Cherry Strawberry Smoothie
Cherry strawberry smoothies are easy to make, delicious and the perfect meal any time of the day. This cherry smoothie recipe is quick (5 minutes or less), can be made in advance and is great for breakfast, snacking or as a post workout meal! All you need is 5 ingredients and a blender to make this strawberry cherry smoothie today!
Why you will love this recipe
- Easy to make – smoothies are always a great option when you don’t feel like cooking or need something quick and easy. This smoothie with strawberries and cherries is ready in just 5 minutes and requires very little work.
- Drinks like a milkshake – This creamy cherry smoothie is packed with protein, antioxidants, fruit and has the creamy consistency of a delicious milkshake. Who doesn’t love a milkshake for breakfast!
- Great post workout meal – this strawberry cherry smoothie is packed with protein and would be the perfect post workout meal, especially if you don’t usually feel like cooking right after a workout. It’s thick, creamy and super cold which is so refreshing after a tough workout.
- Simple ingredients – This high protein smoothie has only 5 simple ingredients that are dairy free, gluten free and vegan.
Ingredients
- Frozen strawberries – I use frozen strawberries because they are easy to keep on hand. You never have to worry about frozen strawberries going bad, and they add a chilled creaminess to the smoothie when blended up. If you only have fresh strawberries, this recipe will still work, just add a handful of ice to the blender.
- Frozen dark sweet cherries – Dark cherries are delicious and packed with antioxidants. Cherries give this cherry smoothie a sweet, slightly tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the strawberries and vanilla protein powder. You can use fresh or frozen cherries. If you use fresh cherries, be sure to pit them (if not pitted) and to add a 1/4 cup of ice.
- Dairy free milk – to keep this recipe vegan and dairy free friendly, I recommend using any kind of dairy free milk you have on hand. You can use almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, coconut milk (in the carton or in the can), flax milk, etc. If you are not dairy free, feel free to use regular milk here.
- Protein powder – I recommend using a vanilla protein powder for this smoothie. Protein powder helps to make this smoothie super filling and a great option for breakfast or as a post-workout snack! I recommend using a vegan protein powder since they tend to help thicken the smoothies, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Protein powder also helps to sweeten the smoothie, so if you are not using protein powder, be sure to add some honey or maple syrup to help sweeten the smoothie slightly.
- Cashews – adds healthy fats that balances out this smoothie giving it a nice creamy texture and making it more filling. You can use any nuts or seeds you have on hand though. Almond, pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts or walnuts would also be great in this smoothie.
How to make cherry strawberry smoothie
- Start by measuring out the ingredients into the blender in the order listed.
- Blend until smooth.
Top tips
- Use frozen cherries and strawberries for a super thick and creamy smoothie. If you are using these fresh summer fruits make sure to pit your cherries and remove the leafy green tops from the strawberries before adding them to the smoothie. Be sure to also add about 1/2 – 1 cup of ice to get the same creamy texture.
- Vanilla protein powder helps to thicken the smoothie and also adds a subtle sweetness to the smoothie. You can omit the protein powder and add about 1/4 cup of rolled oats to get the same thick, creamy texture. Note: you may want to add a tablespoon or two of honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add more liquid. If the smoothie seems to thin, you can add 1/4 cup of oats or 1/2 cup of ice and re-blend the smoothie until thick.
Other additions
- Crushed ice – give this smoothie extra chill.
- Nut butter (or seed butter) – add almond butter, cashew butter, peanut butter, tahini or sunbutter by the scoop or drizzled for added healthy fats.
- Coconut flakes – you can use regular shredded coconut flakes or toasted coconut flakes.
- Avocado – add 1/2 of an avocado for added fiber and healthy fats.
- Coconut water in place of dairy free milk to add more electrolytes (potassium, sodium, magnesium) which are great for muscle recovery or hydration during the hot summer months.
- Veggies – add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of frozen cauliflower rice, spinach, kale, zucchini (fresh or frozen) or beets.
How to turn this into a smoothie bowl
This cherry strawberry smoothie is great as a smoothie beverage or can be poured into a bowl and made into a smoothie bowl. The thick and creamy consistency is perfect combined with some great toppings like:
- Fresh fruit – add your choice of sliced strawberries, blueberries, cherries, banana, strawberries, blackberries
- Drizzle of maple syrup or honey
- Granola or cereal for crunch
- Bee pollen
- Chopped nuts or seeds
- Coconut flakes (regular or toasted)
- Drizzle of tahini, sunbutter, cashew butter or almond butter
Common questions
Can you use fresh fruit in this smoothie?
Yes, this strawberry cherry smoothie can be made with fresh or frozen fruit. Using frozen fruit helps to create a super cold, refreshing strawberry smoothie that has a thick, creamy texture. If you are using fresh fruit, add 1/2 -1 cup of ice and reduce the milk from 1 cup to 3/4 cup.
Can I blend cherries?
Yes! Cherries are great in smoothies just be sure the cherries you are using are pitted. If you do not pit your cherries you could damage your blender and your smoothie will be inedible.
Note: Most store bought frozen cherries are pitted.
How do you pit fresh cherries?
- Wash the cherries in cold water and pat dry with paper towel.
- Using a cherry pitter, insert the pointed end into the stem of the cherry until you hit the pit.
- Squeeze the handle of the cherry pitter, twist and pull to remove the pit.
If you don’t have a cherry pitter, you can use the end of a straw and push it through the cherry until the pit comes out the other end or you can simply cut the cherry in half and remove the pit with your fingers.
How to freeze cherries for smoothies?
- Wash the cherries in cold water and pat dry with paper towel.
- Remove the pit using the steps above.
- Place the cherries on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and freeze for 4-8 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the frozen cherries to a freezer safe bag or container.
If you want to learn how to freeze other fruits to make smoothies be sure to read my article on how to freeze fruit for smoothies.
Can you use other berries?
Yes! This smoothie would be great with blackberries, blueberries or even raspberries in place of either the cherries or strawberries in this recipe. You could also use a mixed berry blend if you prefer (you need about 1 cup of berries).
What if you don’t have protein powder on hand?
If you don’t have protein powder, don’t worry, there are other ways to add protein to this smoothie. Protein helps to ensure that the smoothie is satisfying, satiating, and filling. Adding a balance of protein, fats and carbs will make sure you’re satisfied until your next meal.
I recommend using a vanilla protein powder for this recipe, but you can use any flavor you’d like, including peanut butter or chocolate. Protein powder not only adds protein, but it also helps sweeten the smoothie. If you aren’t going to add protein powder, you may need to add a tablespoon of honey, maple syrup or 1-2 pitted medjool dates to get the same sweetness from the smoothie.
I made this cherry strawberry smoothie without yogurt; however, you could easily add some by adding about ½ cup of Greek yogurt and reduce the dairy free milk from 1 cup to ½ cup. You can also add about 3 tablespoons of hemp hearts to the smoothie for additional protein.
If you’re looking for more ways to increase your smoothie protein, be sure to check out all my favorite ways to add protein to smoothies for some ideas.
What would make this smoothie more filling?
The key to making any smoothie filling is to balance out the fruit with protein, fat and fiber. Smoothie recipes can become incredibly filling with just a few tweaks to these three areas.
This cherry strawberry smoothie already has lots of fiber from the berries. Some other idea additions include:
- Protein – more protein powder, collagen peptides, hemp hearts, rolled oats, Greek yogurt.
- Fats – avocado, coconut, full fat coconut milk (from a can), nuts or seeds.
- Fiber – chia seeds, add some veggies, rolled oats, or half of a banana.
Is this strawberry and cherry smoothie healthy?
This homemade cherry strawberry smoothie without banana is a healthy alternative to buying a smoothie at the drive through or store while you are out and about. Since it’s made with easy simple ingredients it’s a great way to get in servings of fruit into your day. This smoothie is also packed with protein and fiber that will keep you feeling full and energized. Berries are a great source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and are lower in calories and high in fiber.
Many of the smoothies you buy at restaurants and coffee shops are made with a fruit juice or frozen yogurt blends that is full of extra sugar to add sweetness.
How can I make this smoothie sweeter?
You can make this smoothie sweeter by adding additional fruits like banana, blueberries or mango. You can also add 1 – 2 tablespoons of agave nectar, honey, maple syrup or pitted medjool dates
How to make easy smoothie prep?
It is best not to prep smoothies more than 24 hours in advance. Once made, you can store the smoothie in the fridge until you are ready to enjoy. An optional step is to blend the smoothie again just before drinking with a handful of ice to make it super cold and refreshing.
Storing leftovers
- Fridge: This cherry strawberry smoothie is best served immediately but leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 24 hours. If you love really cold smoothies, you may want to blend the leftovers with some ice before enjoying.
- Freezer: Pour leftover strawberry and cherry smoothie into ice cube trays or pour them into popsicle molds to enjoy later. You can use these frozen smoothie cubes in other smoothies to add flavor or make a new smoothie by blending them with dairy free milk until smooth.
Substitutions
- Cherry – if you don’t have cherries on hand, you can substitute mango, banana, raspberries, blackberries or blueberries or even double the strawberries.
- Strawberry – if you don’t have strawberry on hand, you can replace them with banana, raspberries, blueberries or double the dark sweet cherries.
- Cashews – if you don’t have cashews, you can use almonds or peanuts or your favorite nut/seed. You could also use cashew butter, almond butter, peanut butter, tahini or sunbutter.
- Dairy free milk – Is you don’t have dairy free milk, you can use water, coconut water or regular dairy milk in place of the dairy free milk.
- Protein powder – if you don’t have protein powder on hand, you can use ¼- ½ cup rolled oats and 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. You can also use collagen peptides to add more protein.
If you love protein smoothies, you should try
- Tahini Chocolate Smoothie
- Raspberry Blackberry Smoothie
- Blueberry Pineapple Smoothie
- Chocolate Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Blueberry Smoothie (No Banana)
Cherry Strawberry Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup frozen dark sweet cherries
- 1 cup dairy free milk
- 1 serving vanilla vegan protein powder - or 1/4 cup of oats
- 2 tbsp cashews
Instructions
- Start by measuring out the ingredients into the blender in the order listed.
- Blend until smooth.
Equipment
Notes
- Use frozen cherries and strawberries for a super thick and creamy smoothie. If you are using these fresh summer fruits make sure to pit your cherries and remove the leafy green tops from the strawberries before adding them to the smoothie. Be sure to also add about 1/2 – 1 cup of ice to get the same creamy texture.
- Vanilla protein powder helps to thicken the smoothie and also adds a subtle sweetness to the smoothie. You can omit the protein powder and add about 1/4 cup of rolled oats to get the same thick, creamy texture. Note: you may want to add a tablespoon or two of honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add more liquid. If the smoothie seems to thin, you can add 1/4 cup of oats or 1/2 cup of ice and re-blend the smoothie until thick.
- Crushed ice – give this smoothie extra chill.
- Nut butter (or seed butter) – add almond butter, cashew butter, peanut butter, tahini or sunbutter by the scoop or drizzled for added healthy fats.
- Coconut flakes – you can use regular shredded coconut flakes or toasted coconut flakes.
- Avocado – add 1/2 of an avocado for added fiber and healthy fats.
- Coconut water in place of dairy free milk to add more electrolytes (potassium, sodium, magnesium) which are great for muscle recovery or hydration during the hot summer months.
- Veggies – add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of frozen cauliflower rice, spinach, kale, zucchini (fresh or frozen) or beets.
- Fresh fruit – add your choice of sliced strawberries, blueberries, cherries, banana, strawberries, blackberries
- Drizzle of maple syrup or honey
- Granola or cereal for crunch
- Bee pollen
- Chopped nuts or seeds
- Coconut flakes (regular or toasted)
- Drizzle of tahini, sunbutter, cashew butter or almond butter
