A Yogurt Smoothie is a delicious way to get your probiotics. And, a yogurt smoothie recipe has so many possibilities for flavorings - think strawberry, blueberry, banana, mango, kiwi...!
Once you have the ratio of fruit to yogurt - the sky it the limit. After all, a healthy lifestyle begins with healthy eating. And, this tastes so good, you will never believe it is so good for you!
Since I have successfully reversed my chronic rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and food allergies with the GAPS diet, I know the importance of probiotics to help combat leaky gut!
Besides, a Yogurt smoothie makes a great breakfast, snack or even a light dinner during the hot summer months!
They are so refreshing and the fact that yogurt smoothies are another way to get probiotics in our diet is just another reason I gladly serve them anytime!
Important Yogurt Facts
Did you know that because yogurt is so easily digestible, many people who are not able to tolerate other dairy products can tolerate yogurt!
Yogurt normally has 5 - 7 strains of beneficial bacteria that help your body digest foods. These beneficial bacteria nourish your gut and help keep things running smoothly!
While you can buy yogurt, I encourage you to make your own - it is so easy and much more economical.
Plus, if you have access to fresh raw milk, you can take advantage of the good enzymes by making raw milk yogurt.
How to Make Your Own Yogurt
You can find detailed instructions and a video to walk you through the process in How to Make Yogurt.
To make your own yogurt, you need a starter which is simply the cultures containing the probiotic bacteria that you add to milk to "start" the next batch.
There are 2 ways to obtain a starter culture:
- Yogurt Starter can be purchased from my affiliate which has several the cultures needed.
- You can purchase store bought yogurt containing "active yogurt cultures".
I have used both successfully - just remember to save enough for your next batch!
Tips for Making Yogurt Smoothies
Whether made with fresh fruit or frozen fruit, yogurt smoothies are delicious.
- Be sure to adjust the amount of honey to your liking.
- Any sweetener can be used.
- Adjust the amount of fruit if desired.
The following yogurt smoothie recipe is to be used as a guide - use your imagination and add flavorings, fruit combinations and, well, just be creative!
Can This Yogurt Smoothie Recipe be Made Without a Blender?
Yes! Using an immersion blender is a great way to make a smoothie.
Simply put all ingredients in a jar or container and place the immersion blender into the ingredients and blend until smooth.
Fruit and Other Foods to Use in Making A Yogurt Smoothie
- Fresh berries are always delicious in a yogurt smoothie
- A frozen banana is great blended with yogurt, it gives a cold ice cream like texture
- Any fruit can be used - think mango, kiwi, banana, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, peaches...
- Honey is a great sweetener and raw honey has beneficial enzymes
- Fresh orange juice squeezed in is delicious
- Almonds or other nuts
- Ice - for a thicker smoothie, add ice to desired thickness. Start with 1/2 cup and increase as desired.
Especially if I am adding fresh fruit to the yogurt smoothies, I add a handful of ice cubes and blend to make a cold slushy drink - Mmmm!
Is This Yogurt Smoothie Recipe Healthy?
Now that you've tried a yogurt smoothie, you're probably wondering if it's healthy or not. Since yogurt smoothies are made with healthy ingredients, it can be considered healthy.
When you add super unhealthy things and sugary foods, it's not going to be as healthy for you.
Keep the ingredients healthy, like fresh or frozen fruit, yogurt, and milk (there are so many milk options for smoothies these days).
What Type of Yogurt is Best For Yogurt Smoothies?
For me, I think the best type of yogurt to use for a smoothie is homemade yogurt. Of course, I talk about this above.
Homemade yogurt has less sugar and all the good stuff that you need in yogurt.
If you do need to buy store bought yogurt in a pinch, go plain yogurt or even Greek yogurt. Just make sure it states on the container that is containes active yogurt cultured and add your own fruit.
How Can I Make My Smoothie Thicker?
If you're thinking about making smoothie thicker, there are some things that you can do. Smoothies are not actually hard to make thicker.
If you use frozen fruit, this will easily make any smoothie thicker. If you like avocado, you may consider adding this into your smoothie to make it thicker.
Crushed ice will also make any smoothie much thicker. You can buy ice or you can use the ice from your own freezer.
I personally love using ice in my smoothies. It gives it a nice flavor and texture.
Are Smoothies Still Good When Left Overnight?
If you put a smoothie in the fridge overnight, it may lose some nutrients. However, it's not enough to be concerned about.
Obviously, everything is much better when it's fresh. Smoothies use some of the freshest ingredients out there.
I can guarantee that a smoothie left overnight in the fridge is still VERY healthy compared to a normal breakfast. Keep this in mind when you're looking for something to eat for breakfast.
Can I Drink a Smoothie Every Day?
Yes! A yogurt smoothie gives your body the beneficial bacteria needed to keep your gut healthy.
Drinking one daily is a good thing. If you want some variety, why not try a Kefir Smoothie - they are delicious too!
Smoothies are a way to get in those nutrients, so don't be shy about drinking a smoothie every day. You may want to change the type of fruit you put in just to keep it exciting.
You can also make green smoothies, which are still very healthy, but they use a veggie like spinach or kale. Green smoothies are yummy and very good for you too.
If you’ve tried this Yogurt Smoothie or any other recipe on Cultured Palate please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, YouTube and TWITTER
Yogurt Smoothie
Ingredients
To Make 1 Serving
- 1 c. yogurt
- 1/2 c. fresh or frozen fruit strawberries, peaches, blueberries, bananas ...
- 1 Tbsp honey adjust to taste
- 1/2 c. ice optional
To Make 6 Servings
- 4 c. yogurt
- 1 c. fresh or frozen fruit
- 4 Tbsp honey adjust to taste
- 1/2 c. ice optional
Instructions
To Make in Blender:
- Put all ingredeints in the blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into glasses and serve.
To Make With Immersion Blender
- Put all ingredients in a jar or container suitable for using the immersion blender. Bend until smooth using an up and down motion.
- Pour into glasses and serve.
Notes
- Fresh berries are always delicious in a yogurt smoothie
- A frozen banana is great blended with yogurt, it gives a cold ice cream like texture
- Any fruit can be used - think mango, kiwi, banana, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, peaches...
- Honey is a great sweetener and raw honey has beneficial enzymes
- Fresh orange juice squeezed in is delicious
- Almonds or other nuts
- Ice - for a thicker smoothie, add ice to desired thickness. Start with 1/2 cup and increase as desired.
Nutrition
What Is Your Favorite Fruit in a Yogurt Smoothie?
Leave a comment - I would love to know!
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Emily Kemp says
Yogurt smoothies are so delicious, after reading this I'm going to try making the yogurt myself too!
Dina-Marie says
Emily, I am so glad to have encouraged you - be sure to let me know how it goes for you!