Almond Cherry Smoothie (my favorite smoothie ever!)

Remember my beautiful best ever cherry pie recipe? Well after making it over the holiday season, I just so happen to have leftover cherries lurking in my freezer that needed to be used and this gorgeous almond cherry smoothie was the result.

My inspiration from this recipe comes from my friend Mia over at Gathered Nutrition; she had been making a cherry smoothie on her IG stories for a few weeks and inspired me to do the same!

I have to say that this cherry smoothie has become one of my absolute favorite smoothie recipes on the blog. Even Tony, my husband who isn’t the biggest fan of smoothies, said that this was the best smoothie he’s ever had! If that doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will.

Reasons to love cherries

I’ve been a huge fan of tart cherries for as long as I can remember. Not only do they taste amazing (and look beautiful) in recipes, but they also have a wide range of health benefits.

• They help reduce inflammation & may help with muscle recovery (post-workout perfection)
• They naturally have melatonin, which can help with sleep
• They’re heart-healthy and packed with antioxidants & vitamin C

What you’ll need to make this almond cherry smoothie

The best part about this vegan cherry smoothie recipe is that you need minimal ingredients to get a smoothie that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for customizing with your fav mix-ins! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Banana: you’ll need one ripe banana to thicken and naturally sweeten the smoothie. A frozen banana works best!
• Frozen cherries: the star of this smoothie. I love using frozen tart cherries but regular frozen cherries or a cherry & berry mix would be perfect.
• Almond butter: add a touch of creaminess & healthy fat with a little almond butter. Peanut butter works too, but almond butter tastes so much better in this!
• Vanilla + almond extracts: I use both vanilla and almond extracts in this smoothie and it makes the flavors next-level delicious. Trust me! The almond extract makes this smoothie taste like cherry garcia ice cream. YUM!
• Milk: I use unsweetened almond milk in this smoothie, but feel free to use any milk (dairy free or non) that you like.
• Optional: add a boost of veggies with some fresh spinach! It will change the color of the smoothie but you won’t be able to taste it at all.

Optional cherry smoothie add-ins

Have fun with some delicious add-ins to really make this cherry smoothie your own! Here are some suggestions:

• Flaxseed meal: this is one of my favorite ingredients to add to shakes and smoothies for a little boost of fiber and minerals. It’s especially great for nursing mamas as flaxseed can help increase milk supply. Usually a tablespoon is plenty! Here’s a brand I love.
• Chia or hemp seeds: add in a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds for a boost of healthy fats, fiber & omega-3s.
• Greek yogurt: add a boost of protein with a scoop of Greek yogurt (or your favorite dairy free yogurt). You may have to reduce the almond milk to 3/4 cup in this recipe when adding yogurt.
• Protein powder or collagen peptides: another great way to add some protein. A plain, vanilla or even chocolate flavored protein powder in this recipe. Here is a great plant-based option.
• Cocoa or cacao powder: turn this into an amazing chocolate cherry smoothie while adding a great source of antioxidants. I recommend 1 tablespoon of cocoa or cacao powder.

How to make the best cherry smoothie

It couldn’t be easier! Simply add all of your ingredients (and any optional mix-ins) to a high powered blender and blend it until it’s smooth and creamy. Feel free to add some fun toppings, too, like coconut flakes, slivered almonds, more frozen cherries or even cacao nibs.

Tips for making a super creamy smoothie

1. Use frozen fruit. this will help to keep the smoothie cold and thick. Sometimes ice doesn’t blend as well (or can make your smoothie watery), so it’s best not to skip unless absolutely necessary.
2. Add more liquid. Don’t be afraid to add more liquid if your smoothie is too thick or won’t fully blend. High powered blenders tend to blend frozen ingredients much better, so if you have a regular or personal size blender, you may need to add more milk.
3. Start low, go high. Start the blender on low speed, then gradually increase the speed to high to help blend all ingredients. End with the blender on low speed.

Meal prep this cherry smoothie

Make this tart cherry smoothie ahead of time to enjoy later! I have three amazing methods for prepping and storing smoothies right in your freezer. You’ll learn the ice cube tray method, the mason jar method and the freezer pack method.

See how to make this cherry smoothie

More smoothies you’ll love

St. Nick’s Naughty & Nice Chocolate Peppermint Smoothie

Get Your Greens in Smoothie (the best green smoothie!)

Vitamin C Packed Strawberry Orange Banana Smoothie

Peanut Butter Blueberry Banana Smoothie

Good Morning Coffee Lover’s Smoothie

I hope you love this delicious & easy almond cherry smoothie recipe! If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats