I love cranberries in my smoothies!
Most people have cranberries as cranberry sauce, usually a highly sweetened, over-cooked concoction. I used to always prepare it as a side dish to a roasted turkey meat on Thanksgiving dinner. I went vegan earlier this year (it’s been almost 6 months now as I am mostly vegan, sometimes vegetarian – usually during trips), so that combination is no longer acceptable for me, but I still love my cranberries in sauces, dressings and smoothies.
I love making a raw cranberry sauce or cranberry dressing, with oranges and other fruits – I will post a recipe for a delicious cranberry sauce soon.
For now, why not have some raw cranberries in your green smoothie?
Cranberries add a delicious, tart flavor to green smoothie recipes. You can add them to most berry smoothies to boost the tartness and antioxidants. Begin with 1/2 cup, then adding more to taste.
Health Benefits of Cranberries
These tasty little berries are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. They also contain small amounts of magnesium, vitamin K, manganese, calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorus.
Cranberries have powerful antiviral properties and are famous for their ability to protect against urinary tract infections. They are well known for their powerful, disease-fighting antioxidant properties – just what the doctor ordered for the fall-winter season! What’s more, eating cranberries on a regular basis may promote cardiovascular health, boost the immune system and protect against certain cancers. They may also help lower bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol.
Adding greens to your cranberry smoothie (such as, kale, spinach, or parsley), will boost the nutrition (and potential health benefits) practically off the charts!
Cranberry Basics
In Season: In the U.S., fresh cranberries are available from October through December. Some markets also carry frozen cranberries year-round.
What to Look For: Look for bright-colored, firm cranberries in the produce section. Avoid bags that have brown or shriveled berries at the bottom.
How to Store: Store in the original packaging for up to two weeks in the refrigerator, or up to one year in the freezer. To prep, rinse and discard any discolored or soft berries; if frozen, there’s no need to thaw before use.
Green Cranberry Smoothie Recipe
Smoothie With Cranberries
Ingredients
- 4 cups leafy greens (spinach, kale, collars, or whatever you have. I used escarole and chard)
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1/2 cup strawberries or other berries (optional)
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 ripe pear (optional)
- 1/2 small avocado
- a small piece of fresh ginger root
- 1 cup water (or more, depending on how thick you want your smoothie to be)
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in your power blender until creamy.
Green Smoothie With Cranberries
Ingredients for my cranberry smoothie
For all my blending recipes I use Vitamix. If you don’t already own a VitaMix, I strongly encourage you to check out what this machine is capable of! For more information about VitaMix you can go directly to the VitaMix website. You may also want to read my post about the Best Blender.
I LOVE my VitaMix and highly recommend investing in one if you are ready to make serious changes to your diet. I have had mine for almost 5 years and use it daily!
If you decide to purchase Vitamix – be sure to use Promotional Code 06-004554 to get free shipping.
Green Smoothie Ingredients in Vitamix
Questions? Comments? Suggestions?
If you have a favorite recipe, why not submit it here in the comment section of this smoothie recipes blog for others to enjoy too!
I also welcome any comments, questions and suggestions. Thanks!
Does this make 1 or 2 smoothies? I’m getting my husband on board with smoothies and a more plant based diet. And I would like to streamline the morning by making both of our smoothies in a blender at the same time.
Thanks!!
Hi Michelle, It’s great to get our husbands on board, isn’t it – mine has just decided to try to go on 100% plant based program due to super high cholesterol – I’m super excited!
This recipe makes two smaller portions so two people can share it as a snack, or one large portion if you want to substitute it for a meal ( I drink lots of smoothies, so I like large portions. I usually make a big batch in the morning and enjoy it until about noon).
Hello,
I would like to make the greensmoothie with cranberry.
But, can you tell me or explain what kind of vegetables Collars/Collard in Netherlands is?
I have google a lot but I don’t know what it is.. 🙂
Well I hope you can tell me what it is.
Megan
Hi Megan!
You can see what collards look like here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collards
I don’t know if you have them in Netherlands, but just use whatever greens you can find!
Best,
Joanna
Hello,
I saw your website for green smoothies I am very interested but I do not have kindle
do you have this in book form? if you do not will you?
This is the only way I can buy your recipes for green smoothies so I really hope I can
buy this in book form.
Thank You K.Weber