Strawberry Basil Smoothie

Name: Strawberry Basil Smoothie
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; 1 banana, frozen; 1 cup yogurt (Greek or regular); 1 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice); 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Highlighted under: Simple Recipes

I absolutely love the vibrant flavor combination in this Strawberry Basil Smoothie. The sweetness of fresh strawberries marries beautifully with the herbaceous notes of basil, creating a refreshing drink that's perfect for any time of day. I often whip this up in the morning for a healthy breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up. It's not just delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence that I can't resist!

Created by

Jackies

Last updated on 2026-02-12T09:42:19.281Z

When I first tried this Strawberry Basil Smoothie, I was stunned by how vibrant and fresh it tasted. The combo of strawberries and basil might seem unconventional, but it pairs wonderfully, bringing out the best in both ingredients. I recommend using ripe strawberries for the sweetest flavor, and don’t skip on the basil; it adds an incredible depth.

One of my favorite tips is to freeze some strawberries ahead of time. When added to the smoothie, they provide a frosty texture without the need for ice, making each sip delightfully creamy. It’s a game changer for your smoothie-making experience!

        Why You'll Love This Smoothie
        Bright and refreshing flavor that delights the senses
Nutritious and packed with vitamins and antioxidants
An easy recipe that comes together in minutes

      

The Role of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh strawberries and basil is essential for achieving the vibrant flavor profile of this smoothie. Fresh strawberries provide natural sweetness and a bright red color, while basil adds an aromatic, herbal note that elevates the drink beyond typical fruit smoothies. For the best results, choose strawberries that are firm and fragrant, as these will yield the most flavor. Avoid frozen strawberries for this recipe, as they can dilute the overall taste with excess moisture.

The quality of the yogurt you choose also plays a crucial role. Greek yogurt will create a creamier texture and add protein, making the smoothie more filling. Regular yogurt can be used for a lighter option, but consider adding a bit of ice to compensate for the reduced creaminess. The key is to find a balance between texture and flavor that you enjoy, which can take some experimentation with different types of yogurt.

Adjusting Sweetness and Consistency

The inclusion of honey is completely optional and can be adjusted based on your personal preference for sweetness. If your strawberries are particularly ripe, you might find that they provide enough natural sweetness, allowing you to skip the honey altogether. However, if you prefer a sweeter smoothie, start with the minimum amount of honey, blend, and then taste before adding more. This way, you can control the sweetness without overpowering the fresh strawberry flavor.

For the best consistency, a precise ratio of yogurt to almond milk is important. If you find your smoothie too thick, add the almond milk slowly, about a tablespoon at a time, blending in between. Aim for a creamy yet pourable consistency that doesn’t resemble a milkshake but still holds its shape in the glass. If it gets too thin, you can always add a touch more frozen banana or yogurt to thicken it up.

Serving and Variations

When serving, consider garnishing your smoothie with a sprig of fresh basil or a slice of strawberry on the rim of the glass for a lovely presentation. Not only does this make for an attractive drink, but it also ties back to the fresh ingredients used, emphasizing the flavors within. I love serving this smoothie in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful colors, making it perfect for brunch parties or a refreshing afternoon treat.

If you want to mix things up, try adding a handful of spinach or some chia seeds for added nutrition. Spinach is a great addition that will blend seamlessly without altering the taste, while chia seeds can lend a slight crunch and extra fiber. You can also switch out the almond milk for coconut water or a dairy alternative of your choice, depending on your dietary needs or preferences.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make a delicious Strawberry Basil Smoothie:

Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1 banana, frozen
1 cup yogurt (Greek or regular)
1 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
1 tablespoon honey (optional)

These fresh ingredients will create a delightful and healthy smoothie!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Strawberry Basil Smoothie:

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender, combine the fresh strawberries, basil leaves, frozen banana, yogurt, almond milk, and honey if using. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Adjust Consistency

If the smoothie is too thick, add more almond milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Serve and Enjoy

Pour the smoothie into glasses, garnish with a basil leaf or strawberry slice, and enjoy immediately!

Now enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Basil Smoothie!

Pro Tips

For an extra boost of nutrition, you can add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds before blending. This will also give your smoothie a delightful texture and additional heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store the smoothie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the smoothie may separate over time due to the natural separation of ingredients. Simply give it a good shake or stir before enjoying it again. For a longer shelf life, consider freezing the smoothie in ice cube trays. You can pop out a few cubes whenever you want a quick treat and blend them with a little extra liquid for an instant smoothie.

To make mornings easier, you can also prepare a smoothie pack in advance. Portion out the strawberries, basil, and frozen banana in a zip-top bag and freeze. When you're ready to make the smoothie, just add the contents of the bag to the blender with your yogurt and almond milk. This technique can save you precious time in the morning and ensures that you always have the right ingredients on hand.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your smoothie is lacking flavor, it might be due to using overripe or bland strawberries. Always aim for sweet, firm strawberries to get the best flavor. If you find your smoothie too bitter from the basil, try reducing the amount of basil leaves and gradually increase it in future batches until you find a balance that suits your taste.

Another common issue is a grainy texture, which can happen if your banana or yogurt isn't blended thoroughly. Make sure to blend at a high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you find your blender struggles with thicker mixtures, consider blending the liquid ingredients first before adding the solids, which can help achieve that silky texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

While fresh basil gives the best flavor, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about 1/3 of the amount.

→ Can I substitute the yogurt?

Yes! You can replace yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt, or even skip it for a lighter smoothie.

→ How can I make this smoothie vegan?

To make this smoothie vegan, replace yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use agave syrup instead of honey.

→ What can I add for extra sweetness?

If you prefer your smoothie sweeter, you can add more honey, maple syrup, or even a few medjool dates for a natural sweetener.