Cherry Vanilla Smoothie

This thick and creamy cherry vanilla smoothie is made with sweet cherries, vanilla and Greek yogurt.

Summer in Michigan means cherries. Lots and lots of cherries. Did you know Michigan is the largest producer of tart cherries in the US? We are also the 4th largest producer of sweet cherries with Washington, California and Oregon leading the pack. It is well known that the US cherry crop is down this year compared to 2009, but there was still plenty for the picking during a recent trip to Cranes U-Pick Farm in Fennville, MI.

My husband (can I call him Rich from now on?) is from Boston and has been experiencing a lot of “firsts” this Summer. Recently, for example, we were jolted out of bed at 2AM by the sound of tornado warning sirens. Having gone through Michigan school systems growing up, tornado drills and practice runs were common place for me. Rich, on the other hand, thought the world was coming to an abrupt end.

What else differentiates Bostonians from Michiganders? Cherry picking. I have many memories as a kid traveling to local farms to pick blueberries, strawberries and cherries. Apparently Rich was building his first computer in the 80’s while I was out staining my fingers with red and blue.

Confession time: I do not like fruit pies. (Pumpkin or Boston Creme? Sign me up.) But I’ve never been a big fan of cherry pie. I can bake pies – they aren’t that difficult with the help of Pillsbury pre-made pie crusts – but I’d rather spend my time creating healthy cherry recipes. Today’s recipe highlights one of the most perfect flavor combinations: cherry and vanilla. They go together like strawberries and chocolate. This smoothie is the perfect breakfast on-the-go loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and Omega-3’s. Better yet – each serving provides your body with 20 g of protein and 6 g of fiber helping you stay energized and full until the lunch bell rings.

Your straw is waiting.

Cherry Vanilla Smoothie

Liz Della Croce

Sweet cherries and vanilla are a flavor match made in heaven.

4 from 1 vote

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins

Total Time 5 mins

Course Breakfast, Drinks, Smoothie

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Calories 165 kcal

Ingredients

 

US MeasurementsConvert to Metric

1x2x3x

• 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.

Chef’s Notes

Excellent source of Calcium, good source of Vitamin C.

Nutrition

Serving: 16ouncesCalories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 19gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 69mgPotassium: 321mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gCalcium: 213mgIron: 1mg

Keyword cherry, vanilla

Related Recipes:

• Cherry Vanilla Vodka Soda
• Chocolate Cherry Protein Smoothie
• Cherry Vanilla Swirl Steel Cut Oatmeal
• Cherry Banana Chia Smoothie
• Strawberry Vanilla Oatmeal Flax Smoothie
• Apple Cinnamon Smoothie

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