Blueberry, Ginger, and Kefir Smoothie Recipe

By
Autumn Giles
Autumn Giles wrote Beyond Canning in 2016 and has been creating recipes for preserving, cocktails, and desserts for over a decade, all gluten-free.
Learn about Serious Eats' Editorial Process
Updated May 10, 2019
296007-blueberry-ginger-kefir-smoothie-autumn-giles.jpg
Capture the flavor of fresh berries in this summer smoothie, thickened with frozen kefir. . Autumn Giles

A thick, frosty blueberry shake made with frozen kefir cubes and spicy fresh ginger. The kefir cubes, which make the smoothie cold and creamy without watering down the flavor like regular ice cubes, can be made in advance and stored in a ziploc freezer bag.

Note: Be sure to select plain, whole-milk kefir to make the kefir cubes. This recipe makes five kefir ice cubes, enough for one drink; if you're making more than one smoothie, be sure to make the number of kefir cubes you need.

Recipe Details

Blueberry, Ginger, and Kefir Smoothie Recipe

Active 5 mins
Total 5 mins
Makes 1 smoothie
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • For the Kefir Ice Cubes:
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons plain whole-milk kefir
  • For the smoothie:
  • 6 ounces blueberries
  • 2 tablespoons plain whole-milk kefir
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated peeled ginger, lightly packed
  • 5 Kefir ice cubes
  • Additional fresh blueberries, for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. For the Kefir Ice Cubes: Divide kefir between 5 slots of an ice cube tray, using about 2 tablespoons for each cube. Freeze overnight, remove from the tray, and store in a zipper-lock bag in the freezer.

  2. For the Smoothie: Blend blueberries and kefir on low until a rough puree forms. Add ginger and kefir ice cubes and blend until completely smooth. Garnish with extra fresh blueberries, if desired, and serve immediately.

Special equipment

blender, ice cube tray

This Recipe Appears In

More Serious Eats Recipes