Strawberry Sunrise Smoothie
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One year ago, I joined Weight Watchers. While on their program, I discovered that smoothies worked great for me for breakfast. Of course, my next step was to find smoothie recipes. I took ideas from different recipes and created several yummy smoothies. This strawberry sunrise smoothie happens to be one of my creations.
This smoothie is quick, easy, and delicious. I also love it because of the ingredients used. I tend to keep them on hand. This specific blend of ingredients also makes it dairy-free.
Plus, there’s no need for extra sugar. It’s as easy as adding orange juice, frozen strawberries, and half a banana to your blender and blending. It’s a fresh, fruity, and the perfect way to start your day.
You can even swap out the orange juice for any flavor you think would pair well with bananas and strawberries. I always opt for reduced-calorie juice. I hate to drink my calories. I have also made it with pineapple and guava juice. So many juice choices are available now, so the possibilities are endless.
To make the drink even thicker, use a frozen banana. This simple strawberry smoothie is perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients to Make Strawberry Smoothie Recipe
ORANGE JUICE (I USE TROPICANA LIGHT IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE CALORIES) – Orange juice is commonly used in smoothies for its vibrant, tangy flavor, enhancing the taste of other ingredients. It also adds natural sweetness and liquid, which helps to blend the smoothie to a good consistency. Moreover, orange juice is rich in vitamin C, providing a nutritional boost that complements the health benefits of other smoothie ingredients.
BANANA – The banana adds a natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugars. Their creamy texture helps thicken the smoothie, making it more satisfying and smooth. Additionally, bananas are a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamins, contributing to the smoothie’s nutritional value. Using an overripe banana can make it even sweeter. As bananas ripen, the starches within them break down into sugars, primarily glucose, fructose, and sucrose, which naturally increase their sweetness. This is why it is perfect to freeze them when they are overripe and include them in your smoothie.
FROZEN STRAWBERRIES – Using frozen strawberries in a smoothie has several benefits. They serve as a convenient and year-round option for fresh fruit, especially when strawberries are out of season. Frozen strawberries also help thicken the smoothie’s consistency without adding ice, which can dilute the flavor. Additionally, they provide a cool, refreshing texture and keep the smoothie chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen ones?
You can, however, frozen strawberries perfect for smoothies as they have a thicker, frostier texture and are available year-round.
How can I make this smoothie more filling?
To make the smoothie more filling, add a scoop of protein powder, some chia seeds or flax seeds, or a handful of oats before blending.
Can I add other fruits to this smoothie?
You can make variations by adding other fruits like mango, pineapple, or peaches for a tropical twist.
What can I use instead of orange juice for a different flavor?
For a lighter version, you can substitute orange juice with other fruit juices, such as apple, cranberry, or coconut water.
How can I make my strawberry banana smoothie creamier?
Add Greek yogurt, almond milk, avocado, or a small amount of coconut milk or cream for a creamier texture.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Strawberry Sunrise Smoothie
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup orange juice I use Tropicana Light in order to reduce the calories
- ½ banana
- 4-5 frozen strawberries
Instructions
- Blend juice and banana together. Then, add strawberries and blend until smooth. Makes 1 serving.
