HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT SMOOTHIE

Are you stuck in a smoothie rut and can’t seem to find that perfect creamy blend?  Maybe you’re just ready to take your smoothie game up a notch. Either way, this guide has everything you need–including equipment, ingredients, proportions, recipes and tips–for learning how to make tasty and satisfying smoothies in your very own kitchen.

PERFECT SMOOTHIE RECIPE

Discover the essential elements of crafting the perfect smoothie. Whether you’re seeking a nutritious breakfast option or simply searching for a delicious and refreshing beverage, this perfect smoothie recipe offers a basic recipe you can use as a canvas for your creativity.

STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR EQUIPMENT

As you begin your smoothie-making journey, the first step is to select the right equipment to ensure a great blend. While the most popular choice is a blender, known for its power to crush ice and create the perfect consistency, you can also opt for a food processor, which offers versatility but may require extra caution with liquids. For individual servings, consider the convenience of an immersion blender–a quick and easy-to-clean alternative. Read on to learn more and make your choice.

BLENDER

There’s more than one appliance you can use to make a smoothie or smoothie bowl, but the most popular “go-to” is a blender. These appliances are powerful enough to break up ice and pulverize fruits and vegetables, creating that “just right” consistency. KitchenAid brand offers blenders with a range of speed settings that can take on frozen ingredients and deliver smooth results.

FOOD PROCESSOR

Another tool for making smoothies is a food processor. Keep in mind that this method can work in a pinch but is not designed to crush ice and may not render the same smooth texture as a blender. 

KitchenAid brand offers food processors in a range of colors and sizes to help unleash possibilities in the kitchen.

IMMERSION BLENDER

If you’re making an individual smoothie, immersion blenders can be powerful enough to do the job. On top of being a more economical option, these hand blenders have the added advantage of being easy to clean and easy to store. KitchenAid brand offers a complete line of immersion blenders to help fuel your kitchen creativity.

With an immersion blender, you can blend your smoothie right in your glass or to-go bottle. Measuring cups and measuring spoons are the only other equipment you’ll need. Gather your tools and ingredients before you start blending to help make the process flow smoothly.

STEP 2: CHOOSE A LIQUID BASE – ABOUT 1 CUP

The base you choose is key, it’s the foundation of any delicious smoothie. The base can add a nutritional component as well as flavor and texture. A good rule of thumb: a water or juice base will enhance the flavor of your fruits and veggies, while a milk base will create a creamier smoothie. Let’s look at some popular bases.

WATER

Not only is water economical and readily available, but it’s also a great base when you want the flavor of your ingredients to really “sing.” Water pairs especially well with fruits that make creamy smoothies like bananas and mangos. And, of course, ice makes an ideal base for a thicker, icier result.

COCONUT WATER

Add a naturally sweet tropical note and some fiber to your smoothie with delicious, nutritious, low-cal coconut water.

COLD-PRESSED JUICE

No heat or oxygen is used in processing these juices, which helps protect flavor and nutrients. Cold-pressed watermelon juice is great in smoothies.

ALMOND MILK

This plant-based milk is a great dairy alternative, bringing the creaminess and richness of dairy milk to your smoothie.

COCONUT MILK

Some people steer clear of coconut milk because of its fat content. But like almond milk, this base will help make a delicious, creamy smoothie.

RICE MILK

Since it has a neutral taste, rice milk won’t compete with other flavors.

COFFEE/TEA

Add a little caffeine kick to your smoothie with brewed coffee or tea for a refreshing and energizing breakfast mashup or late afternoon pick-me-up.

STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR GREENS – ABOUT 1/2 TO 1 CUP

Greens can really amp up your smoothie, and depending on which ones you choose, they can also add interesting flavors. In addition to leafy greens, using ingredients like cauliflower, carrots or zucchini in your smoothies is a good way to incorporate veggies into your diet and depending on the taste you’re going for, they’re easy to mask with added fruits. Here are some popular greens:

KALE

Kale is the darling of the leafy greens these days. The benefits of kale are enhanced when they’re blended, making this green a perfect ingredient for a healthy smoothie. Kale has a strong, slightly bitter flavor, but baby kale is a little milder. Blend it with sweeter fruits to balance out the bitter taste.

SPINACH

This green is a popular smoothie addition thanks to its mild flavor and soft, easy-to-blend leaves. The neutral flavor of spinach pairs well with low-sugar fruits like strawberries, blueberries, apples and pears.

ARUGULA

This strong, peppery-tasting green pairs well with strong-flavored fruits like citrus. The bold taste of dried fruits like cherries, dates and cranberries can also stand up well to this green.

STEP 4: CHOOSE YOUR FRUIT – 1 TO 2 CUPS

The sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing fruits for the perfect smoothie. Fruit is the ingredient that will give your smoothie its personality. Bananas and pineapples are popular choices, but they’re both bold in flavor so they can easily overpower your drink. Combining the sweetness of bananas with a milder tasting and more acidic fruit like strawberries is a good way to create a great balanced flavor. And because pineapple is a tropical fruit, it works well with coconut water or a coconut milk base. You can even create a smoothie with a seasonal flair, like an autumn smoothie made with pumpkin and spices.

Read on to learn more about which fruits might work well in your perfect smoothie.

BANANAS

Bananas, especially when frozen, have a natural creaminess that contributes to a smooth texture, which can eliminate the need for additional dairy or thickeners. Bananas also bring a natural sweetness to the blend, reducing the need for added sugars or sweeteners. In addition, they can offer a quick energy boost due to their carbohydrate content, making them an excellent choice for pre-workout or morning smoothies.

STRAWBERRIES

The sweet and vibrant flavor of strawberries adds a natural sweetness to the blend without adding sugars or sweeteners, making the smoothie both tasty and nutritious. Strawberries contain dietary fiber and they also add an appealing color to your smoothie.

PINEAPPLES 

Pineapples have a sugary, tropical taste that pairs well with coconut water or milk. They make a great addition to smoothies without adding extra sugar. Pineapple is also rich in vitamins and nutrients.

MANGOS

Mangos are mildly sweet with a tropical flavor. They also blend well with other fruits and mix nicely with tangy spices. Mangos have a soft texture, making them easy to incorporate into your smoothie.

BLUEBERRIES

A popular addition to smoothies, blueberries add a layer of color to your mixture and can blend well with bases like yogurt and almond milk. Blueberries are known for being low in calories and high in nutrients, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious smoothie makers.

WATERMELONS

Watermelon pairs well with other fruits and would be great with a mint or basil garnish. Before adding watermelon to your smoothies, it is recommended to freeze it first.  Adding watermelon to the blender as-is will yield mostly watermelon juice because of its high water content.

PEACHES

Peaches have a mild but refreshing flavor that can be complemented by other fruits. Consider adding honey to your peach smoothie for some extra sweetness. With a powerful blender, you most likely don’t have to peel your peaches, but you can if you prefer to.

PUMPKIN

If you’re looking to experiment with seasonal flavors, pumpkin is an excellent addition to smoothie recipes. Combined with cinnamon and honey, pumpkin has a natural creaminess that lends itself well to the texture of a smoothie.

STEP 5: ADD FATS – 1 TO 2 TEASPOONS

Incorporating healthy fats like avocados, nuts or flax seeds into your smoothie is a great choice due to their numerous health advantages. These fats supply essential fatty acids, and offer a sustainable energy source, amongst other things. Adding them to your smoothie can enhance its taste and elevate its nutritional value. Some fats you might want to consider adding to your smoothie include:

Remember, the calories in these ingredients can add up quickly so you’ll want to keep an eye on how much you’re adding in to keep your smoothie from weighing you down.

STEP 6: GIVE IT A BOOST WITH ADD-INS

There are myriad add-ins to boost the taste and texture of your smoothie. Thicken your smoothie with cooked oats. Add a handful of herbs to enhance flavors. Sweeten your smoothie with a little raw honey or agave. Spice it up with a bit of cinnamon or ginger. Some potential smoothie add-ins might include:

There are many ways to personalize your smoothie, so experiment with different flavor combinations and let your creative juices flow.

EXPLORE KITCHENAID® APPLIANCES FOR MAKING SMOOTHIES

Fresh-cut strawberries, creamy coconut milk and tangy oranges are ideal ingredients to combine in a KitchenAid^® appliance for making smoothies and smoothie bowls. Browse countertop blenders, immersion blenders and more to choose the best tool for your favorite smoothie recipes.

HOW DO YOU MAKE A SMOOTHIE THICKER?

To create a thick and delicious smoothie, begin by using frozen ingredients to give it a sturdy texture. Adding fiber-rich fruits and veggies such as bananas, mangos and carrots makes the smoothie thicker and boosts the flavor. You can also try chia seeds to make it jelly-like or Greek yogurt for creaminess and extra protein. Avocados, which are full of healthy fats, lend a smooth and velvety consistency, and protein powder increases thickness and protein content.

Make sure you have a strong blender, like the KitchenAid^® K400 Variable Speed Blender with Tamper to mix everything well, and don’t forget to choose the right mix of ingredients to achieve your perfect smoothie texture.

HOW DO YOU MAKE A SMOOTHIE CREAMIER?

To make a creamy smoothie, start with frozen fruit. Add half an avocado or vegetable purées like sweet potato for extra creaminess. You can also swap regular ice for milk ice cubes (use your choice of milk) and include full-fat plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for extra creaminess, thickness and protein.

HOW DO YOU MAKE A SMOOTHIE SWEETER?

To sweeten your smoothie without excess sugar or artificial sweeteners, consider these options: 

• Dried fruits like dates, goji berries, prunes and figs add a natural sweetness.

• Natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup and molasses can be seamlessly incorporated into any smoothie while enhancing sweetness. 

• Flavor enhancers like cinnamon, almond butter and vanilla extract add flavor without the need for extra sugar.

SMOOTHIE RECIPE IDEAS

Now that you’re armed with all the tools and tips you need to make the perfect smoothie, it’s time to blend. In just a matter of minutes, you can whip up an energizing and complete breakfast with this green smoothie recipe. Or learn how to make a true classic—the perfect strawberry banana smoothie. And for something a little more savory, check out this delicious, veggie-forward Bloody Mary Smoothie recipe that's perfect as a Mother's Day brunch appetizer.

EXPLORE KITCHENAID® BLENDERS

Whether you are mixing up a morning smoothie as a nutritious breakfast or blending your favorite homemade sauce, a KitchenAid^® blender can help you bring your creativity to life. Select models feature a thermal control jar to heat soups while the outer jar remains cool and 3 Pre-Set Adapti-Blend™ Programs to help you get just the right consistency for smoothies, frozen coffees, slushies and more.