Pomegranate juice gives mixed berries a sharper background than milk would. Banana softens the finish, and chia and cauliflower add body. Several contrasting ingredients make this a fruit-led blend where the choice of berry mix has a noticeable effect.
Healthy Smoothie Recipes
Pomegranate Mixed Berry Chia Smoothie
Pomegranate juice gives mixed berries a sharper background than milk would.
Prep: 5 minutesServings: 1
Base recipe: 1 serving; the full base batch
Vegan
Category image
Measured ingredient amounts adjust with servings. “To taste” amounts and directions stay as written.
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 banana, peeled
- 0.5 cup cauliflower, cooked and cooled, then frozen
Directions
- Pour the measured liquid into the blender. Add the softer prepared ingredients first, keeping the frozen pieces separated so they can move toward the blades instead of forming a solid block above them.
- Add the remaining edible ingredients, including the measured fruit, nuts, seeds, or spices listed for this recipe. Blend until evenly combined. Use the machine instructions to choose a suitable speed, and stop before checking texture or scraping the jug.
- Taste a small spoonful after blending. If the mixture is too thick to pour, add cold water one tablespoon at a time and blend briefly again. Divide the base batch into 1 serving and enjoy promptly.
Notes
Prepared ingredients are required; additional cooking, cooling, freezing, brewing, or soaking time is excluded from the active prep estimate. Serving volume and nutrition totals are not measured.
Adapted from Jen Hansard at Simple Green Smoothies.
Tips and ingredient notes
Use plain juice and unsweetened berries. Cook and cool cauliflower if its package requires cooking. Chia thickens after blending, so assess the serving texture before deciding whether to add more liquid.
Use a plain berry mix without syrup or dessert toppings. Different blends have different proportions of strawberry, blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry. Keeping the measured total constant makes it easier to notice which combination gives the flavor and seed texture you prefer.
Chia absorbs liquid after the blender stops. Serve promptly for a lighter consistency, or allow a short rest and stir before judging thickness. If adjusting later, add liquid gradually; adding more seeds immediately can make the drink unexpectedly thick after it stands.
Ingredient health benefits
- Chia seeds provide fiber and plant-based omega-3 fat.
- Banana contributes potassium, needed for normal muscle and nerve function.
Nutrition references: Harvard Nutrition Source: Chia seeds; MedlinePlus: Potassium. These are ingredient contributions; nutrition per serving has not been calculated.
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- Cherry Juice Cauliflower Chia Smoothie
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Recipe adapted from Jen Hansard at Simple Green Smoothies. Article text and directions written for Healthy Smoothie Recipes. Supplement omissions and preparation changes mean source nutrition totals do not apply.
