Summer is here, and what better way to enjoy the sunny days than with refreshing, nutrient-packed smoothies? Whether you're a health enthusiast or a busy professional looking for quick and healthy meal options, these ten delicious summer smoothie recipes are perfect for you. Packed with blood sugar stabilising ingredients as well as key vitamins, minerals, and delightful flavours, these smoothies will keep you cool, satisfied, and glowing all season long.
Why Choose Smoothies?
Smoothies are an easy way to incorporate protein, fruits and veggies into your diet, especially when temperatures soar. They are quick to make, easy to digest, and can be tailored to suit your specific tastes and nutritional needs. Plus, they're a fantastic way to experiment with seasonal produce.
It is key however to include some sort of protein in the smoothie recipe base (1), as this will help you keep your blood sugar balanced when you eat them which is vital for ensuring your health is not compromised as a result of eating foods that spike glucose quickly. These quick spikes up, lead to quick spikes back down. This can, over time, cause prediabetes and then if left untreated, can turn into full-blown type 2 diabetes.
Benefits of Summer Smoothies:
- Hydration: Many fruits and vegetables have high water content, helping to keep you hydrated during hot days.
- Nutrient-Dense: Smoothies can be loaded with vitamins and minerals from various ingredients. This is very important as many people eat the same foods over and over; limiting their intake of key nutrients. Smoothies ensure you get to have that variety of nutrition by ensuring you include a variety of new ingredients that are not always chosen on a regular basis.
- Convenience: Perfect for on-the-go breakfasts or snacks.
- Versatility: Endless combinations mean you’ll never get bored!
Now, let's jump into our top ten healthy summer smoothie recipes!
1. Tropical Green Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup coconut water
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons nut butter of choice
Instructions:
- Blend spinach and coconut water until smooth.
- Add the banana, pineapple, and chia seeds.
- Blend until creamy and enjoy!
Tip: For an extra boost, add a scoop of protein powder.
2. Berry Blast Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/2 banana
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- A splash of vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons nut butter of choice
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and serve immediately.
Tip: Use frozen berries for a thicker consistency!
3. Refreshing Watermelon Mint Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 2 cups watermelon cubes (seedless)
- 1/2 cup Greek yoghurt
- A few fresh mint leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
- Blend watermelon and Greek yoghurt together.
- Add mint leaves and lime juice, then blend again.
- Pour into a glass and garnish with additional mint.
Tip: This smoothie is perfect for hydration!
4. Creamy Avocado Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 banana
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup oat milk
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- 3 tablespoons nut butter of choice
Instructions:
- Scoop the avocado into the blender.
- Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Adjust honey to taste, if desired.
Tip: Avocado adds creaminess while providing healthy fats!
5. Mango Lassi Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup plain yoghurt
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- Ice cubes
- 3 tablespoons of nut butter
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until creamy and serve chilled.
Tip: This smoothie is inspired by the traditional Indian drink, perfect for summer!
6. Peaches and Cream Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peaches
- 1/2 banana
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp flax seeds
- 3 tablespoons of nut butter of choice
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
- Serve in a chilled glass.
Tip: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavour!
7. Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp nut butter (peanut or almond)
- A dash of vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons of nut butter of choice
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the blender.
- Blend until creamy and smooth.
Tip: This smoothie is like a dessert, but healthy!
8. Citrus Burst Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 orange, peeled and segmented
- 1/2 grapefruit, peeled
- 1/2 cup carrot juice
- 1/2 inch ginger, peeled (optional)
- 3 tablespoons of nut butter of choice
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Serve immediately for a refreshing pick-me-up.
Tip: Ginger adds a zing and is great for digestion!
9. Nutty Banana Oat Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
- Enjoy as a hearty breakfast or snack.
Tip: This smoothie keeps you full and energises you for the day!
10. Strawberry Basil Refreshing Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup strawberries
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup coconut water
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 3 tablespoons of nut butter of choice
Instructions:
- Blend strawberries, basil, and coconut water until smooth.
- Add lemon juice and blend briefly.
- Serve over ice for extra chill.
Tip: The basil adds a surprising twist that pairs beautifully with strawberries!
Blood Sugar Stabilising Smoothie Recipes
Fresh, vibrant, and full of life—these summer smoothie recipes are not only delicious but also provide a nourishing way to stay energised throughout the hot days. Whether you're sipping one leisurely at home or grabbing it on the go, these smoothies can fit seamlessly into any busy lifestyle.
Ensure to choose ingredients that help to keep your blood sugar stable, such as nut butter. You can also get more nutrients in by adding from our range of superfood powders. Far too often smoothies are filled with just fruit that when eaten as a meal on its own or snack, will cause blood sugar to spike, causing insulin to spike which is where health problems such as type 2 diabetes, brain fog, weight gain, inflammation and many other issues can occur over time. A great way to prevent this whilst still enjoying a smoothie is to simply add something to slow down the absorption of these high glycaemic foods; enter nut butter and foods high in protein.
One way to also enjoy a smoothie recipe without the need to add nut butter all the time is to enjoy it after a meal that contains fibrous greens and protein beforehand (2), as doing so will help to once again slow down the absorption of the high glycemic foods.
References
- Gray, A., & Threlkeld, R. J. (2024). Nutritional recommendations for individuals with diabetes. Nih.gov; MDText.com, Inc. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279012/
- Imai, S., Fukui, M., & Kajiyama, S. (2014). Effect of eating vegetables before carbohydrates on glucose excursions in patients with type 2 diabetes. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 54(1), 7–11. https://doi.org/10.3164/jcbn.13-67
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