Berry Banana Smoothie

The secret to a smoothie that drinks like a milkshake instead of fruity water is right there in the directions: freeze the banana first. Frozen banana pieces blend down into something thick and frosty without watering things down the way ice does, and they carry enough natural sweetness that you don’t need to add sugar.

Orange juice does the liquid work here instead of milk, keeping it dairy-light and giving the berries a bright, citrusy backbone. A spoonful of vanilla yogurt rounds it out with just enough creamy tang.

Use whatever berries you have on hand, fresh or frozen, whether that’s raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or a handful of each.

Kitchen Tips

• Keep a stash of peeled, cut-up bananas in the freezer so a smoothie is always five minutes away.
• If you’re using all frozen fruit, add a splash more juice to keep the blender moving.
• Blend the juice and yogurt first, then drop in the frozen fruit so the blades catch instead of jamming.

Variations

• Swap in pineapple or mango juice for a tropical spin.
• Add a handful of spinach for a green smoothie the kids won’t detect.
• Stir in a scoop of protein powder or nut butter for a more filling post-workout drink.