Easy Blueberry Smoothie (Thick, Creamy and Healthy)

This blueberry smoothie is the color of a summer sunset and tastes like blueberry muffin batter in a glass. It is thick, creamy and naturally sweet, with frozen blueberries, a ripe banana, Greek yogurt and a little splash of vanilla. I make it most mornings when blueberries are on sale, and I keep a big bag of frozen ones in my freezer so I can make it all year long.

Quick answer: To make a blueberry smoothie, add ¾ cup (180 ml) of milk and ½ cup (120g) of Greek yogurt to a blender, then 1½ cups (225g) of frozen blueberries and 1 ripe banana. Add ½ tsp of vanilla and 1 to 2 tsp of honey if you like. Blend on high for 45 to 60 seconds until smooth and creamy. It makes 2 smoothies and takes about 5 minutes.

Below I share my favorite variations, including a blueberry muffin smoothie, a high protein version and one with no banana.

Why You Will Love This Blueberry Smoothie

• It is thick and creamy. Frozen blueberries and banana make it almost spoonable.
• It tastes like dessert. A pinch of cinnamon and vanilla make it taste like blueberry muffins.
• It is packed with goodness. Blueberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants.
• It is quick. Five minutes and you are out the door.
• The color is amazing. That deep purple color makes kids want to try it.

Ingredients

This makes 2 smoothies (about 12 oz / 350 ml each).

• ¾ cup (180 ml) milk (dairy, almond or oat)
• ½ cup (120g) plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1½ cups (225g) frozen blueberries
• 1 medium ripe banana, fresh or frozen
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds or ground flaxseed (optional)

A few notes on the ingredients

Blueberries: Frozen blueberries are best because they make the smoothie thick and cold without ice. Wild blueberries are smaller and have an even deeper color and flavor. Fresh blueberries work too, but add a handful of ice.

Banana: It makes the smoothie creamy and naturally sweet. If you have extra spotty bananas, peel and freeze them for smoothies, or bake my banana bread recipe.

Greek yogurt: It adds protein and a thick, creamy texture. Plain yogurt with a little honey works great.

Milk: Any milk works. Use a little more for a thinner drink, or less for a smoothie bowl.

How to Make a Blueberry Smoothie (Step by Step)

Add the milk and yogurt. Pour the milk into the blender first, then add the yogurt. This helps the blades move easily.

Add the banana. Break it into a few pieces and add it.

Add the blueberries and extras. Add the frozen blueberries, vanilla, cinnamon and chia seeds.

Blend. Start on low, then blend on high for 45 to 60 seconds until completely smooth and deep purple.

Taste. Add honey if you want it sweeter, or a squeeze of lemon if it tastes flat.

Serve. Pour into glasses and top with a few fresh blueberries or a sprinkle of granola.

Why add a little lemon?

Blueberries can taste a little flat once blended with milk and yogurt. A small squeeze of lemon juice, about 1 teaspoon, wakes up the berry flavor and makes the color brighter. It is one of my favorite little tricks.

Is a Blueberry Smoothie Healthy?

Yes, it can be a really nutritious breakfast. Blueberries are known for their antioxidants, especially the compounds that give them their deep blue color. They also bring fiber and vitamin C. Banana adds potassium, and Greek yogurt adds protein and calcium. One smoothie from this recipe has roughly 190 to 220 calories and about 9 to 10 grams of protein, depending on your milk and yogurt. To keep it balanced, go easy on added sweeteners and juice.

7 Blueberry Smoothie Variations

• Blueberry muffin smoothie. Add ¼ cup (25g) rolled oats, ½ tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp maple syrup. It honestly tastes like a blueberry muffin.
• Blueberry banana smoothie without yogurt. Use 1 cup (240 ml) milk and a frozen banana. Add 1 tbsp nut butter for creaminess.
• Blueberry smoothie without banana. Swap the banana for ½ cup (80g) frozen mango or ½ avocado.
• High protein blueberry smoothie. Add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or ½ cup cottage cheese for about 25 grams of protein.
• Blueberry spinach smoothie. Add a big handful of baby spinach. The blueberries keep the color purple, so nobody will know.
• Mixed berry smoothie. Use half blueberries and half strawberries. If you love strawberries, try my strawberry banana smoothie too.
• Blueberry mango smoothie. Use half blueberries and half mango for a sweet tropical twist. My mango smoothie has even more mango ideas.

Blueberry Smoothie Bowl

To make it a smoothie bowl, use only ⅓ cup (80 ml) of milk and a frozen banana so it is very thick. Blend, stopping to stir as needed. Spoon it into a bowl and top with granola, sliced banana, fresh blueberries, coconut flakes, chia seeds and a drizzle of honey or peanut butter.

My Tips for the Best Blueberry Smoothie

• Use frozen fruit. It is the secret to a thick, frosty smoothie with no ice.
• Add the liquid first. It keeps frozen berries from getting stuck around the blades.
• Blend long enough. Blueberry skins need a full minute to blend completely smooth.
• Add a little lemon. It brightens the flavor and color.
• Prep freezer packs. Portion blueberries, banana and chia seeds into bags for quick mornings.

Common Mistakes

• Too much liquid. A runny smoothie is usually from adding too much milk. Start with less.
• Not enough sweetness. Frozen blueberries can be tart. Use a ripe banana or a little honey.
• Blending too briefly. You get little bits of blueberry skin. Blend for a full minute.
• Making it hours ahead. Blueberry smoothies can thicken into a gel because of the natural pectin in the berries. Drink it fresh, or stir in a splash of milk before drinking.

How to Store a Blueberry Smoothie

Smoothies taste best fresh. If you have leftovers, pour them into a jar, fill it to the top, seal it and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake well before drinking. You can also freeze leftovers in ice pop molds for a healthy frozen treat that kids love.

Blueberry Smoothie FAQs

Can I use fresh blueberries?

Yes. Add about 1 cup of ice, or freeze your banana, to keep the smoothie thick and cold.

Can I make a blueberry smoothie without yogurt?

Yes. Use more milk and a frozen banana, or add 1 tbsp nut butter, oats or chia seeds for creaminess.

Are wild blueberries better for smoothies?

Wild blueberries are smaller, more intensely flavored and darker in color. They make a gorgeous smoothie, but regular blueberries work great too.

Why is my blueberry smoothie thick like jelly?

Blueberries contain natural pectin, which can thicken a smoothie as it sits. Drink it soon after blending, or thin it with a little milk.

Is a blueberry smoothie good for breakfast?

Yes. With fruit, yogurt and milk, it gives you fiber, protein and energy. Add oats or protein for a more filling meal.

Can kids drink blueberry smoothies?

Yes. It is a great way to get fruit into kids. Leave out honey for babies under 1 year old.

Final Thoughts

This easy blueberry smoothie is thick, creamy, gorgeous and so simple. Keep a bag of frozen blueberries and a few frozen bananas on hand, and you will always have a healthy breakfast ready in 5 minutes. Try the blueberry muffin version next, it might become your favorite.