Healthy Cherry Smoothie
This simple smoothie comes together in just a few minutes, and has a delicious, balanced flavor. Cherries tend to have more flavor than sweetness, making them a great smoothie component.
Total Time: 5 minutes
This recipe calls for dark red cherries, preferably frozen
Whether they're a tart or sweet variety is up to you....
We have really been soaking up all the possible ways to use cherries this season, and that requires letting them shine in their raw, natural state as well.
Cherries are full of antioxidants, as well as other nutrients we need each day.
Soaked raw cashews are a revelation in smoothies!
A creamy, thick texture is easily achieved while incorporating extra protein and less dairy.
Cashews and coconut milk provide healthy protein and fat, while cherries and dark fruit juices are iron and potassium rich.
I use lightly sweetened coconut milk in my smoothie, you can substitute any kind of nondairy milk, or dairy milk to your preference.
Healthy Cherry Smoothie
Ingredients
1/2 cup frozen pitted cherries (roughly 71g)
1/2 cup raw soaked cashews (roughly 75g)
1 small frozen banana (roughly 100g)
1/2 cup sweetened coconut milk (118ml)
1/4 cup pomegranate juice, cherry juice, cranberry juice or dark fruit juice (60ml)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
large handful of ice
To prepare soaked cashews place the raw cashews in very hot water and let sit until they have softened (about 1 hour), then drain well. If planning ahead, you can soak the cashews in a container of cool water overnight, covered, in the refrigerator. Make sure you use raw, unsalted cashews. Raw, skinned almonds can also be substituted.
To prepare this healthy cherry smoothie, simply add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend thoroughly, until smooth and uniform.
Pour into 2 large glasses.
Top with extra cherries if desired!
This is such a great breakfast or snack during a super hot summer.
Each serving will contain almost 15% of your daily iron, fiber and potassium.
Thanks for reading
Signed,
The Mellow Baker