A healthy strawberry smoothie high in protein and fiber, using milk or yogurt and even some fresh zucchini, making it high in nutrients and deliciously thick and frosty like a strawberry milkshake. 
This healthy strawberry smoothie is creamy thanks to the zucchini. Adding the vegetable raw (or cooked) does not interfere with the strawberry flavor. Adding milk and yogurt makes it even creamier. Or make the strawberry smoothie without yogurt and use all milk instead. I made mine dairy free.
As with my other healthy smoothie recipe, my chocolate smoothie and my green smoothie sweetened with green grapes, the nutrients add up! This healthy berry smoothie is delicious with any milk but especially my homemade oat milk and/or yogurt amps the cream factor.
Why You'll Love This
No refined sugar: I let the strawberry flavor shine in this healthy strawberry shake and depend on the kiwi for sweet flavor. And fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor and actually brings out the sweet flavor of strawberry.
Tops in Nutrition: The strawberries in this simple strawberry smoothie provide a ton of vitamin C and vitamin A, both immunity boosters. The zucchini offers fiber and essential minerals, and the chia seeds bring fiber, protein and omegas. The smoothie is awesome for all diets as well as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, refined-sugar-free and plant-based.
Ingredients
The ingredients in this smoothie are simple, including strawberries, an additional fruit, a liquid and a thickener. Specifically, they are:
- Strawberries: I suggest you use frozen, so your smoothie is chilled after blending.
- Kiwi: Mango is also an option. Both boosts immunity, balances blood sugar, support even blood flow.
- Zucchini: Use raw, not peeled, and organic if possible. It also provides fiber and a slew of vitamins.
- Dairy Free Milk and Yogurt: A mix of the two is the secret behind the frosty milkshake texture. Choose plain to not add unwanted sugars.
- Lemon Juice: So important to brighten the flavor. Fresh or organic bottled.
- Chia seeds: Optional but they add fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Equipment Needed
- blender
- paring knife
- glasses, glass straws
Steps to Make
- Step 1. Measure out your ingredients.
- Step 2. Rinse and core the strawberries, and then slice strawberries.
- Step 3. Rinse and chop the zucchini. Do not peel provided you bought organic zucchini.
- Step 4. Peel the skin off the kiwi and chop into chunks.
- Step 5. If you want a super cold smoothie, you can either freeze fresh ingredients after you prepped them, or use one of them pre-frozen, such as strawberries since it's easy to buy a bag of frozen organic strawberries. And don't forget the lemon juice.
- Step 6. Put all ingredients in a blender and blend into a frothy smoothie! Drink it cold, over ice or in a mug with whipped cream.
Variations & Substitutions
Swap Zucchini for Banana. Swap out the zucchini for a frozen small banana, and turn this smoothie into a Strawberry Banana Smoothie. Bananas thicken smoothies and add a sweetener.
Swap Zucchini for Cauliflower. Cauliflower when steamed (cooled) or even riced raw, makes the best high-fiber smoothie ingredient. It thickens and adds so much fiber and nutrition. But it does not contribute to the sweet flavor, so add a date or two to cover that.
Recipe Tips
- Use ripe strawberries to ensure a sweet flavor and freeze them if possible.
- Make sure the milk and yogurt are cold to support the frosty texture.
- Do not add any sweeteners, even maple syrup. Depend on the fruit for flavor.
- For added zing, add some chopped fresh ginger and or a tablespoon of lemon juice.
- If you want a thicker smoothie, add more chia seeds, yogurt, or add ¼ cup rolled oats.
How to Store
Refrigerate. It is always best to drink a fruit smoothie right away, but if you want to store it, put it into a sealed container in the refrigerator for 24 hours. The color may fade overnight, but you can "pink" it back up by blending again with a strawberry or two.
Freezer. If you want to keep it longer, pour it into ice cube trays, and once those are frozen, store the cubes in freezer bags for up to three months. When you are ready to make your smoothie, add the cubes to a blender, allow ten minutes to thaw, and add some milk to help the blender blend. Enjoy!
FAQS
How healthy are strawberry smoothies?
Strawberry smoothies are general healthy when made with frozen strawberries, milk or yogurt and no refined sugar. This recipe is very healthy with only 131 calories, 5 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.
How to Sweeten a Strawberry Smoothie
In the interest of keeping this strawberry smoothie healthy, I would not suggest adding sweeteners. If you must because you think your strawberries are not sweet, then add 1-2 pitted Medjool dates. Dates will add iron, magnesium and fiber to your smoothie as well as sweeten it up.
Are Strawberry Smoothies Good for Your Skin?
Yes! They are rich in the natural collagen builder, vitamin C. Collagen, eaten naturally from fruits like strawberry, are said to be a natural anti-aging elixir helping skin stay smooth and supple and resistant to wrinkles.[source]
Strawberry Smoothies Help Control Weight
Strawberries are rich in bioactive compounds that fight unwanted weight gain on a level scientists are just beginning to understand.[source]
More Healthy Smoothies
- Chocolate Smoothie
- Ultimate Green Smoothie
- Chocolate Beet Smoothie
- Meal Replacement Shake
- Weight Loss Smoothie
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
- Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
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📖 Recipe
Healthy Strawberry Smoothie
Equipment
- paring knife
- glasses, glass straws
Ingredients
- 3 cups strawberries
- 1 cup kiwi, peeled (about 6)
- ½ cup zucchini, raw and not peeled, but organic or a small banana
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- ½ cup dairy free milk
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
Prep
- Peel the kiwi, wash the zucchini. If using cauliflower instead, steam and refrigerate for 30 minutes to cool. Rinse berries, and cut off green stem from strawberries.
Make Smoothie
- Add all ingredients to a blender.3 cups strawberries, 1 cup kiwi, peeled (about 6), ½ cup zucchini, raw and not peeled, but organic, ½ cup dairy free milk, 2 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, ½ cup plain yogurt
- Process until mixture is smooth.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for drinking within 24 hours.
Video
Notes
- Use ripe strawberries to ensure a sweet flavor.
- Make sure the milk and yogurt are cold to support the frosty texture.
- Do not add any sweeteners, even maple syrup. Depend on the fruit for flavor.
- For added zing, add some chopped fresh ginger and or a tablespoon of lemon juice.
Cooper
Incredible flavor. I had the freshest strawberries. I peeled the zucchini and added a knob of fresh ginger instead of lemon juice. Yum!