This cherry vanilla smoothie blends together the sweet flavors of summer cherries and vanilla with the benefits of flaxseed meal and Greek yogurt.
In this Post: Everything you need for Cherry Vanilla Smoothie
Summer in Michigan means cherries. Lots and lots of cherries. Did you know Michigan is the largest producer of tart cherries in the US? I have many memories as a kid traveling to local farms to pick blueberries, strawberries, and cherries. And while a lot of people take those freshly picked berries and bake pies, I’d rather use them in smoothies! Today’s recipe highlights one of the most perfect flavor combinations: cherry and vanilla. They go together like strawberries and chocolate. My Cherry Vanilla Smoothie makes the perfect, healthy on-the-go breakfast, just in time for the busy school year to begin!
Ingredients
- Cherries: When cherries are in season, they have a rich, sweet taste and are full of antioxidants along with other vitamins and nutrients. This smoothie can be made with either fresh or frozen cherries.
- Milk: I usually use low-fat milk, but you could use non-dairy milk as well. Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk would all taste great as well!
- Vanilla: Vanilla extract adds the vanilla flavor, but also helps to enhance the natural flavors of the cherries.
- Greek yogurt: I use plain to not add any additional sugars, but Greek yogurt also adds more protein than normal yogurt.
- Flaxseed meal: Tasteless, but flaxseed is an incredible source of antioxidants, but especially of omega 3 fatty acids.
- Honey: Depending on how sweet your batch of cherries are, some honey can help sweeten the final smoothie.
How to Make a Cherry Vanilla Smoothie
Start your cherry vanilla smoothie by grabbing your fresh cherries and removing the pits. Then add the cherries to your blender.
Next add the flaxseed meal.
Followed by your milk of choice.
Then pour in the plain Greek yogurt.
And finish it off with the vanilla extract and some honey.
Blend until smooth, adding ice to get to your desired consistency.
Pour into glasses, serve, and enjoy your Cherry Vanilla Smoothie!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes! Your summer “u-pick” cherries can be made into smoothies all winter long by freezing them. You can use my simple method of freezing berries!
Can I put pitted cherries in the blender?
No, pits do not blend well. I wouldn’t try using cherries that haven’t had the pit removed.
Are cherries good for inflammation?
Like many foods that are rich in antioxidants, cherries have shown to be anti-inflammatory!
More Smoothies
- Blueberry Vanilla Protein Smoothie
- Green Detox Smoothie
- Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Smoothie
- Apple Cinnamon Smoothie
- Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie
Did you try this smoothie and love it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your drink.
A deliciously quick breakfast to take with your or send with your kids on-the-go, my Cherry Vanilla Smoothie is perfect for those busy mornings.
Your straw is waiting.
Cherry Vanilla Smoothie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweet cherries (pitted, fresh or frozen)
- ⅓ cup milk or water (any kind)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 ounces plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon flax seed (no need to use ground – the blender will do that for you)
- 1 large handful ice
- Stevia or honey to taste (depending on sweetness of cherries)
Instructions
- Place cherries through flax in blender and puree until smooth.
- Add ice and blend until frothy. (I find adding the ice last makes it easier to blend.)
- Check for sweetness and add Stevia or honey to taste.
Looks delicious and easy)
what makes it to have so much sodium????
Just swap the milk for water! :)
beautiful picture of you! All cherry.
Sank you mama! xo
Cherry vanilla! That flavor sounds so good!! I love summer smoothies!
I know – it’s one of my favorite flavor combos!! Thanks friend!
I do happen to know about Michigan cherries but I admit it’s mostly because of my complete love of Leopold Brothers Tart Cherry Liqueur; they only source cherries from Michigan…that’s how much they think of them.
This sounds delish; especially since I have EVERYTHING on hand…including the Fage; oh happy day!
That’s so cool – I’ve never tried that liqueur but it’s on my list now once I’m done carrying this baby!! Sounds incredible!!
Oh yeah, my kind of smoothie!
Thanks Steph!! I love drinking the fruits of the season!
Oh, how I want to take in the Michigan cherry season! Some day!!! This smoothie sounds awesome – have a great day, Liz!
You must put it on your list- the Cherry Festival in Traverse City is a must!! Happens every year during 4th of July week!