I love the spring time! Flowers begin to bloom, days are longer and the temperatures start getting warmer. (Also, people just seem happier:) As it begins to warm up I start to crave lighter and more refreshing snacks and drinks. Smoothies are my go to! I love smoothies either for breakfast or as a snack to carry me over between meals.

The recipes I have included in this post AVOID expensive ingredients, too many ingredients and items that you can only find at fancy grocery stores. But they DO tastes delicious, have affordable ingredients and are healthy and nutritious. These are quick, easy to make recipes for busy college students!

Below are 3 of my go-to smoothie recipes…

Mock Wendy’s Frosty

If you have ever tried a Wendy’s Frosty…this smoothie tastes exactly like it but it is a healthier version!

Yields: 2 frostys

Ingredients:

• 4 medium bananas (I would recommend peeling and freezing your bananas – to get a thicker and smoother frosty consistency)
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsps milk (almond milk or any milk preference)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (preferred nut butter)
• 3 tbsps cocoa powder

Steps:

• Blend ingredients until smooth and creamy
• Add additional milk if the smoothie is too thick or your blender is having a tough time blending
• Optional: top with peanut butter or chocolate shavings
• Pour into two cups and enjoy!

Tropical Pineapple Green Smoothie

Yields: 1 smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup almond milk (milk of preference)
• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt (or nondairy alternative)
• 1 cup of baby spinach
• 1 medium banana (frozen)
• half of a cucumber or a celery stick
• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
• 2 tbsps maple syrup or honey
• Optional: 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1/2 avocado (for healthy fats and creamier consistency)

Steps:

• Blend all ingredients until smooth
• Optional: top with chia seeds, granola, honey/maple syrup drizzle
• Pour and enjoy!

Mixed Berry Smoothie

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 2 cups frozen mixed berries
• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• Optional: 2 tbsp vanilla protein powder, 1 cup spinach

Steps:

• Blend on high speed for 30 to 60 seconds until the smoothie has no lumps
• Pour and enjoy!

Source: I found this recipe on FoodJoySunshine recipe blog! I have also found some great dinner recipes on the site.

Smoothie Making Tips:

1. Freeze your bananas! It makes for a smoother and creamier smoothie
2. Add healthy fats (nut butters, avocados, chia seeds) for a more satiating/filling smoothie
3. Add more milk if your smoothie is too thick or won’t blend
4. Blend in ice for a chilled smoothie
5. Use ingredients that you have! You can substitute ingredients to make your own smoothie creation. For the berry smoothie I have used frozen strawberries instead of berries to make a strawberry, banana smoothie. Make it your own!

Happy smoothie making!

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay, Photo by Vika Aleksandrova on Unsplash, Image by from Pixabay