4 Quick Smoothie Recipes That Are Ready for the Day Waaay Before You Are

Fresh, frosty drinks when you want something fast and satisfying.

By
Mimi Young
Mimi Young
Mimi Young
Editor
Mimi Young is an editor and pastry chef. She has also curated and written numerous recipe roundups for Serious Eats.
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Updated October 24, 2024
Overhead view of two coffee smoothies with glass straws

Serious Eats / Jen Causey

I like to think of smoothies as the ultimate "choose your own adventure" concoction—you can make it with just about anything you want. All you need is a blender and you're good to go. But how many times have you chucked a bunch of random ingredients into the blender, hoping for the tastiest result and ending up with the grossest? Been there…many, many times. This is where smoothie recipes can act as a springboard for our creativity.

We've rounded up our favorite smoothie recipes to set you off on the path to success. Whether you want a quick, nutrient-packed breakfast drink to jumpstart your morning, or an afternoon pick-me-up when you've hit the proverbial wall, there's a smoothie recipe that's for you. So, let's get that blender whirling!

  • Peanut Butter-Banana Smoothie

    Banana smoothie in a glass cup with bananas in the background.

    Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez

    Like Elvis, I love the iconic pairing of bananas and peanut butter—hold the bacon. Here, peanut butter's creaminess and savory notes perfectly complement the natural sweetness and tropical flavor of banana, while blending in frozen sliced bananas yields a thicker, creamier texture. We recommend using unsalted natural peanut butter with no added sugar and then adding just a pinch of salt to enhance the sweet-savory flavor profile.

  • Strawberry Banana Smoothie

    Strawberry Banana Smoothie in a glass mug on white counter

    Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez

    This deliciously smoothie is reminiscent of the strawberry milk from your childhood—minus the artificial flavors and colors. Frozen strawberries, almost always packed at peak ripeness, chill the smoothie without the need for ice, while a bit of strawberry jam intensifies the berry flavor. Banana adds thickness while whole milk lends richness.

  • Coffee Smoothie

    Overhead view of two coffee smoothies with glass straws

    Serious Eats / Jen Causey

    If you're like me, a morning without coffee is like a false start to the day. While I usually take my Joe hot in the form of a latte, there is something extremely appealing about drinking it in smoothie form—especially when it can almost double as breakfast. This smoothie is layered with coffee flavor from strong-brewed coffee ice cubes, coffee yogurt, and chocolate-covered espresso beans, plus creamy almond butter and a little sweetened condensed milk. Good morning, indeed!

  • Avocado Smoothie

    Avocado smoothie in a glass mug

    Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez

    This green smoothie is right up my alley: It's ultra-creamy from avocado, sweet from mango and banana, and slightly tangy from orange juice. There's also just enough spinach to pump up the vibrant color and provide a dose of green vegetable without me actually noticing its presence. That's a win-win in my book.

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