Gout-Fighting Cherry Spinach Smoothie
A vibrant, ruby-red smoothie that balances sweet dark cherries with mild baby spinach, creamy banana, and a hint of ginger. It's refreshing and filling without being heavy, perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout boost.
For 2 servings
- prep
Gather and prep the ingredients.
1.Measure 1.5 cups frozen pitted dark sweet cherries.2.Wash and lightly pack 1 cup baby spinach.3.Peel 1 small ripe banana and break into chunks.4.Peel and roughly chop a 0.5-inch piece of fresh ginger.5.Juice half a lemon to get 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. - mix · ~1 min
Layer the ingredients in the blender.
Pour 0.75 cup cold water into the blender first, followed by the baby spinach, banana chunks, frozen cherries, chopped ginger, and lemon juice. Adding liquid first helps the blades move freely.
- mix · ~1 min
Blend until completely smooth.
Start the blender on low speed and gradually increase to high. Blend for 45 to 60 seconds, or until the mixture is uniformly smooth and no spinach flecks remain visible. If the smoothie is too thick, add an extra tablespoon of cold water and blend again.
TIPStop and scrape down the sides with a spatula halfway through if needed. - mix
Check consistency and adjust.
Pause the blender and check the thickness. For a thinner smoothie, add a splash more water and blend for 10 seconds. For a thicker, colder smoothie, add 2-3 extra ice cubes and blend again.
- serve
Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Divide the smoothie evenly between two glasses. Serve right away while cold and frothy for the best texture and flavor.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use frozen cherries instead of fresh to create a thick, frosty texture without needing extra ice.
- 2Add the spinach after the water to help it blend more thoroughly and avoid chunks.
- 3For a sweeter smoothie, use a very ripe banana with brown spots on the peel.
- 4If your blender struggles, let the frozen cherries sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before blending.
- 5Rinse the blender immediately after pouring to make cleanup effortless.
- 6Make ahead by freezing the banana chunks and cherries together in a bag; just dump and blend in the morning.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy-Free Creamy
Replace the water with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for a richer, creamier texture that still keeps the smoothie dairy-free.
High ProteinHigh-Protein
Add 1 scoop of unflavored or vanilla plant-based protein powder (or a dollop of Greek yogurt) to turn this into a more satiating post-workout recovery drink.
Low SugarLow-Sugar
Swap the banana for half an avocado and add a few drops of stevia to reduce sugar content while maintaining a thick, creamy body.
Tropical TwistTropical Twist
Replace the banana with frozen mango chunks and add a splash of coconut water for a different sweet-tart flavor profile.
Extra GreenExtra Green
Double the spinach and add a small handful of fresh mint leaves for an even more nutrient-dense boost with a refreshing aftertaste.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Dark sweet cherries are packed with anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
Iron Absorption Boost
The vitamin C from the lemon juice helps your body absorb the iron naturally present in baby spinach.
Gut-Friendly Ginger
Fresh ginger adds a digestive-soothing effect, helping to reduce nausea and promote smooth digestion.
Natural Energy from Bananas
A ripe banana provides quick-digesting carbohydrates and potassium, making this smoothie an excellent natural pre- or post-workout fuel.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you'll want to add a handful of ice cubes to keep the smoothie cold and thick, since fresh cherries will make it more watery.
