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We’re big cherry lovers in my house—juicy, sweet, tart… we’ll take them any way we can get them. While nothing beats a bowl of fresh cherries in the summer, frozen cherries are our secret weapon for enjoying that bold flavor all year long, especially in smoothies. This healthy cherry smoothie is a refreshing twist with a hidden veggie boost and a creamy texture you’ll love.
Why this Cherry Smoothie Recipe Rawks
This power cherry smoothie hits all the right notes—tart, creamy, nutrient-packed, and incredibly easy to whip up. With just five ingredients, it’s a simple yet powerful blend of bold flavor and feel-good nutrition. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a recovery boost post-workout, this smoothie has your back.
- Bold flavor meets creamy texture in a perfectly balanced blend of tart and sweet with a rich, velvety finish that feels indulgent but fuels you forward.
- Packed with feel-good nutrients, this smoothie delivers antioxidants, fiber, omega-3s, and natural sugars that come together to support recovery, digestion, and lasting energy.
- There’s no added sugar and no nonsense, just real, whole foods that nourish your body without any fillers or artificial sweeteners.
- Quick, easy, and kid-approved, it requires minimal prep, uses simple ingredients, and has a taste everyone loves—yes, even the veggie-shy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and nutrient-packed cherry smoothie. Each ingredient brings unique flavor, texture, and health benefits to the blend:
- Tart cherry juice: Brings a bold, tangy base that gives the smoothie its signature flavor. Look for 100% pure juice labeled “not from concentrate,” typically found at health food stores and natural grocers.
- Frozen sweet cherries: Adds juicy, vibrant sweetness that balances the tartness. Choose pitted, unsweetened cherries from the freezer aisle for easy prep and a rich cherry flavor.
- Banana: Provides natural sweetness and a creamy texture that ties everything together. For the best taste and smoothest blend, use a ripe banana with plenty of brown spots.
- Frozen cauliflower: Helps thicken the smoothie while keeping the flavor light and neutral. Frozen organic florets work especially well and can be found in most grocery freezer sections.
- Chia seeds: Add a subtle nutty flavor and help create a thicker, more satisfying texture. You can find them in the bulk section or health food aisle.
How to Make a Cherry Smoothie
This simple five-ingredient cherry smoothie is quick to make, refreshing, and packed with nutrients. Here’s how I’m blending it up:
- Add tart cherry juice and frozen cauliflower to the blender and blend until smooth.
- Toss in banana, frozen sweet cherries, and chia seeds, then blend again until fully combined.
Tip for Blending Cherries
If you’re using fresh cherries, be sure to pit them before tossing them in the blender. I usually go with frozen cherries to skip that step and keep things easy. Just make sure at least one of your fruits is frozen to keep the smoothie refreshingly cool.
Easy Swaps and Add-Ins
Customize your cherry smoothie with these easy swaps and add-ins to suit your taste, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Swap banana: Skip the banana and use ½ cup of unsweetened yogurt for a creamy protein-rich swap.
- Swap cherries: All kinds of berries are low in sugar and have antioxidants, so you can use mixed berries or any other berry combo you want.
- Add protein powder: Blend in a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra boost. Try my homemade protein powder if you want a super clean option made with just three ingredients.
Powerful Benefits of Cherries
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage our cells over time. While our bodies have natural defenses to fight them, we also depend on antioxidants from food to lend extra support. Instead of relying on supplements that make big claims, I prefer to get antioxidants from real, whole foods like kale, berries, and especially cherries.
Many of the low sugar fruits for smoothies are both low on the glycemic index and high in antioxidants. That means they deliver powerful nutrients without spiking your blood sugar. Here are some more fruits that are naturally lower in sugar, high in fiber, and packed with protective plant compounds:
- Cherries
- Grapefruit
- Apricots
- Limes
- Lemons
- Nectarines
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Dates
- Pears
- Apples
- Oranges
- Plums
- Blueberries
- Grapes
- Kiwi
- Prunes
- Blackberries
Fun fact: Bananas are often thought 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.)
Common Questions
What goes well with cherries in a smoothie?
Cherries pair well with a variety of fruits that complement their sweet-tart flavor. Some of the best fruits to mix with cherries include bananas, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pineapple, and oranges. These combinations work great in smoothies, salads, or desserts, adding layers of flavor and boosting the nutritional value.
How do you blend cherries?
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!
Can I put whole cherries into a blender?
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.
Yes, a cherry smoothie is a nutritious choice! Tart cherries are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, while ingredients like banana, chia seeds, and cauliflower add fiber, potassium, and healthy fats—making it great for muscle recovery, digestion, and overall wellness.
More Cherry Smoothies
If you loved this cherry smoothie recipe then you’ll love these cherry smoothies as well:
If you make this Power Cherry Smoothie recipe, 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.
Power Cherry Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup tart cherry juice
- ½ banana
- 1 cup frozen sweet cherries
- ½ cup frozen cauliflower
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into a tall glass and enjoy
Perfect blend of tart and creamy! I added spinach, and replaced chia with hemp hearts. This was my first time using tart cherry juice in a smoothie, and it was almost like drinking cherry pie. Very good flavor!
Great swaps, Jennifer! Way to make it your own!
Can you add spinach?
I did. I add spinach to most of my smoothies, even if it’s not in the recipe. I find it to be pretty much flavorless, yet love knowing I’m getting the extra nutrients.
Cherries and blueberries make my favorite smoothie blend, so this one is right on point for me! I did use spinach over kale and I like to add in sweet mini peppers for an added vegetable. So yummy!!
Jan,
Adding peppers is such a good idea. Thanks for sharing!
What would be the best can coconut milk to use?
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
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.
Excellent!
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.
Aw! That’s awesome Megan! We’re so glad you’re blending with us. 🙂
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 🙂
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
Terrific – I’ll take a look. Thanks again’
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.
Welcome, Brandee! So glad you found us. 😀
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.
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!
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Need a receipt for Increasing
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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.
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
Cathi, what a great idea!! I wish I had enough room in my freezer to do that.
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.
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. 🙂
Tried that! I am loving smoothies again.
Thanks Jen