How to Make a Smoothie without Ice Cream

Add your favorite fruits to any yogurt smoothie recipe for a tasty treat.

Whether your smoothie is a nutritious boost of calcium and protein or a caloric splurge depends on the ingredients. Smoothies generally contain a dairy base and fruit. Unfortunately, many smoothie stands use ice cream or frozen yogurt, which doesn't offer the same protein or calcium as regular yogurt. Yogurt makes a great substitute for ice cream, adding thickness and creaminess to your tasty treat. With a little practice and creativity, you'll be a healthy smoothie-making pro.

Things You'll Need

• Blender
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
• 1 tsp. sugar substitute (optional)
• 1 cup frozen strawberries

Instructions

1. Pour the orange juice into the blender. Peel the banana, break it in half and put both pieces in the blender. Set the power to high, and blend for 20 seconds or until the banana is sufficiently liquified.

2. Remove the lid, and add the yogurt. Replace the lid, and set the blender power on high again for another 20 seconds. Plain yogurt contains less sugar, so if the taste is too tart, add the sugar substitute. Blend the mixture again to combine the sugar with the other ingredients.

3. Put your blender on high power, and open the small plug on the top of the lid for adding ingredients. Do not remove the lid. Add two strawberries at a time. As they are blended, add two more. Repeat until all of the strawberries have been added.

Tips & Warnings

• Add 1/4 cup of cold water for a thinner smoothie, or reduce the orange juice by 1/4 cup for a thicker version.

References

• Public Broadcasting System: Everyday food recipes
• Best Bones Forever: Smoothy Recipes
• Center for Disease Control: Rethink What you Drink