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Here’s how to make the perfect raspberry smoothie! It’s got the best sweet tart flavor, frosty texture, and vibrant color.
Here’s one of our very best smoothies (and that’s saying something, since we have over 50 smoothie recipes). Try this perfect raspberry smoothie! This beautiful puree has it all—a brilliant sweet tart flavor, creamy frosty texture, and stunning brilliant color.
Needless to say, this one was an instant favorite in our house! It’s one of the most refreshing smoothies you’ll find. It doubles as a treat: just like our creamy peach smoothie, it’s the perfect ending to a summer meal. Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients in this raspberry smoothie
Sure, you can throw raspberries in a blender with milk and ice. But want the perfect raspberry smoothie? Each one of these components are optimized to perfection. Here’s what you need:
- Frozen raspberries: For the best icy texture, we recommend using frozen raspberries. If you’ve got fresh berries from the farmers market, consider freezing them (this is also a great way to preserve them). Or, see below for a variation with fresh berries.
- Banana: A banana amps up the sweetness and adds a beautiful creaminess.
- Greek yogurt: Yogurt adds creaminess and a bit of protein. (For plant-based, see below.)
- Water and milk: Using part water helps to intensify the pink flavor.
- Maple syrup or honey: Add a little sweetener for just the right pop.
- Ice: Ice adds the final frothy texture.
Variations: vegan or fresh berries
Want a vegan smoothie? We’ve got a few variations on this recipe. You can also make this smoothie with fresh berries and a frozen banana, so you can enjoy the beauty of fresh berries. Here’s what to do:
- Vegan variation: Substitute ½ banana for the Greek yogurt, or use vegan yogurt.
- Fresh berry variation (also vegan): Blend together 2 cups fresh raspberries, 1 frozen banana, ½ cup oat milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1 cup ice.
Add protein to this raspberry smoothie
Want to add even more protein to this raspberry smoothie? Here are a few ideas:
- Use more Greek yogurt: Yogurt adds quite a bit of protein. Use ½ cup instead of ¼ cup Greek yogurt. Note that the color will be lighter and less vibrant.
- Add cashew butter or almond butter. A cashew flavor or almond flavor goes well with raspberries. Use about 1 tablespoon, 2 for a stronger flavor. This addition also dulls the flavor a bit.
Flavor variations
This raspberry smoothie tastes amazing as is. But if you’d like it mix it up even more, we’ve got answers! Here are some ideas for ways to make it even tastier:
- Mint or basil. Add a few fresh mint or basil leaves for an herbaceous spin.
- Coconut. Throw in a handful of coconut to the mix (or toasted coconut).
- Ginger. Add ½ teaspoon grated ginger to the mix for a spicy brightness.
- Mango or pineapple. Substitute 1 cup of the frozen raspberries for 1 cup frozen mango or pineapple. This will vary the color a bit as well.
Smoothie storage
Smoothies are best eaten immediately. But this raspberry smoothie can last for 1 day refrigerated, stored in a sealed container or a mason jar with the lid on. If it starts to separate, simply shake it up before drinking!
Dietary notes
This raspberry smoothie recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, see the variation listed in the Notes below.
Perfect Raspberry Smoothie
Here’s how to make the perfect raspberry smoothie! It’s got the best sweet tart flavor, frosty texture, and vibrant color.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 small smoothies 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen raspberries
- 1 banana (room temperature)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt*
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup milk (or almond milk or oat milk)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- ½ cup ice
- For the garnish: Frozen raspberry, mint leaf
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender, breaking the banana into pieces. Blend until creamy, stopping and scraping down the sides as necessary. If desired, garnish with a frozen raspberry and mint leaf. Serve immediately or store in a covered jar in the refrigerator for 1 day.
Notes
*Vegan Variation with fresh berries: Blend 2 cups fresh raspberries, 1 frozen banana, ½ cup oat milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1 cup ice.
More smoothie recipes
Want more healthy smoothie recipes? There are so many to try, including green, yogurt-based, and more:
- Greens & veggies: Kale, Celery, Carrot, Avocado, Green, Pumpkin, Beet, Broccoli, or Spinach Smoothie You’ll forget you’re eating all those healthy ingredients. (Go to Veggie Smoothies.)
- Berries: Strawberry, Mixed Berry, Fruit, Blueberry, Strawberry Banana, Strawberry Mango, Berry Almond Milk, Strawberry Blueberry, or Blueberry Banana Smoothie Tart and full of sweet fruity flavor!
- Creamy: Yogurt, Vanilla Protein, Chia Seed, Chocolate Banana or Peanut Butter Smoothie Lusciously creamy and packed with flavor.
- Fruits: Banana, Apple, Acai Berry, Peach, Watermelon, Orange, Mango Pineapple, Mango Banana, or Pineapple Smoothie Juicy and lightly sweet: perfectly refreshing. (Go to Fruit Smoothies.)
It was so good I just loved it.
Can I eliminate the banana?
In this smoothie recipe, the banana adds a nice creamy texture and sweetness. However, you can remove the banana if desired — we would try using 1 cup frozen strawberries and another 1/4 cup more Greek yogurt. Adjust with more liquid and maple syrup if you need to. Good luck!
Amazing! Pure raspberry flavor, the banana and maple do not overpower it at all. Thanks so much for the vegan version- I had run out of yogurt and the stores weren’t open yet. Fantastic, simple and easy will make again!
Really appreciate & enjoy 90 % of the recipes u have!! I don’t care 4 spinach or kale in my smoothie!! .but thanks 4 all the variations you show!! Congrats & Good Luck 🤞
Marilyn
Love the perfect raspberry smoothie. Tasted great. Thick and creamy. I have used a number of your smoothie recipes and they have all been great
This smoothie tastes very, very close to raspberry sherbet….WOW! Go make this right now! I like that the Greek yogurt and banana don’t overpower the raspberries.
I absolutely love this recipe! It’s my go-to when I’m craving a smoothie. It’s so filling. I actually substitute the maple syrup for vanilla and it still tastes amazing.
Your “Perfect Raspberry Smoothie” is just that. Perfect. I have never been a fan of smoothies but now I am.
So glad you enjoyed it!