Power Cherry Smoothie

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 power cherry smoothie is a refreshing twist with a hidden veggie boost and a creamy texture you’ll love.

• Antioxidant powerhouse: Tart cherries, berries, and chia seeds support recovery, healthy aging, and lasting energy.
• Creamy + satisfying: The perfect balance of tart and sweet with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you full.
• Simple & delicious: Just a handful of real-food ingredients and no added sugar for a smoothie you’ll make on repeat.

If you want tips to make it perfectly smooth every time, check out my guide on how to make a smoothie.

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 rich cherry flavor.
• 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.
• Collagen peptides: Add gut and skin support while added a protein boost.

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:

1. Add tart cherry juice, frozen cauliflower, frozen sweet cherries, and chia seeds to the blender and blend until smooth.
2. Scoop in collagen peptides and blend on low speed until mixed in.
3. Pour in a glass and enjoy!

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.

• Add 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, or you can freeze bananas ahead of time.
• Swap tart cherry juice with pomegranate juice for similar taste and benefits— just a smidge sweeter.
• 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 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:

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.)

More Cherry Smoothie You’ll Love

If you love the bright, sweet flavor of cherries, you’re in for a treat! Here are some of my favorite cherry-based fruit smoothies you can make:

• Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
• Cherry Açaí Smoothie
• Cherry Beet Smoothie
• Cherry Collagen Smoothie

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.