blender with the orange juice and purée until it’s creamy.

You can double or triple this recipe, too, and store several servings in the freezer for up to one month.