This Super Strawberry Smoothie Is the Bright Spot We Need this Winter

Whether you’ve resolved to eat at least something healthy over the holidays or you need a mid-winter pick-me-up, this super strawberry smoothie is here to come to the rescue. It’s a much-needed shot of pure sunshine that's flavorful enough to make you forget, at least for a moment, how cold and dreary it is outside.

If you think seasonal winter produce is limited to root veggies, think again. February is actually the peak of the Florida strawberry winter harvest, making the fruit a vibrant addition to our cold-weather diets. What's more, strawberries are a nutritional powerhouse. One serving of about eight medium-sized strawberries is fat- and cholesterol-free and has only 45 calories; with only seven grams of natural sugar per serving, strawberries are a low glycemic index fruit.

The health benefits of strawberries don’t stop there. Strawberries are a good source of folate, dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C (more than an orange!). They're also rich in nitrates, which can increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the muscles and prevent muscle fatigue during workouts. Eating strawberries may also reduce blood pressure and obesity.

All of this is why we created a smoothie that doesn't just feature strawberries, but makes them the star. A combination of ice and frozen mixed berries complements the strawberry flavor while providing a way to get the smoothie perfectly cold. Plain yogurt adds some protein and a creamy base. It can be dairy or vegan yogurt, but opt for a thinner texture if possible. A touch of honey and a pinch of sea salt may sound counterintuitive, but they both round out the drink for that perfect mix of sweet, salty, tart, and creamy.

Florida strawberries are picked when they are fully ripe and shipped the very same day. So even if you don’t live in Florida—the second largest strawberry-producing region in the US—you can still find them at your local supermarket. Plant City Florida, known as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the Nation, has been growing strawberries for over 100 years, so they know what they're doing. We love that most of their farms are family-owned and -operated by third and fourth generation strawberry farmers.

When you're shopping for strawberries, select ones that are firm, plump, and fragrant. They should have a bright, glossy-red appearance and their fringed caps should be bright green and look fresh, too. Make sure to look for Florida on the label so you know that you are getting the freshest possible strawberries during the winter months. If you’re just eating strawberries straight, remove them from the refrigerator for an hour or two before serving, since they're best at room temperature. Otherwise, pop them in the blender for this satisfying smoothie that's great to sip on at any time of day.

Super Strawberry Smoothie

Yield: One to two servings (14 ounces)
Active time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:
Heaping 1 cup hulled strawberries (5 ounces)
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries (2 ounces)
1/2 cup plain yogurt (do not use Greek yogurt)
1/2 cup ice (2 ounces)
1 tablespoon honey
Pinch sea salt

Directions:
1. Put all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on strength of blender. If too thick for your liking, you can add a splash of milk or juice. Serve.