How to Make a Smoothie With a Blender

Fruit smoothies were invented as a low fat alternative to the milkshake. They are not only delicious, but also high in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. There are hundreds of variations of the smoothie that you can make with a blender. Use this basic recipe to make a smoothie with a blender, or alter it to suit your personal tastes.

Things You'll Need

• Banana
• 8 to 10 fresh strawberries
• Orange juice
• Low fat yogurt
• Vanilla extract (optional for sweetening)
• Chilled glasses

Instructions

1. Peel the banana and chop it into small pieces. Remove the green tops from the strawberries and chop in half. Add the chopped banana and halved strawberries to the blender.

2. Add 1/4 cup orange juice and 1/2 cup low fat yogurt to the blender. Add ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract, if desired.

3. Blend on low speed for several minutes until the mixture is smooth. Add more liquid or more fruit if necessary, to reach the desired consistency.

4. Stir the smoothie mixture to remove any ingredients stuck on the bottom. Blend for a few more seconds on medium speed to ensure ingredients are evenly distributed.

5. Pour the smoothie into chilled drinking glasses and serve immediately. Place the lid on the blender and refrigerate any leftovers. To serve later, blend for a few seconds on low to mix, then serve.

Tips & Warnings

• Try using different types of fruit to substitute the strawberries, such as blueberries, blackberries, kiwi or mango. Experiment to find which combination you like best. You can also use different types of fruit juice, such as apple or pineapple. Use flavored yogurt to improve the taste. Banana or strawberry work well with this recipe, but use any flavor you like. Add supplements to your smoothie, such as wheat germ, flaxseed, or vitamin C powder. For added protein, try soy protein powder. You could even add a serving of liquid vitamins as a tasty way to get all your nutrients.