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The very first green smoothie recipe I ever tried was this one, the Very Berry Smoothie–and it changed my life. At that time, my husband and I were financially struggling as he transitioned to a new job as a pastor.
We had no health insurance and our kids were at that age when all they did was pass colds back and forth (and they almost always turned into an ear infection). This berry smoothie recipe gave us the immunity boost we needed to stay healthy, as well as caused us to fall in love with green smoothies.
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Berry Smoothie Recipe for Immune Boost
For the past 8 years, I’ve sipped green smoothies with my family, and used real, whole food to keep us healthy. We also use natural remedies to heal our body. We haven’t needed any prescriptions (or over the counter meds) since starting green smoothies, so that’s proof enough for me that real food heals!
Specifically, this berry smoothie’s got over 100% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. It also boasts 8 grams of fiber, which keeps the body regular. Fiber is often overlooked, yet getting enough fiber daily can combat Type II Diabetes, obesity, certain types of cancer, and cardiovascular disease. That makes it an important ingredient in my opinion!
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Blend a Quality Smoothie EVERY Time
Follow these steps for a perfectly blended smoothie, using my favorite smoothie blenders! First, make sure you start with a mix of fresh + frozen ingredients. I recommend at least 1 frozen fruit in each smoothie, so that it is nicely chilled.
I also follow the 1 1/2 + 1 + 1 rule: 1 1/2 cups of fruit, 1 cup of leafy green vegetables, and 1 cup of liquid in every smoothie. Finally, if you are blending with a non-high powered blender, then make sure to blend your liquid + leafy greens first. This will minimize the leafy chunks at the end, and also help your blender break down the ingredients better.
Note: this berry smoothie recipe has a little less water in it, because oranges act as a liquid and a fruit, they’re so juicy. For tips on blending it all perfectly, check out our guide on how to make a smoothie.
How to measure leafy greens
I often get the question, “How do you measure leafy greens?!” It’s a great question, yet the answer varies depending on the person. If you are new to green smoothies, I recommend a lightly packed 1 cup serving of spinach. If you’re a #greensmoothiequeen, then stuff those greens in as much as you can!
Seriously though, if you need to start with 2 spinach leaves and work your way to more, then that’s great. I know that you’ll be adding more greens to each smoothie in no time, just like I did! These days, I just grab a few big handfuls of spinach for my smoothie, and sometimes I even freeze spinach ahead of time so it’s ready to toss in.
Ingredient Swaps
Green smoothies are super versatile, so don’t be afraid to make these recipes fit your pantry, as well as your tastebuds. I like the strawberry/blueberry combo in this berry smoothie, yet choose the berries you like best. Cherries + raspberries are also a great combo.
- If you need to cut down on the sugar, swap the banana with 1/2 cup cauliflower, or 1/2 avocado. That way your smoothie stays creamy and your blood sugar stays happy. If you do this swap you can freeze bananas for later use and learn how to cut avocado like a pro!
- If fresh oranges aren’t easy to find, you can sub in 1/2 cup 100% orange juice, just make sure it’s the kind with lots of pulp!
More Berry Smoothies
Berries are easy to add to smoothies, so I’ve got a whole list of fruit smoothies for you berry lovers to try:
- Strawberry mango smoothie
- Cranberry smoothie
- Blueberry smoothie
- Elderberry smoothie
- Cherry açaí smoothie
- Blackberry smoothie
If you make this citrus berry smoothie, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.
Citrus Berry Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 orange
- ⅓ cup strawberries frozen
- ⅓ cup blueberries frozen
- ½ banana
- 1 serving homemade protein powder optional
Instructions
- Blend spinach, water & orange until smooth.
- Add fruit and blend again.
Video
Helpful Tools
Notes
- You can swap the orange for 1/2 cup of orange juice with lots of pulp. Remember— fiber is our friend!
- Use at least 1 frozen fruit for a refreshingly cool smoothie.
- Swap in any leafy green vegetables you want.
- Pre-prep all ingredients in my frozen meal prep smoothie packs so you always have a quick smoothie ready to blend-and-go.
Very good!
Loved the berries. I added aronia berries to increase immunity and antioxidants
This was a very good smoothie as they all have been. I’ve been adding cacao nibs for the magnesium. They are so good and filling.
Loved this one, my husband even really enjoyed it and he’s super picky.
very good
Finally a smoothie that isn’t too thick ,I’m sure it was because of the orange . The banana pretty much took over most of the flavor though but still good.
Honestly I wasn’t sure I could drink this one because of the orange but I prayed and asked God please don’t let it burn my stomach and He answered me. As stated before the simplicity and taste of these smoothies is what I enjoy. I look forward to each one. Thanks
It was ok
I enjoyed this smoothie. I’m more of a fan of smoothies made with water and coconut water.
Berries and banana! What’s not to love! Well only two of my hour kids liked it, but I love this one!
Another winner! I added an apple to it! I like how smooth all of these smoothies are.
Love all your smoothies
This one addictive for sure
Light & refreshing!
Day 4, that smoothie color! I had to explain it was ok to a friend. But ignore the color focus on taste.
Exactly!! 😀
The color was not appealing, but the smoothie was very tasty. I would definitely drink it again.
Was good but not as delicious and creamy as the others, not my favorite too but tasted good though, thanks
Day 4 – Very Berry. I expected this one to be one of my favorites but it is the first one that I have not given a grade A. It is a bit bland, especially considering how much fruit it has in it. Also VERY thick so even my Vitamix wouldn’t blend without adding extra water!
Delicious !
quite thick, more so than i prefer. but certainly tasty.
Like berries in smoothies,
As always I added some Kale. I used water instead of coconut water since I am not a fan of coconut. I also used mandarines instead of the orange. Came out great. Not too sweet, not too bitter. I did need to add a little more water since this was very thick in the end.