Smoothies are a splendid choice for breakfast, snack, or even a quick lunch. These delicious blended drinks provide many health benefits in a single serving. If you haven't tried adding smoothies to your daily diet yet, you're missing out.
Although nutrients aren't the only thing you should look for in a smoothie. You can simultaneously fulfill your cravings for something flavorful and mouthwatering as well with smoothies.
Are you searching for recipes that are both healthy and delicious? Give these gluten-free smoothie recipes a shot; you'll love them so much, you will want to make them every day!
These smoothies perfectly combine several ingredients and delicious flavors. Not to mention, they're simple, convenient, and affordable—all in all, they are the perfect no-fuss addition to your meals.
Gluten-Free Smoothies- What's the Purpose?
First things first, what's the purpose of gluten-free smoothies, and how do they differ from the regular versions? While homemade smoothies are mostly always gluten-free, readymade, store-bought, or restaurant smoothies may not be.
You must consider the risk factor of consuming gluten if the store-bought or restaurant smoothie adds gluten-containing ingredients. Even if they don't, the risk of gluten cross-contamination can be an issue.
With celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or even just switching to a gluten-free life, you'd want to avoid all the risks. It's where these recipes come in to help you maintain a gluten-free diet. They're incorporated with fresh, healthy ingredients with no gluten-containing ingredients at all! You can even mix and match flavors according to your desires.
Balsamic Blueberry Smoothie
The taste of blueberries adds a soothing touch packed with their antioxidant-rich properties. That's not where it ends; the lettuce, fresh mint, and honey go the extra mile for the refreshing flavor. Try it, and you will see for yourself, it is delicious!
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serving: 1
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Earthbound Farm Organic Baby Spinach
- 1 ½ cups Frozen Organic Blueberries
- 1 sprig of fresh mint leaves, which is about 8 to 10 leaves
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¾ cup of water
- Pinch of sea salt
Directions:
- In a blender, add the ingredients according to the order specified- spinach first, then blueberries, and so on.
- Blend the ingredients until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Value:
Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 63mg | Sugar: 28g
Tips:
- Try the smoothie before adding the honey because chances are it might already be sweet enough for you. For those who would like it to be sweeter, you can always add more than a teaspoon of honey. It all depends on how sweet you prefer your smoothie.
- You can substitute almond milk instead of water. It adds a rich, flavorful touch to the smoothie for the required liquid content.
- For additional protein content in the smoothie, you can add many ingredients. Use your favorite unflavored protein powder, cottage cheese, or pasteurized eggs. Doing this will immediately bump up the protein content in your smoothie.
Detoxifying super green smoothie
All the smoothie world's rage goes for greens and the HUGE nutrition they bring to any smoothie. Smoothies that include green veggies ensure a healthy lifestyle. Make this super green kiwi smooth to keep the digestive system running smoothly.
Whether it's constipation that has you in its grip or acidity imbalance- this smoothie is the solution. It requires a combination of kiwi, lime, parsley, spinach, and so much more. An additional benefit is that those on a Paleo and vegan-friendly diet can opt for this smoothie as well.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serving: 1-2
Ingredients:
- 2 kiwis, peeled
- ½ tablespoon lime juice
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 5-6 celery stalks, juiced or unsweetened coconut water
- ½ cup of orange juice
- 1 sprig of parsley
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional – a handful of baby spinach (for better digestion, slightly steamed beforehand).
- Optional – 1 tbsp. Chia seed or 2 tbsp. vegan protein.
- Optional 1 tbsp. Maple syrup or honey.
Directions:
- In a blender, add all the ingredients.
- Blend the ingredients until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Value:
Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 23.7g | Protein: 2.1g | Fat: 0.9g | Sodium: 143.2mg | Sugar: 14.1g
Tips:
Suppose you don't have a celery stalk on hand, no worries. You can easily substitute unsweetened coconut water. Add 1 cup unsweetened coconut water to compensate for the celery juice.
If the smoothie is too bland for your taste, add one tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for the additional sweetness.
Add in a handful of baby spinach, slightly steamed beforehand, in the smoothie for better digestion. For some extra added protein, you can also add a tablespoon of chia seeds.
Dandelion Detox Green Smoothie
Chances are you might have heard of dandelion greens in salads. But did you know that they go well in smoothies? You will love this remarkable morning elixir that detoxifies your body of all the waste toxins in it. This smoothie with cilantro, apples, celery, and avocado, is nutrient-packed for all your health concerns.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serving: 1
Ingredients:
- Half bunch of dandelion greens washed
- Half bunch of cilantro washed and de-stemmed
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 apples, pitted and chopped
- 1 avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1 small cucumber
- 1″ fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup of coconut water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions:
- In a blender, add all the ingredients.
- Blend all ingredients at high speed until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Value:
Calories: 369kcal | Carbohydrates: 48.4g | Protein: 4.9g | Fat: 20.6g | Sodium: 186mg | Sugar: 28.3g
Green Pear Smoothie
This recipe is basic yet packed with tasty flavors with the pear's compliments and kale in it. Let's not forget the addictive taste of the banana, ginger, and cinnamon that provide a taste-boost. And the honey and vanilla extract making up a touch of sweetness without taking away the nutritional content.
It's the perfect introduction to green smoothies, with a taste everyone will surely love. If you're looking for a smoothie ideal for your winter season's breakfasts, this is it!
Prep time: 10 minutes
Serving: 1-2
Ingredients:
- 1 banana, peeled and sliced
- 1 pear, seeded and diced
- 2/3 cup almond milk
- 2 to 4 slices ginger, peeled
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups kale, stemmed
- 1 cup ice
Directions:
- In a blender, add all the ingredients. Add the kale and ice in last.
- Blend the ingredients for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips:
- Ensure you rinse the kale to clean it before adding it to the blender. Be sure to add it to the blender immediately after rinsing since damp kale is prone to wilting.
- You can add kale roots to this smoothie as well. However, if you add the roots, chop them into small pieces before adding them to the blender. With this technique, the blender will easily blend them, and your smoothie will come out smooth.
- You can refrigerate this smoothie for the next day as well.
- Fresh ginger can easily overpower your smoothie if you add too much. Try the smoothie first with two slices; it'll add the ginger's mild spiciness to the smoothie. Then, if you're an extreme ginger lover, you can increase the quantity to 4 slices.
Nutritional Value:
Calories: 751kcal | Carbohydrates: 106.4g | Protein: 8.9g | Fat: 38.9g | Sodium: 80mg | Sugar: 68.2g
Coconut, Vanilla, and Almond Butter Smoothie
This smoothie might be one of your dreams: creamy, velvety, and calming. No, we didn't forget the health factor; it's as healthy as any other smoothie out there. It's for those who love their smoothies sweet since it includes dates as well.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serving: 1-2
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- ¼ cup almond butter
- 10 small dates
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups ice
- 1 tablespoon honey
Directions:
- In a blender, add all the ingredients except the ice.
- Blend the ingredients for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Lastly, add in the ice and give it another quick blend.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips:
- You can adjust the consistency of this smoothie. Add in more ice to make it thinner, or less for a thicker smoothie.
- For a post-exercise smoothie, an additional tablespoon of vanilla protein powder would be an ideal companion to this smoothie.
- For an enhanced vanilla flavor, add a few drops of vanilla crème.
Nutritional Value:
Calories: 374kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 21g | Sodium: 131mg | Sugar: 26g
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Good cholesterol, balanced blood pressure, and lesser cancer risk; strawberries can do it all! Strawberries are sodium-free, fat-free, cholesterol-free, and low-calorie food.
Moreover, they're full of vitamins, fiber, and high amounts of antioxidants known as polyphenols. Also, bananas are rich in potassium and can help manage blood pressure and reduce strain on the cardiovascular system.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serving: 2
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
Directions:
- In a blender, add all the ingredients.
- Blend the ingredients for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes:
- You can use frozen fruit in this. Bananas can be cut and frozen for up to 6 months. Similar is the case with strawberries. However, if you use frozen strawberries, make sure not to thaw them before adding them to the blender. You'll end up with mushy strawberries that you don't want if you do.
- If you'd like it even sweeter, add a tablespoon of honey or vegan agave nectar. Add it ½ tablespoon at a time until it's according to your preference.
- You can use flavored yogurt instead of plain yogurt if you'd like an extra touch of flavor in the smoothie.
- The recipe can even be dairy-free for all the dairy-free dieters out there. All you've to do is use dairy-free milk and yogurt instead of the regular ones.
- You can store this smoothie in the freezer for up to 3 days. Want to go longer? Freeze it for up to 3 months by placing it in an airtight container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, and re-blend when serving.
Nutritional Value:
Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 5.5g | Fat: 1.7g | Sodium: 59mg | Sugar: 24g
Beet Berry Apple Chia Smoothie
This beet, berry, and apple chia smoothie comes with the properties of being both an energy-booster and detoxifier. It is so yummy, and it tastes like apple pie à la mode. How can you not try this smoothie?
Did we mention- it comes with a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients? It's fast and simple, made from beets, blueberries, coconut milk, apple cider, chia seeds, and cinnamon.
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving: 1
Ingredients:
- 3 small beets
- 2 cups frozen blueberries
- 1 cup unsweetened apple cider
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
- Bring a pot of water with salt to boil. Clean and stem the beets and add them in. Boil them until fork-tender for about 20-30 minutes.
- In a blender, add all the ingredients.
- Blend the ingredients for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition:
Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 0mg | Sugar: 47g
Benefits of Smoothies
Helps keep you hydrated throughout the day:
The fruits and berries used to make these beverages serve as outstanding companions on a humid summer morning. They'll provide you with both the nutrition to get through the day and the freshness. Water takes up about 70 percent of the body's total content. Over the season, drinking smoothies with breakfast is a perfect way to replenish your body's lack of water.
Losing Weight:
Without skipping meals, smoothies will help you shed the extra body weight you're trying to lose. Usually, individuals who want to lose weight miss the morning meal and snack between meals. Experts recommend that you drink smoothies to prevent this, so you feel full for a prolonged period.
Improves Sleep Pattern:
People worldwide belonging to diverse age groups also face difficulties linked to lack of sleep and tiredness. A nutritious breakfast, followed by a smoothie of bananas, kiwi, and oats, contains decent calcium and magnesium levels. Consequently, promoting sleep and helping in sustaining safe patterns of sleep.
Better Skin:
If you're unaware, carotenoid-containing ingredients, such as mango and pumpkin, are of great help to the skin and complexion. Therefore, smoothies containing these ingredients enable you to stay radiant throughout the year.
Calcium Intake:
For bone and teeth protection, daily consumption of the correct amount of calcium is necessary. Moreover, it can also control hair growth and the heart's functioning. As excellent calcium sources for the body, smoothies made with yogurt or fortified dairy substitutes can give you that needed calcium.
Effective Digestive System:
Today's most common condition people suffer from is irritated intestines. To control the excretory system, a decent amount of fibrous food is essential so you can stay healthy. With many fruits and veggies, smoothies help keep the bowels running efficiently.
Additional Tips & Tricks
Freeze the Ingredients-
Freeze your fruit ahead of time for an added refreshing element. Ensure that your ingredients are around two-thirds frozen overall. Rather than adding ice as your main frozen element, it's easier to freeze fruits and your milk base. Ice may water down the smoothie's consistency.
Substitute Sugar-
Instead of using sugar, you can use honey, agave, maple syrup, grapes, and dates. Run your machine to the highest speed and process for about 10-20 seconds. A little sweetener goes a long way. The general advice is to add ½ tablespoon at a time until it's sweet enough for you.
Creamy Smoothies-
For adding creaminess to smoothies, avocado is perfect. Its nutritional wallop disguises its slight taste. You should add a whole avocado to your smoothie after removing the hide and pit. If that's too much for you, save the leftover for the next day. To make it extra creamy, add ice cream, frozen yogurt, or vanilla yogurt as an option.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, these smoothies will be an exceptional addition to your gluten-free diet. Always use whole fruits and vegetables to ensure you don't have additional gluten ingredients. You'll be getting your daily nutrition with wholesome ingredients with these smoothies. More importantly, don't forget to eat fruits and veggies on their own from time to time!