Looking for a smoothie with a lower glycemic index? Look no further than this cherry smoothie recipe made with just four plant-based simple ingredients.
My family loves cherries and we can't get enough of them. Of course, nothing beats fresh cherries, but frozen ones are often more affordable and can be used year-round.
Cherry Smoothie Recipe
If you want a quick and nourishing smoothie then this four-ingredient one is an easy win:
- Blend kale and canned coconut milk until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients and blend again until smooth.
Make sure you pit the cherries before adding them to the blender (I often buy frozen so I can skip this step!). Make sure at least one fruit is frozen to enjoy a refreshingly cool smoothie. Feel free to add in a plant-based protein powder to up the protein and fiber and turn this cherry smoothie into a complete breakfast.
Ingredient Swaps
If kale is a bit too strong for you, swap it out for the leafy green of your choice. All kinds of berries are low in sugar and have antioxidants, so you can use mixed berries or any other berry combo you want.
If you need less fat, use a light canned coconut, or carton coconut milk. Just know that this smoothie might not be as thick with carton coconut milk.
Antioxidant powerhouse
Free radicals are chemicals that can damage our bodies' cells. While we can fight these free radicals with stuff already inside the body, we also rely on antioxidants from food to help in the fight.
Antioxidant supplements tout all kinds of miraculous properties, yet I believe in getting them in through plants like kale and cherries.
Cherry Smoothie FAQs
I paired kale with cherries in this smoothie because they compliment each other so well, a little tart and a little sweet. Coconut milk also goes well with cherries, drawing out the natural sweetness of the coconut.
Make sure your cherries are pitted before blending (no need to blend the pits!). You can use fresh or frozen cherries. If you don't have a high powered blender, make sure the cherries are thawed a bit before blending. Cherries actually blend quite well!
I don't recommend it. The cherry pits will probably harm your blender blades, and you don't really want to eat them. Pit the cherries before blending or just buy frozen, already pitted cherries to save a bit of time.
More Berry Smoothies
If you loved this cherry smoothie recipe then you'll love these berry smoothies as well!
- Blackberry smoothie
- Strawberry watermelon smoothie
- Raspberry smoothie
- Strawberry blueberry layered smoothie
- Blueberry spinach smoothie
- Strawberry smoothie
- Elderberry smoothie cubes
- Red velvet smoothie
- Spinach berry smoothie
- Strawberry banana smoothie
- Cherry collagen smoothie
- Berry smoothie
- Carrot strawberry smoothie
- Blueberry smoothie
- Strawberry mango smoothie
- Chocolate covered cherry smoothie
- Cranberry smoothie
- Mixed berry smoothie
- Berry banana smoothie
- Chocolate strawberry smoothie
- Cherry beet smoothie
So many options, how are you going to choose? Give my cherry smoothie a blend, then get ready to buy bulk fruit next time it goes on sale. You've got smoothies to blend.
Sweet vs Tart Cherries
Tart cherries are, well, tart, and sweet cherries are sweet. Another distinction is that sweet cherries tend to be bigger and a deeper, darker red, where as tart cherries are brighter red and small. Both are high in antioxidants and great to use in smoothies.
Most studies regarding the health benefits of cherries have been conducted using Montmorency cherries, the most common variety of tart cherries. The cherries, fresh, frozen or dried and their juice can help with muscle recovery after intense physical activity.
Both types of cherries contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid that we associate with sleep. It is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin, both of which help with mood and sleep. Tryptophan supplementation has been shown to reduce irritability, PMS, depression and anxiety.
When blending this cherry smoothie, it's truly up to you which type of cherry you use. All of them are winners in our book!
Low Glycemic Fruits for Smoothies
Berries and cherries are low glycemic foods, meaning that eating them won't drastically affect blood sugar levels. These fruits are naturally lower in sugar and high in fiber, which also keeps blood sugar levels steady. Low sugar fruits include:
- Cherries
- Grapefruit
- Apricots
- Limes
- Lemons
- Nectarines
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Dates
- Pears
- Apples
- Oranges
- Plums
- Blueberries
- Grapes
- Kiwi
- Prunes
Fun fact: Bananas are often though of as high on the glycemic index, but they are actually considered low glycemic with an index score of 55. (Anything 55 and under is considered low glycemic.)
Tropical fruits tend to be high on the glycemic index. Pineapple, figs, cantaloupe, watermelon and guava are especially high in sugars.
Healthy Cherry Smoothie
Rate this Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup kale
- 1 cup coconut milk (canned or carton)
- 1 cup cherries
- ½ cup blueberries
Instructions
- Blend kale and coconut milk together until smooth.
- Add remaining fruit and blend again.
Notes
- Use at least one frozen fruit to make the smoothie cold or serve over ice.
- Can substitute cherries + blueberries with any berries or a mixed berry blend.
- Swap out the kale with another leafy green like spinach.
- Use canned coconut milk for a creamier smoothie with healthy fat, use carton coconut milk for a lighter smoothie with less healthy fat.
Jenny
What would be the best can coconut milk to use?
Simple Green Smoothies
Great question, I'd def use canned coconut milk if you don't mind a little extra fat and calories, but it makes the smoothest, best tasting smoothies! If you're concerned about the fat and calories then go with the carton of coconut milk. Of if you are feeling adventurous check out our DIY recipe! DIY Coconut Milk
Michele
Delicious and refreshing. I used spinach in place of the kale since I'm a green smoothie newbie. Will be brave and try the kale next time.
Janice
Excellent!
Megan
This was a hit with my Caribbean hubby and my seven year old daughter - and me! I doubled the recipe and heard them slurping while I was still rinsing out the blender! I loved that it made me feel really full. Can’t wait to explore more recipes here.
Simple Green Smoothies
Aw! That's awesome Megan! We're so glad you're blending with us. 🙂
Bevin Engman
SO delicious and satisfying!! I'm new to smoothies but stumbled onto your website about 6 weeks ago to help with digestion issues. I've had one of your smoothies every day for almost a month now. Honestly, it's becoming a way of life - a healthy lifeI feel great, issues are resolved - my 90 year old mom has a little too every day. We love them - thanks for all your hard work and shared recipes...I'm a huge fan!
One question though: I read in the comments that when you list "coconut milk", you are referring to regular canned coconut milk. I love the creamy flavor it, but 1 cup is listed as nearly 500 calories. I noticed that this smoothie's nutrition has 16 ounces listed at 167 calories. Are you using a different kind of coconut milk here? Can you clarify for me.? Thanks again for everything 🙂
Simple Green Smoothies
So glad your loving the smoothie life, Bevin!! For this recipe we used our own homemade coconut milk, which is 100 calories per cup. Check out how to make your own coconut milk here :: How to Make Coconut Milk
Bevin
Terrific - I'll take a look. Thanks again'
Brandee
Hi! I'm just getting into the world of smoothies and came upon your site as a beginner's way to dive into this world on how to get started. I happened to have all the ingredients for your Cherry Smoothie, and wanted to give it a try. Not that I expected it to be bad, BUT--I didn't expected to be as good as it was!
I love all of the nutritional info you provide on your site per smoothie. It makes me feel extremely comfortable and confident that I am making smoothies that can both complement and supplement meals. I'm looking forward to trying them all! Thank you for creating such a wonderful resource.
Simple Green Smoothies
Welcome, Brandee! So glad you found us. 😀
Sue
Looks delicious. Guess what I'm having for breakfast tomorrow!
I'm intrigued that dates are considered to be low sugar. I often see them used for a refined sugar substitute.
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Sue! Dates have a low GI (glycemic index), which means they're less likely to spike your blood sugar levels, unlike refined sugars. Enjoy your breakfast smoothie!
Lissette
Hi
Need a receipt for Increasing
White blood cell count
I had a auto immune disorder
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Lissette, we have many great smoothies you can make for all kinds of requirements but I think that would be something you'll want to speak with a nutritionist about.
Cathi
I buy huge bunches of kale every week at my farmers market in the summer. It's a huge bunch and I freeze Ziploc bags of it. I do the same thing with watermelon. I have enjoyed these all winter long
Simple Green Smoothies
Cathi, what a great idea!! I wish I had enough room in my freezer to do that.
Bea
When you use coconut milk, is it from the can or a coconut milk drink in a carton like almond milk? Thanks.
Smoothie sounds so good.
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Bea! We usually prefer to use the full-fat coconut milk from a can but you can use either. It really depends on personal preference. 🙂
Helen Thadathil
Tried that! I am loving smoothies again.
Thanks Jen
Caroine
Good smoothie, loved the cherries! Will use the tip on freezing kale next time.
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Caroine,
Yay! Freezing your greens makes life so much easier in the smoothie world.
Happy blending!
Colette Eirich
This was a good one. Used less kale. Seem to get a tummy ache if too much greens
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Colette,
Kale can sometimes be hard on your digestive system if you are not use to eating it. I would suggest to do half kale and half spinach in the beginning. Also make sure you are removing the stems from your kale. That is the bitter part that might be too intense for your stomach right now.
Carol
Another good smoothie. I love cherries!
Anita
This was my Sunday smoothie in which I used pineapple intsread of blueberry added half an avocado and some flaxseed, yum
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Anita,
Love how you built off this recipe and made it into your freestyle!!
Theresa
This is one of my favs. So creamy, cherry cola flavored,yummy in the yummy green smoothie
Easy to make, was gone like magic!
Jennifer
Loving the cherries in this smoothie! I would never have even considered cherries in a smoothie until I tried SGS. Such a rich flavour and colour!! Yummy!!
Simple Green Smoothies
Yay for trying new things!!!
Cheers!
Valerie W
Love cherries in a smoothie! This was a good one.
Simple Green Smoothies
Thanks Valerie,
SO glad you loved this recipe!!
Happy blending!
Philippa
I like this. It's nice and fresh and just slightly sweet.
Mireille
Not a favourite of mine. I believe the kale overpowers the cherries and blueberries too much. Might add more cherries to boost the flavour next time.
Joyce Moy
I usually like cherries by themselves but not really a fan of cherry foods or drinks. But I really liked this smoothie even though you could taste each of the different ingredients.
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Joyce,
I am so glad that even though you don't usually like cherry flavored recipes, this one was a hit for you!
Tanya
I love cherries! Great recipe for a delicious, healthy green smoothie, thanks!!
Tanya
I love cherries ! Great recipe for a delicious, healthy green smoothie, thanks!!
Cristina
Oops! I guess I should have blended, used spinach, had to use up, instead of kale. I used frozen cherries and blueberries, I loved! The flavour cut but found the coconut milk very thick! It’s my first time having coconut milk, I usually have almond, I had to add coconut water for my blender to blend it
Darlene
I love cherries I just dont think the frozen ones I used were very sweet. I will try this one again
Patricia
Love having a smoothie with cherries! Very mild, no bitter taste from the kale.
Beth
This is a great antioxidant-rich smoothie! Really enjoyed it!
Molly
It was good but not my fav.
Bethany Vines
This is probably my favorite so far! I used part coconut milk, part coconut water since the coconut milk was too strong last time.
Simple Green Smoothies
Way to adjust the recipe to make it work for you. Thank you for sharing!!
Cecily
This smoothie was nice and creamy, however not my favorite, but not bad.
Kelly
LOve the cherry taste. I made an extra to put in the freezer for later in the week
Anita
Four stars-a bit to sweet for me yet refreshing
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Anita,
If it is too sweet for you, you can always swap the measurements for the fruits and veggies.
Hope that helps!
Steph
Major love from my whole family today. It tastes like a cherry cola float!! Definitely making this smoothie again.
Simple Green Smoothies
I love how you described this one. You are exactly right!! 🙂
Bonnie
I didn't have cherries so used raspberry/blackberry combo. It was good but probably better with the cherries.
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Bonnie,
SO glad you were able to make this work with what you had on hand!
Donna Steinman
I liked it but I think I prefer spinach in my smoothies.
Shari C
Really, Really enjoyed this one!
My favorite non-green smoothie so far.
Cory
It was good..still not sure how I feel about the kale! Might try it with spinach next time!
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Cory,
Make sure you are pick the stems off the kale leaves to avoid that bitter taste. If you prefer to not use the kale spinach is perfectly fine!
Amber
This smoothie was good but not my
favorite.
Pamela LaBouve
Love the smoothies, today mine is a combo of blueberries raspberries and blackberries though since I didn't have cherries. Definitely loving this daily habit!
Liz
Not bad, I love cherries, just not sure if I'm a fan of them in smoothies. This one seemed to lack the creaminess others have.
Brittani Kendrick
Tastes great! Half way done! Feel great with this simple change of a green smoothie a day!
Laura Peters
Coconut milk and cherries!! Loved this one !!
Patricia Hinshaw
Love the smoothies it a winner in itself. Thanks