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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 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.
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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, frozen cauliflower, frozen sweet cherries, and chia seeds to the blender and blend until smooth.
- Scoop in collagen peptides and blend on low speed until mixed in.
- Pour in a glass and enjoy!
Tip for Blending Cherries
If you’re using fresh cherries, be sure to pit them first. I usually grab frozen cherries to skip that step. You can also prep all the ingredients in my frozen meal prep smoothie packs so you always have smoothie-ready packs on hand for busy mornings.
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:
- 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.)
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:
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
- 1 cup frozen sweet cherries
- ½ cup frozen cauliflower
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 serving collagen peptides
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients (except collagen) until smooth.
- Add in collagen and blend on low until mixed in.
- Pour into a tall glass and enjoy
Helpful Tools
Notes
Nutrition
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Leave a review for a chance to win signed copies of my cookbooks!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. Cherry pits can damage your smoothie blenders and aren’t pleasant to eat. Save time by pitting the cherries first or using frozen, pre-pitted cherries.
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.
I have been making one of your smoothies everyday and I find them very satisfying and delicious!
Thank you! So glad you have added my smoothies into your daily routine.
What if you don’t have cauliflower is there a good substitute?
Hey Michael— If you don’t have cauliflower on hand, you can still make a thick, satisfying smoothie by swapping in zucchini (raw or frozen) for a mild, creamy texture, or about ¼–½ avocado for richness and healthy fats. If you’re okay with a bit more natural sugar, adding a little extra banana works too, or you could use plain Greek yogurt for creaminess and protein if you include dairy. All of these options will keep the smoothie smooth and delicious without overpowering the cherry flavor.
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.
Right there with you, those hidden gems!
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!