White countertop with KitchenAid® stand mixer and KitchenAid® blender surrounded by fruits - woman is pouring smoothies into three glasses.

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT SMOOTHIE

Stuck in a smoothie rut and can’t seem to find that perfect creamy blend, or maybe you’re just ready to take your smoothie game up a notch. Either way this guide has everything you need – including equipment, ingredients, proportions, recipes and tips – for creating tasty and satisfying smoothies in your very own kitchen.

Two glasses of the perfect strawberry smoothie sit on a kitchen counter next to a white KitchenAid® blender and a carton of fresh strawberries.

STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR EQUIPMENT

There’s more than one appliance you can use to make a smoothie, but the most popular “go to” is a blender. They’re powerful enough to break up ice and pulverize fruits and vegetables and they’re capable of creating that “just right” consistency. KitchenAid offers blenders with a range of blender speed settings that can take on tough ingredients and deliver smooth results.

Another option is a food processor. Keep in mind that this method can be messy, especially if the appliance you own is not able to lock in liquids.KitchenAid offers food processors in a range of colors and sizes to help unleash possibilities in the kitchen.

If you’re making an individual smoothie, immersion blenders can be powerful enough to do the job. On top of being a more economical option, these hand blenders have the added advantage of being easy to clean and easy to store. KitchenAid offers a complete line of immersion blenders to help fuel your kitchen creativity.

In addition to a good appliance for blending your smoothie, measuring cups and measuring spoons are the only other equipment you’ll need. Gather your tools and ingredients before you start blending to help make the process flow smoothly.

Two glasses of milk with black and white paper straws sitting on counter next to milk bottle.

STEP 2: CHOOSE A LIQUID BASE – ABOUT 1 CUP

The base you choose is key, it’s the foundation of any delicious smoothie. The base can add a nutritional component as well as flavor and texture. A good rule of thumb: a water or juice base will enhance the flavor of your fruits and veggies while a milk base will create a creamier smoothie. Let’s look at a some popular bases:

WATER

Not only is water economical and readily available, it’s a great base when you want the flavor of your ingredients to really “sing.” Water pairs especially well with fruits that make creamy smoothies like banana and mango. And of course, ice makes an ideal base for a thicker, icier result.

WATER TIP:

The best smoothies start with the best ingredients so always use purified or filtered water in your smoothies. For clean, fresh filtered water and ice straight from the fridge make sure you use a great filter and change it every six months. everydrop^® ice and water filters are the only filters approved by KitchenAid.¹

COCONUT WATER

Add a naturally sweet tropical note and some fiber to your smoothie with delicious, nutritious, low-cal coconut water.

COLD-PRESSED JUICE

No heat or oxygen is used in processing these juices. Cold-pressed watermelon juice is great in smoothies.

ALMOND MILK

This plant based milk is a great dairy alternative, bringing the creaminess and richness of cow’s milk to your smoothie.

COCONUT MILK

Some people steer clear of coconut milk because of its fat content. But like almond milk, this base will make a delicious, creamy smoothie.

RICE MILK

Since it has a neutral taste it won’t compete with other flavors.

MILK TIP:

Coconut milk and almond milk both taste great but keep in mind that coconut milk will bring a creamy, more tropical flavor while almond milk brings a more neutral flavor to the smoothie party.

COFFEE/TEA

Add a little caffeine kick to your smoothie with brewed coffee or tea for a refreshing and nourishing breakfast mashup or late afternoon pick-me-up.

Overhead shot of the perfect smoothie bowl surrounded by fresh herbs, ginger, carrots, beets, kale and lemon slices.

STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR GREENS – ABOUT 1/2 TO 1 CUP

Greens can really amp up your smoothie and depending on which ones you choose they can also add interesting flavors. In addition to leafy greens, using ingredients like cauliflower, carrots or zucchini in your smoothies are good ways to incorporate veggies in your diet and depending on the taste you’re going for they’re easy to mask with added fruits. Here are some popular greens:

KALE

Kale is the darling of the leafy greens these days. The benefits of kale are enhanced when they’re blended, making this green a perfect ingredient for a healthy smoothie. Kale has a strong, slightly bitter flavor but baby kale is a little milder. Blend it with sweeter fruits to balance out the bitter taste.

SPINACH

This green is a popular addition to smoothies thanks to its mild flavor and soft, easy-to-blend leaves. The neutral flavor of spinach pairs well with low-sugar fruits like strawberries, blueberries, apples and pears.

ARUGULA

This strong, peppery tasting green pairs well with strong-flavored fruits like citrus. The bold taste of dried fruits like cherries, dates and cranberries can also stand up well to this green.

Preparing to blend the perfect banana smoothie with bananas, kiwis, and pineapple slices layered in the bowl of a KitchenAid® food processor.

STEP 4: CHOOSE YOUR FRUIT – 1 TO 2 CUPS

The sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing fruits for the perfect smoothie. Fruit is the ingredient that will really give your smoothie its personality. Bananas and pineapples are popular choices but they’re both bold in flavor so they can easily overpower your drink. Combining the sweetness of bananas with a milder tasting and more acidic fruit like strawberries is a good way to create a great balanced flavor. And because pineapple is a tropical fruit it works really well with coconut water or a coconut milk base. You can even create a smoothie with a seasonal flair, like an autumn smoothie made with pumpkin and spices.

FRUIT AND VEGGIE TIP:

Using frozen fruits and veggies in your smoothies can help create a creamy, rich texture. Bananas are one of the most common ingredients in smoothies and they’re easy to freeze and have on hand for your next smoothie. Just slice up your bananas – the riper, the sweeter – lay them out on a parchment lined tray and freeze for a minimum of 30 minutes. When they’re frozen toss them into individual freezer bags so you can thaw and use as needed.

Overhead shot of the perfect green smoothie bowl surrounded by blueberries, seeds, sliced kiwi, lemon and almonds.

STEP 5: ADD FATS – 1 TO 2 TEASPOONS

Fats come in many forms; think nuts/nut butters – oils – coconut and flaxseed are popular – and avocados.

Remember, the calories in these ingredients can add up quickly so you’ll want to keep an eye on how much you’re adding in to keep your smoothie from weighing you down.

Woman in green shirt blending individual smoothies with KitchenAid® immersion blender – berries, herbs and milk surround glasses.

STEP 6: GIVE IT A BOOST

There are myriad add-ins to boost the taste and texture of your smoothie. Thicken your smoothie with cooked oats. Add a handful of herbs to enhance flavors. Sweeten your smoothie with a little raw honey or agave. Spice it up with a little cinnamon or ginger. There are so many ways to personalize your smoothie so experiment, let your creative juices flow – there really are no wrong answers.

Explore KitchenAid^® appliances for making smoothies

Fresh-cut strawberries, creamy coconut milk and tangy oranges are ideal ingredients to combine in a KitchenAid^® appliance for making smoothies. Browse countertop blenders, immersion blenders and more to choose the best tool for your favorite smoothie recipes.

Woman pouring the perfect green smoothie from a KitchenAid® blender into two tall glasses sitting on white counter.

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT GREEN SMOOTHIE AND MORE

Now that you’re armed with all the tools and tips you need to make the perfect smoothie, it’s time to get blending. In just a matter of minutes you can whip up an energizing and complete breakfast with this green smoothie recipe. Or learn how to make a true classic – the perfect strawberry banana smoothie. And for something a little more savory, check out this delicious, veggie forward Bloody Mary Smoothie recipe that's perfect as a Mother's Day brunch appetizer.

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