This blueberry smoothie recipe is “basic” in the best of ways. It’s cold, creamy, nutritious and delicious. I crave this smoothie in the morning and it keeps me going until lunch. What more can you hope for in a smoothie?
All you need to make these blueberry smoothies are four basic ingredients: frozen blueberries and bananas, almond butter and almond milk. Blend them up for a luscious, plant-based treat!
I’m too tired in the mornings to make fancy breakfasts. Give me a dependable, energizing, dare-I-say “basic” breakfast like this blueberry smoothie, and I’m a happy camper.
I could drink this smoothie every morning for breakfast this summer. In fact, I think I will!
How to Make Blueberry Smoothies
These blueberry smoothies are super simple to make and will actually keep you satisfied for hours, since it offers almost 10 grams of protein and fiber per serving. Whip them up for breakfast, or any time you’re craving ice cream—they’re that good.
Frozen blueberries offer tons of antioxidants and gorgeous purply-blue color. Buy wild/organic blueberries for maximum nutrients.
Frozen bananas make this smoothie creamy and naturally sweet. This smoothie is nothing without the bananas!
Almond butter offers extra creaminess, plus protein, fiber and heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.
Vanilla almond milk makes this smoothie as creamy as possible. Buy unsweetened to avoid refined sugar. My favorite brands are Malk or Califia Farms. Or use water, for a slightly less luxurious texture.
For a sweeter smoothie, you can add maple syrup, to taste. I usually don’t need it, since the bananas are sweet enough.
For extra sticking power, you can add up to 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats and/or up to 2 tablespoons flax seed. The flax seed makes leftover smoothies almost pudding-like in texture—I’m into it!
Craving more delicious smoothies?
Don’t miss these delicious smoothies:
- Mango-Pineapple Green Smoothies
- Banana Almond Smoothies
- Simple Strawberry Smoothies
- Tropical Açai Bowls
Please let me know how you like these blueberry smoothies in the comments! I’ve deemed it my Official Summer Breakfast, and I hope it becomes yours, too. Browse even more healthy breakfast recipes here.
Basic Blueberry Smoothie
- Author:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 smoothies 1x
- Category: Smoothie
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Make this blueberry smoothie for breakfast! This smoothie recipe is creamy, luscious and so nutritious. You’ll need frozen blueberries and bananas, almond butter and almond milk. Recipe yields 2 servings (about 4 cups); you can easily halve or double the recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups to 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk or water
- 1 ½ cups frozen blueberries
- 1 ½ cups frozen bananas (I freeze my bananas in ½″ slices)
- ¼ cup almond butter
- Optional nutrition boosters: ¼ cup old-fashioned oats and/or 2 tablespoons flax seed
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup, if necessary (I usually don’t need it)
Instructions
- In a blender, combine all of the ingredients.
- Blend on low until the blender gains traction, then ramp up to the highest speed as soon as possible (or if your blender has a smoothie function, that will work great). Stop to scrape down the sides or add more milk if necessary.
- Once the smoothie is completely smooth and creamy, taste it and blend in maple syrup if you’d like a sweeter smoothie. Divide the smoothie into 2 glasses. Serve immediately!
Notes
Recipe inspired by my banana almond smoothie.
Make it gluten free: The smoothie is gluten-free without the oats. If you’re adding oats, be sure they’re certified gluten-free.
Make it nut free: I haven’t tried this, but you could substitute sunbutter for the almond butter, and nut-free milk (oat milk, coconut milk, etc.) or water for the almond milk.
Storage suggestions: These smoothie keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for 1 to 2 days. The top layer may darken in color; scoop off that layer if you’re bothered by it.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Jaclyn Courchaine
I love smoothies but most of them have bananas in the ingredients. and I haaaate bananas in any amount! Do you have any suggestions for a substitute?
Kate
Hi Jaclyn, that’s a tough question! The only other ingredient I’ve found that can be as creamy as banana is frozen mango. I’m just not sure how well mango will work with the other flavors. Definitely check out this mango-pineapple smoothie, though!
Jaclyn Courchaine
thanks Kate! I’ll give it a go!
Sasha
Try subbing avocadofor bahaha! U may need a sweetener though!
Nella
You can try avocado instead of bananas for creaminess.
Depending how much you put in, you might have to add some maple syrup or dates to make-up for the sweetness of bananas.
Amy Lopez
I use avocado in my smoothies and its great for adding creaminess and you can’t taste the avocado. I do a quarter of an avocado for one tervis tumbler sized smoothie.
Beth
Tasty! I used all frozen blueberries and bananas, so it needed an additional 1/4 cup of liquid (water) and for a bit of oomf a half serving of vanilla protein powder.
Bobby
Avocado. Works great to attain that velvety smooth texture. Of course, you WILL have to add a sweetener.
★★★★★
Amber
I love subbing frozen cauliflower rice or avocados for bananas! It still makes it very creamy and you can’t taste it! Might just not be as sweet!
Jaclyn Courchaine
such a great idea! thank you! I’ll take any excuse to eat avocados :)
Brin
I’ve found avocados to be a good replacement, so creamy and not too strongly flavoured!
Cristina
I’ve tried several of your recipes now and always end up very pleased, so thank you! I’d love to try this one out but I’m a peanut butter over almond butter kind of girl. Would that work in this smoothie, you think?
Kate
Wonderful to hear, Cristina! Sure, you could try it. I prefer almond with this mix. But a nut butter of your liking should do.
Kal
Yep, I tried it with peanut butter and the flavors went together really well. If you like pb more definitely use that.
★★★★★
Rhonda Scrivin
Can you use put in the smoothies GOAT MILK instead of almond milk or coconut milk?
Kate
If you would like to use that, sure! I’m not sure how goats milk will taste with the other ingredients, but if that’s your preferred milk.
Cassie Autumn Tran
My favorite blueberry smoothie combo has to be frozen blueberries, acai, almond milk, and cinnamon! Tastes like vanilla ice cream. So heavenly and delicious! Your blueberry smoothie looks SOOOOO vibrant that it’s almost too pretty to drink!
Kate
Sounds delicious, Cassie!
Brittany Audra @ Audra's Appetite
I love the creaminess that bananas always add to smoothies as well! I need to buy a bunch of bananas and freeze them just to have on hand for smoothies, especially now that it’s getting warmer outside!
Kate
A key ingredient for sure!
Gaby Dalkin
#SmoothieGoals!
Kate
:)
Natalie
Looks so refreshing and delicious! I love blueberry smoothie – so healthy too!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Natalie!
Claire
This smoothie is amazing and tastes like ice cream. I was surprised that my normal grocery store had frozen wild blue berries, I figured I would have to go to whole foods. I definitely will be drinking this all summer with you!
★★★★★
Kate
Win! That’s great you were able to find frozen wild blueberries. I appreciate the review, Claire.
Debbie
Made it this morning and it is delicious!
★★★★★
Kate
Great! Thank you, Debbie for the review.
Pooja Haney
Mmmm! I make a smoothie like this and throw in spinach! That blueberry almond butter combo is heavenly!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you!
Sarah Rosenblatt
That color is fantastic! I have to try these.
Kate
The color and taste is beautiful! Let me know what you think when you try it, Sarah.
sarah
I loved the photo so much that I made this smoothie for breakfast today. Such a beautiful color! Not sure if I’ll add this to my regular repertoire, but it was fun to have a PBJ in a glass.
★★★★
Kate
Thanks for sharing and for your review, Sarah!
Natalie Ellis
Feel like summer is coming that inspires you make a lot of drink recipes xD I love all kinds of smoothie making from berries as I just made raspberry with banana adding walnuts last week.
Kate
That sounds tasty! Summer and smoothies just go together. :) Thanks for sharing, Natalie!
Veggy Malta
Wow looks great. Must try out. And blueberries .. so healthy. Thanks for the share. Such inspirational writing. well done.
★★★★★
Kate
Let me know what you think!
Susan
This smoothie sounds very good. I would choose to add protein powder to make sure I get enough protein. High levels of carbs just don’t hold me for very long.
Kate
Feel free to add additional protein, but it does have almost 10 grams of protein already. Enjoy!
Susan
Thanks, Kate. I usually go for 25-30 grams because that’s what I need. My minimum is 15 grams.
Jesi
My new favorite smoothie! It tastes like something you might get through a Dairy Queen drive-through. It’s that good!
★★★★★
Kate
Ha, I’m so glad you think so Jesi! I really appreciate the comment and review.
Jenna
I love this smoothie! Thank you for the almond butter idea–I wouldn’t have thought of that. I’ve mixed it up a little bit by adding chocolate almond butter and a half scoop of vanilla protein powder (I don’t like the taste of those powders so just added a bit).
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome! I love nut butter. Thanks for sharing how you have made it more your own, Jenna. I appreciate the review.
Rachel
Wow! What a tasty smoothie!! No sweetener, no dairy, and simple available ingredients. This is a winner
Kate
Great! If you would want to leave a review since you liked it so much, that would be great.
Dani
Thanks for the recipe! I added a big fistful of spinach and it still retained its beautiful blue color and wonderful flavor.
Kate
Wonderful! Thanks, Dani for sharing.
Kristina
This was delicious! I added a handful of baby spinach to mine (as I do with nearly all my smoothies) for a nutritional boost. Thanks for another great recipe!
★★★★★
Kate
Great optional add-in! Thanks for the review, Kristina.
Marge
I went out and bought all the ingredients I’d need to make this smoothie, but had to use Cherry Berry Blend fruit (store was out of Blueberries). The smoothie is HEAVENLY! It is one of the most delicious smoothies I have ever made! Thank you for this recipe! Next step – get to the store and get the blueberries!
★★★★★
Kate
Sounds great, Marge! Thanks for sharing.
Betty
How did your smoothie come out so blue?? I love the color! I used organic, frozen blueberries and equal proportion almond mylk plus banana and mine is this pinky-purple color. Please share your secret. I love eating healthy foods that look amazing…all part of the fun!
★★★★
Kate
It could be the blueberries themselves based on their overall ripeness. Some have a deeper color and skins give a little more. :) As long as it tastes good! Thanks so much for your comment and review.
Lilly Bakker-Arkema
Hi Kate,
Wondering how you made the smoothie so blue. mine did not turn out like this :/. Thanks!
Lilly.
Kate
I didn’t do anything different! It might have just been some extra blue skins on the blueberry. :)
Georgia
It was absolutely delicious!!! I added thr oats and flax seed meal and the creamy texture made it even better. My new favorite smoothie!
★★★★★
Kate
Wonderful, Georgia! Thanks for the review.
John
Why do the bananas need to be frozen. Curious!
Kate
It helps make it more creamy and chilled! :)
Aggie Sobol
Basic Blueberry Smoothie is Fabulous – my blueberries were not
frozen and it was excellent. I have shared this receipe
thank you
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Aggie! I’m really glad you think so.
Deborah H
I made this recipe this morning and it was delicious and refreshing! I happen to love blueberries and this recipe made them the main star of my breakfast drink. I didn’t need to add any sweetener since the blueberries and bananas added just the right amount of sweetness.
★★★★★
Kate
Great! Thank you, Deborah.
Reni
I tried this recipe today morning, its delish :) Substituted almond butter with peanut butter, worked great.
★★★★★
Kate
Great substitute, Reni!
June norris
Not a fantastic cook and get put of by long complicated meals. Your meals are so lush all my favourite foods and so easy to prepare. I feel really proud and inspired by you. Thank you
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy to hear you like them, June!
Shams
Hey! KATHRYNE, I took strawberry smoothie last day. That was so cool! But can I take papaya instead of banana? I think that would more preferable for me!
★★★★★
Kate
I haven’t tried it, but I don’t see why not! :)
Ella
Hi! Excited to try the recipe! When you recommend old fashioned oats, is that cooked oats, or just uncooked ones straight from the container?:)
Kate
Hi Ella! Great question. Uncooked oats from the container.
Daniel
It’s hard to go wrong with a blueberry smoothie. I made a similar smoothie using frozen blueberries and banana, peanut butter instead of almond, and a little almond flavoring, and some yogurt and milk instead of almond milk or water. And molasses, as I had no maple syrup, and some packets of sweetener. One doesn’t need exactitude here to come up with something excellent. That’s part of why the high rating — it’s so flexible.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you really liked it, Daniel! I appreciate your comment and review.
Lisa
This is similar to the one I make all the time! I add baby spinach as well
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for your review, Lisa!
Sarah Beth
So good, fresh, and simple! Thank you for this delicious recipe, it’s going in my breakfast routine!
★★★★★
Kate
Great! Thanks for your review, Sarah.
Kaitlin Richters
Great flavor! I love how vibrant the purple-blue is. It was gorgeous. My smoothie came out too thick, though. I think it’s because I only wanted one serving, so I halved the recipe and didn’t have 1/8 Cup to measure the almond butter, so I eye-balled a large scoop instead. I think I put too much. I’ll try it again another time!
I didn’t have almond milk so I subbed soymilk. I wonder how that affected the outcome? It was yummy, no matter what!
Kate
That could be! This a thicker smoothie if using the frozen ingredients and correct measurements. But, it does sound like your version might have been on the thicker side. Thanks for your feedback!
Anna
Wonderfully simple and full of flavor. I will make this again and again. Thank you Cookie and Kate!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Anna! Thanks for your review.
Bella
I have ulcerative colitis so what I can eat is pretty restrictive – this smoothie has all legal ingredients for me and is going to be a staple of mine!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you can enjoy this one, Bella!
Amanda
This is my favourite smoothie! I
Super easy and yummy. My 10 month old daughter can’t get enough of it! I don’t add any honey it is perfect without it!
★★★★★
Tremell
Thank you so much for this lovely recipe. It is absolutely delicious and filling.
★★★★★
Nicole Courtney
Can you add protein powder to your recipes
Krysta
Can I leave out the nut butter? Are the oats uncooked?
Kate
Hey Krysta, yes, the oats are raw. You can leave out the nut butter, but the smoothie won’t be quite as creamy or substantial without it (still tasty, though!).
Ali
Love this smoothie!!! So satisfying
★★★★★
Molly
I’m eating this now. SO good. I threw in a handful of almonds instead of almond butter, since my Vitamix will blend them right in. Another delicious recipe!
★★★★★
Bobby Humphries
Freakin’ AWESOME. Soooo much better than the FasterWay(R) blueberry smoothie recipe.
Anna
Can I use fresh not frozen bananas and blueberries?
Kate
You could, but you won’t get the same creamy cold result. Let me know what you think, Anna!
Libby
Thanks, Kate! I’ve loved your recipes for years, but rely on them even moreso now that I have transitioned to a plant based diet. This one in particular has been my go to breakfast. Delicious and satisfying!
★★★★★
Abby
Love this smoothie! Especially in the southern summer heat :)
★★★★★
Gussie F
Delicious! I’m trying to cut back on my sugar, so I skipped the maple sugar. I also didn’t have the frozen blueberries so I used frozen corn and it came out great. Sadly the smoothie didn’t have the same vibrant blue color.
★★★★★
Hanna Gilsvik
Amazing smoothie! Make it all the time. Love the color. Thanks Kate!!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Hanna! I’m glad you love it.
Julie Richards
I love smoothies but highly allergic to bananas. What can be substitute for the banana in smoothies and still healthy?
Kate
Hi! You can try cauliflower or avocado to get a creamy texture. Or, omit.
Christa
100% favorite smoothie recipe. For myself, or for my kids – especially if we need to head out for some errands together it fills them up. The color is gorgeous!
★★★★★
Kate
A great one to have as a family favorite! Thank you for sharing, Christa.
Kirsten
Yum!!
I added cocoa powder and spinach, and used pumpkin seed butter (because it’s what I had)… so delicious. I’m obsessed.
DEB
Just made this for breakfast and it is delicious! Halved the recipe and subbed in peanut butter and oat milk. Added a small amount of protein powder and blended with an immersion blender. Just the right amount of cold, creamy sweetness. Another delicious recipe from Cookie and Kate!
Jennifer
When your smoothie recipes call for almond milk, can I use regular milk as another nut free option besides water?
Kate
Hi, that can work. I just prefer a nut option.