The strawberry and basil smoothie is a healthy and refreshing drink for summer. This smoothie is typically made with frozen strawberries, unsweetened almond milk, fresh basil leaves, and honey. Basil gives the smoothie a unique and fresh flavor, making it perfect for starting your day. Strawberries are rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and fiber, which are good for the brain and can help prevent health issues like high blood pressure, arthritis, gout, and heart disease. Basil is full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help fight off diseases.
Strawberry Basil Smoothie Ingredients
Frozen Strawberries: These give the smoothie a refreshing, thick, and creamy texture. Frozen fruit eliminates the need for ice, keeping the flavor concentrated.
Unsweetened Almond Milk: A light, dairy-free liquid base with a neutral flavor that complements the strawberries and basil.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds a unique, aromatic, and slightly sweet herbal note to the smoothie.Honey: Provides natural sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Can be adjusted to taste.
How To Make Basil Strawberry Smoothie
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Frozen Strawberries: If you don’t have frozen strawberries, you can use fresh ones, but consider adding a handful of ice cubes to achieve the desired thickness. Ensure they are hulled and washed.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Rinse the basil leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt. Start with a small amount (4-6 leaves) and adjust based on your taste preference.
Honey: Measure about 1-2 teaspoons of honey, depending on how sweet you like your smoothie. You can skip this step if you prefer a lower-sugar option.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Add all the ingredients into a blender in the following order:
- Unsweetened almond milk (to ensure the blender blades have a liquid base to start).
- Fresh basil leaves (spread evenly).
- Frozen strawberries (on top, to weigh down the lighter ingredients).
- Honey (drizzle on top).
Step 3: Blend Gradually
Start Slow: Begin blending on low speed to break up the frozen strawberries gently. This helps prevent the motor from overworking and allows even blending.
Increase Speed: Once the strawberries are broken down, gradually increase to a higher speed. Blend for 30-60 seconds until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Check Consistency: If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash of almond milk and blend again.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Taste the smoothie and adjust as needed:
- Too tart? Add a bit more honey or a splash of orange juice.
- Too thick? Thin it out with more almond milk.
- Not enough basil? Add 1-2 more leaves and blend again.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Pour the smoothie into a chilled glass or mason jar for the best experience.
Optionally, garnish with a small basil leaf or a slice of fresh strawberry for an appealing presentation.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Smoothie
High-Powered Blender: Use a high-speed blender to ensure the basil leaves are fully blended, leaving no large bits.
Pre-Freeze Fresh Strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, freeze them overnight for a thicker consistency.
Balance Basil: Start with fewer basil leaves and add more gradually. Too much basil can overpower the smoothie.
Sweetness Level: If honey isn’t sweet enough for you, consider using agave syrup, maple syrup, or even a medjool date for a natural sweetener.
Chill Your Glass: Keep your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to keep the smoothie cool longer.
Variations
Coconut Milk Base: Swap almond milk with coconut milk for a creamier and tropical flavor.
Spinach or Kale Boost: Add a handful of baby spinach or kale for a nutrient boost without drastically altering the flavor.
Citrus Kick: Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Yogurt Addition: For extra creaminess, add a scoop of plain or vanilla dairy-free yogurt.
Protein Smoothie: Blend in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored plant-based protein powder.
Substitutions
Milk Alternative: Replace almond milk with oat milk, soy milk, cashew milk, or even water for a lighter version.
Sweetener Options: Use maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia instead of honey for a vegan-friendly or lower-calorie option.
Other Fruits: Substitute half the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or frozen mango for a different fruity twist.
Fresh vs. Frozen: Use fresh strawberries with ice cubes if frozen ones are unavailable.
Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like mint for a refreshing variation.
More Smoothies
Strawberry and Basil Smoothie
Ingredients
- 6 cups frozen strawberries
- 6 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 24 fresh basil leaves
- 6 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Place the frozen strawberries, unsweetened almond milk, fresh basil leaves, and honey into a blender. Make sure to add the ingredients in the order listed to ensure the blender can handle the ingredients effectively.
- Begin blending the ingredients on low speed. This is important because it helps to break down the frozen strawberries and basil leaves gradually, preventing any large chunks from forming.
- Continue blending on low speed until the strawberries start to break up and the basil leaves begin to release their oils and flavors. This should take about 10-15 seconds.
- Once the strawberries and basil leaves have started to break down, you can gradually increase the blender speed to high. This will help to further blend the ingredients into a smooth consistency.
- Continue blending on high speed for about 45 seconds to 1 minute, or until there are no lumps or chunks left in the smoothie.
- Once the smoothie has reached the desired consistency, stop the blender and pour the smoothie into a glass or a container.
- Serve the smoothie immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors of the strawberries and basil.