Save My yoga instructor mentioned this smoothie after class one morning, talking about how tart cherries helped with recovery. I was skeptical about the flavor combination until I finally tried it at her house, standing in her sunlit kitchen while she blended up two glasses. Now it is my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent but still nourishing.
Last summer my niece was visiting and declared she hated healthy smoothies. I made this without telling her what was in it, watching her eyes light up at the first sip. She asked for the recipe before leaving, and now sends me photos of her version every time she makes it for breakfast before school.
Ingredients
- Frozen tart cherries: These are the star of the show, giving that gorgeous deep color and signature tartness that balances everything
- Banana: Frozen banana makes it creamy and thick, but fresh works if that is what you have on hand
- Greek yogurt: Adds protein and tang, though plant based yogurt keeps it dairy free
- Almond milk: Unsweetened lets the cherry flavor shine through without competing sugars
- Almond butter: This creates the rich, nutty undertone that makes the smoothie feel substantial and satisfying
- Maple syrup: Just enough to round out the tartness without making it dessert sweet
Instructions
- Load your blender:
- Add all ingredients to the blender canister, putting liquids in first to help everything move freely
- Blend until silky:
- Start on low speed to break up the frozen fruit, then crank it to high for a full minute until completely smooth
- Taste and tweak:
- Give it a quick taste and add another splash of maple syrup if your cherries were especially tart
- Serve right away:
- Pour into glasses immediately while it is at peak fluffiness, maybe adding a few almond slices on top
Save This became my post workout ritual during marathon training last year. Something about drinking something that vivid and refreshing made the hard miles feel worth it. My training partner started requesting it too, and we would blend up a double batch to share in her driveway after our Saturday long runs.
Make It Thicker
Sometimes I want this to be basically ice cream in a glass, especially on hot afternoons. Throw in a handful of ice cubes or use all frozen fruit to achieve that shake like consistency that demands a spoon.
Mix Up The Milk
Oat milk adds a subtle sweetness that plays nicely with the cherries, while cashew milk makes it even creamier. I have even used coconut milk in a pinch, which gives it a tropical twist that still somehow works.
Boost The Protein
After discovering vanilla protein powder turns this into a proper meal replacement, I started keeping a stash in my pantry. A scoop adds nearly twenty grams of protein without overwhelming the delicate cherry almond balance.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to make all the flavors pop
- Extra almond butter creates a more filling breakfast smoothie
- A drop of almond extract amplifies the nutty notes
Save This is the kind of recipe that proves simple does not mean boring. Hope it becomes as much of a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
For the best texture and freshness, blend and enjoy immediately. However, you can prepare individual ingredient portions in freezer bags and store them for up to 3 months. When ready, just dump the frozen contents into your blender, add liquid, and blend.
- → How can I make this smoothie thicker?
Use frozen banana instead of fresh, add a handful of ice cubes before blending, or reduce the almond milk by 1/4 cup. You can also add a tablespoon of chia seeds and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before blending—the seeds will gel and create extra thickness.
- → What can I substitute for almond butter?
Cashew butter, sunflower seed butter (for nut-free), or peanut butter work well. Each will slightly alter the flavor profile but maintain the creamy texture. For lower fat, try using 1/2 tablespoon of almond extract instead.
- → Is this smoothie suitable for meal prep?
While best fresh, you can batch-prepare the dry and frozen ingredients in individual bags. In the morning, add your preferred milk and blend. This makes weekday mornings incredibly efficient while maintaining optimal texture and flavor.
- → Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Fresh cherries work, but you'll lose some thickness and chill factor. Add 1/2 cup of ice cubes to compensate, and consider using a frozen banana. Frozen tart cherries also tend to be more consistently available year-round and offer peak flavor.
- → How do I increase the protein content?
Add a scoop of vanilla or plain protein powder (whey or plant-based), use Greek yogurt with higher protein content, or blend in a tablespoon of hemp seeds. The base already provides about 8g of protein per serving from the yogurt and almond butter.