In it for the Long Run

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Super Berry Smoothie Bowl (Banana Free)

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Change up your smoothie game with this banana-free, berry-packed smoothie bowl, topped with delicate coconut and sweet strawberries.

SuperBerrySmoothieBowl

This recipe is dedicated to ma gurl, Fran. Before I explain why, let me quick explain the “who.” Blessed with the gift of being able to radiate happiness, positivity and rambunctious laughter, Fran is one of those friends where, when you’re together, you kind of become one giant friend blob that doesn’t stop laughing and talking (or drinking coffee) the entire time. We met in college, studied abroad in London and become inseparable our senior year.

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Unfortunately, we don’t live as close as we used to, but that doesn’t mean much, because when we do get together it’s like we never left. This weekend, Fran gallivanted to Boston for a weekend filled with iced coffee, hot yoga, kombucha, the sun (which is a thing I guess), inside jokes, and just laughing at whatever we laugh at – mostly ourselves.

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Ok so what does Fran have to do with this smoothie bowl? First of all, she’s no fool so she loves a good smoothie, especially in bowl form, but more importantly this smoothie, like Fran, is banana free. Personally, I am a big fan of the ‘nanner especially in smoothies, however Fran despises all bananas in any way shape or form. I respect that. Unfortunately, many smoothie joints don’t.

Super Berry Smoothie Bowl

Fran was recently heart broken when an adorable smoothie shop that opened near her apartment refused to make a banana free smoothie claiming that it wouldn’t be the right texture. As someone who makes and drinks a lot of smoothies, this made me pretty mad. Yes, if you like them, frozen bananas are a great, creamy base to a smoothie BUT they aren’t the only way to achieve a thick and creamy smoothie.

Super Berry Smoothie Bowl

So I set out to create something that could be just as thick, creamy and delicious without any bananas and without being too icy. The key is in your fruit selection. If you want a flavorful, well balanced smoothie you need the right fruits. Unfortunately a lot of frozen fruit can fall a little flat, so you need to make sure you find a brand you like. I’m a huge fan of Trader Joe’s and Whole Food’s frozen fruit. It’s bursting with flavor and cherries and mangos are both great substitutes for thicker textures you find in bananas. I’ve also had Dole’s frozen mango, which isn’t bad either. Another tip: If you’re able to buy fresh fruit on sale when it’s in season don’t be afraid to stock up and freeze the extra.

Super Berry Smoothie Bowl

Another important element is how much and at what time you put in liquid. In a normal blender always at the liquid first so it’s at the bottom. Typically I don’t add more than 4 oz (1/2 Cup) to ensure the smoothie is nice and thick. If you’re using a bullet blender add the liquid last (so it’s closest to the blades) – you may have to stop a couple times to scrape the sides, but be patient because if you’re not a fan of overly watery smoothies adding too much liquid can be a bummer.

Super Berry Smoothie Bowl

Whether you’re not a fan of bananas, or you’re looking to mix things up, I think you’ll really enjoy this berry mango blend.

Super Berry Smoothie Bowl

Super Berry Smoothie Bowl (Banana Free)
Recipe Type: Breakfast
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Author: Georgie
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 1
Change up your smoothie game with this banana-free, berry-packed smoothie bowl, topped with delicate coconut and sweet strawberries.
Ingredients
  • 1 Cup of Frozen Mango
  • 1/2 Cup of Frozen Cherries
  • 1/2 Cup of Frozen Raspberries
  • 1/2 Cup of Frozen Blueberries
  • 1 Cup of Spinach
  • 4-8 oz of Almond or Coconut Milk
  • Optional:
  • 1 Scoop (aprox 2 tbsp) of Plant Based Vanilla Protein Powder
  • 1/4 of an avocado frozen (for extra creaminess)
  • Toppings:
  • 1 tbsp of unsweetened coconut shavings
  • 2 tsps of hemp seeds
  • 1 tbsp of almond butter
  • 5 sliced strawberries
Instructions
  1. Blend all smoothie ingredients together in a high powered blender until smooth adjusting liquid to control consistency
  2. Top with coconut shavings, sliced berries, hemp seeds and drizzle with almond butter.

[Tweet “Busting out my blender to make this banana-free berry smoothie bowl”]

Your Turn:

  • Are you a banana fan? Do you ever have smoothies without them?
  • Have you ever asked for a substitution at a restaurant and been turned down?
  • What’s your favorite kind of berry?

Love Smoothies? Follow me on Instagram for more smoothie fun

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Comments

  1. This looks delicious and I’m sure Fran will be more than appreciative 🙂 I should do a dedication post for my friend who’s allergic to nuts. I’ve thought about it before but I usually end up making something with almond butter in it because I love almond butter. Greatest friend ever…

  2. there you go giving away all your smoothie master secrets! Y-U-M! I bet the avocado thickens that smoothie right up!
    I’ll always remember, many years back now, when a particular ‘award-winning bakery cafe’ had recently opened near where we lived that touted ‘made to order’ sandwiches. Great news! But when someone I was with (a vegetarian) ordered a turkey & cheese sandwich (that included a nice selection of veggies) but hold the turkey, the staff were dumbfounded, said it couldn’t be done….so I think a grilled cheese was ordered instead, or we may have been so dumbfounded ourselves we departed….funny

  3. I LOVE these pictures! So colorful and mouth watering-ly delicious. Also I’ve worked in restaurants for years and I absolutely hate it when restaurants are so strict on their menu’s #whyyougottabesomean because really its not that hard.

    • Thanks Lacey! I remember when I was younger my family went to Panera and I tried to order a sandwich without meat the lady taking my order refused. She called over a manager just to tell me it wouldn’t be a real sandwich without meat. I was so confused! My rule is as long as you’re polite and respectful you should be allowed to make certain adjustments.

  5. I can’t imagine a banana-free life! But hey, sometimes I eat a banana with breakfast or whatever.. and don’t necessarily want a 2nd banana later on. This looks awesome, yo! Gorgeous as always 😉

  6. I love bananas in my smoothies, but I don’t love them all the time. I go through phases with them, when I’ll crave it and then other times I just don’t need them. Frozen cherries are definitely my second favorite fruit to add in smoothies and oatmeal. They’re the BOMB! 🙂

    • So glad you appreciate the magic that are frozen cherries! So much flavor and texture. I always seem to make smoothies with bananas so this was a fun challenge to switch things up a bit.

  7. This looks delicious and I am LOVING the bowl and napkin! So colorful!

    Just about every time I go out to eat I have to ask them to alter my food because since I had my gallbladder removed, my digestive system goes haywire when I eat fatty foods (bad fats like butter, fried foods, etc). I get really sick. It can be frustrating explaining why because sometimes people ignore my request and think I am just trying to be healthy haha

    • Thanks girl! I think I got them at Home Goods and Pier One – always on the hunt for new dish ware and props.
      I can’t imagine how frustrating that must be to have your legitimate health concerns not be respected.

  8. This looks amazing! Beautiful pictures!! Looks like you had lots of fun with Fran! 🙂 I actually just went to Boston for the weekend which was so fun! …love it! Also, your hair looks amazing! Love it! …and you guys studied together in London?!! WOW! I’m planning to do a semester in Reading which is right outside of London!! Any tips?! Fun times?! 🙂

    • Thanks Cailee! Next time you’re in the neighborhood(Boston) give me a shout 😀 So many suggestions for London! If you want, shoot me an email and I can send you some of my favorite places I went.