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I’m showing you how to make a strawberry smoothie you won’t be able to put down. Need an invigorating morning pick-me-up or energizing snack? This tart + sweet strawberry smoothie recipe is the perfect health-boosting treat – an utterly delicious blend of antioxidant-rich strawberries, nutrient-packed cherries and protein-rich cashews.
Let’s talk about how to make a strawberry smoothie like a pro.
Banana-Free Smoothie
I always get requests for banana-free smoothie recipes, and this one delivers! Yet how does this smoothie stay creamy and sweet? Well, cashews are the secret ingredient.
While any kind of plant milk can be used in this smoothie, cashew milk is by far the creamiest. And the 2 extra tablespoons of raw cashews add healthy fat + a creamy finish without adding the extra flavor that comes from almonds.
If you need some more banana-free smoothie recipes, then blend through this list:
- Avocado smoothie
- Chia seed smoothie
- Caramel protein shake
- Brain food smoothie
- Mango smoothie
- Peach spinach smoothie
- Pineapple ginger smoothie
Don’t worry banana lovers; I’ve got tons of smoothies with banana too!
Fresh vs Frozen Strawberries
Another common smoothie question is whether to use fresh or frozen ingredients. While fruits do lose some of their nutritional value when frozen, they are typically frozen in season + at the peak of freshness.
So whether you buy fresh or frozen, you’ll still get great nutrition out of this strawberry smoothie.
How to freeze strawberries
Often, I buy strawberries in February (peak of the season here in Florida), and freeze them. BAM! I’ve got the best strawberries around for a few months of strawberry smoothies. Here’s my process
- Place strawberries in a colander and then rinse thoroughly with water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Hull the strawberries using either a knife or strawberry huller.
- Place the strawberries on a baking tray, making sure each berry doesn’t touch.
- Freeze for at least an hour.
- Place frozen strawberries in a resealable freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.
This strawberry smoothie recipe can be made with fresh or frozen strawberries. If you aren’t using a high powered blender, then make sure to thaw the berries slightly before blending.
How to Make a Strawberry Smoothie
It’s so easy to make a strawberry cherry cashew smoothie. Depending on your blender, soaking the cashews prior to blending might help. You can soften cashews with three methods:
The first method involves soaking the cashews overnight for 8 hours in water.
The second method involves boiling the cashews in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
The third method involves bringing the coconut water to a boil, then turning off the heat and adding the cashews to soak in the hot coconut water for 30 minutes to an hour.
Once the cashews are softened, drain, then add them to the blender along with the cashew milk, strawberries and frozen cherries. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the strawberry smoothie is too thick, add a bit more cashew milk, or water, and continue blending until reaching the desired consistency.
Health Benefits of a Strawberry Smoothie
From flavor to health benefits, cherries have so much to offer in this smoothie. Not only do they have a welcoming tartness that balances out the sweetness, they’re also packed with powerful antioxidants. Cherries also support healthy sleep and reduce inflammation.
Strawberries are full of vitamin C, which boosts your immunity as well as reduces the free-radicals that cause disease. With all of the cold and flu viruses circulating, there’s no better time to load up on vitamin C!
Cashews are a great source of plant-based protein. Cashews provide heart-healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with vitamins E, K, and B6 and Manganese, Magnesium, Copper, as well as Phosphorous and Zinc.
Whip up this tasty strawberry smoothie recipe as a health-packed breakfast or satisfying snack. The whole family will love this creamy treat! Will you please rate + review this recipe once you make it? Your reviews help us bloggers out so much.
Strawberry Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries
- ½ cup cherries frozen
- 1 cup cashew milk
- 2 tbsp raw cashews
- 1 serving homemade protein powder optional
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Cashews are used for creaminess, yet can be subbed with oats and oat milk, or almonds and almond milk
- Use at least one frozen fruit for a refreshingly cool smoothie.
- To up the fiber content + help your body break down the natural fruit sugar in this recipe add up to 1 cup of spinach per serving.
Loved the strawberry smoothie. I soaked the cashews in my protein unsweetened almond milk overnight. The smoothie was SO creamy. Of course, added my kale and protein powder, per my usual. Ordered the coconutbowls yesterday! Cant wait to put my smoothie in itBummer,… forgot to add cauliflower… will have to do next time!
Yogurt makes a great addition to this beginner-level smoothie.
I love-love-love the cashews in this recipe! I don’t know where Jen’s cashew cream has been all my life but now that I am confident in harnessing the plant-based power of cashews this recipe will definitely be a keeper!
Another amazing smoothie! I used Oatmilk since that’s what I drink. This is the best Strawberry Smoothie I’ve ever had!
Today’s smoothie was perfect! I ended up with a strange texture in the Day 4 Cinnamon Date Smoothie when I subbed my homemade cashew milk for almond milk. I was hesitant about using cashew milk in today’s challenge but finally realized that I have been using a cup less water when making my cashew milk so it is extra creamy for using in coffee, oatmeal!, etc. In today’s smoothie I used a cup of my cashew milk and a half cup of coconut water and did not add the cashews. The challenge is certainly expanding my smoothie knowledge as to ingredients and improving my vitamix skills! Thank you.
Another winner. The strawberry smoothie is thick, creamy, refreshing and best of all delicious. Will be making this all summer.
Another great combination I never could think to do. Of course added SGS protein. Super yummy
Yummy
Surprisingly unsweet. I wonder what it would be like with some dates or honey + some vanilla extract? Also the nutty flavor from the cashews was odd.
I used frozen strawberries, skipped the nuts, and substituted Black Seal rum instead of milk. I always loved a good frozen strawberry daiquiri!
Okay, I also tried some as written, I’d rather eat cashews separately, on their own. So, I’ll give it 4-stars.
There’s only one way to find out, Theresa! 😉 Sounds delish!
I LOVE this smoothie! However, I changed it up a little. Added spinach and collagen powder, and deleted the cashews. Will definitely make again!
Love this smoothie.
I added collegen powder and protein powder.
Very creamy and tasty.
My husband blended it up and it was okay. After reviewing the recipe again, I have a feeling he just used water since we don’t have cashew milk. We have cashew cream “ice” cubes, but he wouldn’t think to add a few of those in to make cashew milk. It tasted like strawberries! I’ll have to try it again to get the strawberries and cream effect. 🙂
Strawberries dominate the cherries. Cashew milk is nutritious but bland.
The Blend tasted a bit bland. I did taste the nuttiness of the cashews. It was ok!
I really love this challenge it has actually gave me some energy and I’m starting to feel the difference already so I have decided to save up an get a blender an I’m definitely going to keep these amazing recipes in my daily routine thanks
Another favorite.
Another dessert smoothie-this reminds me of a strawberry milkshake. lovely-2 mouthfuls, put the rest into the vitamix and a little water and lots of mixed greens-then a hearty smoothie I always need.
Nice combination of flavors–liked the cherry and frozen cauliflower with the strawberry.