Mixed Berries and Banana Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients

• 150 g (1 cup)frozen mixed berries
• 180 ml (¾ cup)orange juice
• 60 g (¼ cup)low-fat vanilla yoghurt
• 1frozen ripe banana
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml), optionalhoney
• 35 g (¼ cup)fresh blueberries
• 30 g (¼ cup)fresh raspberries
• 2 dollopslow-fat vanilla yoghurt
• 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml)granola
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml)chia seeds

Instructions

1. 1

   Blend the smoothie

   Put the frozen mixed berries, orange juice, yoghurt, banana and honey, if using, in a blender. Blend until smooth.

2. 2

   Add the toppings

   Pour the smoothie into a bowl. Arrange the blueberries, raspberries, vanilla yoghurt and granola on top, then sprinkle with the chia seeds.

What is a smoothie bowl?

A smoothie bowl is a thick blended fruit drink served in a bowl and eaten with a spoon, rather than poured into a glass. It belongs to the modern family of smoothie breakfasts, with toppings that add contrasting textures.

Here, frozen berries and banana make the base cool and creamy, while orange juice loosens it enough to blend. Fresh berries, yoghurt, granola and chia seeds finish each serving.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 260 calories, 6g protein, 56g carbs, 5g fat.

The banana, berries and orange juice provide most of the carbohydrates, while the granola adds some fat and extra carbohydrate. Yoghurt contributes a little protein; serve the bowl with eggs or another protein-rich food if you want a more balanced meal.

Choose the base ingredients

Frozen fruit: the berries and banana help make a thick, chilled base without needing ice, which could dilute the flavour.

Orange juice: it adds liquid and a bright citrus note. Pour it in with the fruit so the blender can get moving.

Blend to the right texture

Start with the listed amount of juice and blend until the mixture is smooth. The finished base should be thick enough to support toppings but fluid enough to pour into a bowl.

If the blender struggles, stop and scrape down the sides before blending again. Avoid adding extra liquid unless needed, as that can make the bowl runny.

Finish with contrasting toppings

Fresh fruit: blueberries and raspberries bring a juicy contrast to the smooth base. Spread them over the bowl so they are easy to scoop up.

Crunch and creaminess: granola adds bite, while dollops of vanilla yoghurt soften the texture. A light scatter of chia seeds completes the topping.

Make it at serving time

The recipe takes about five minutes, and the base is best blended just before serving. That keeps it cold and prevents the toppings from becoming soggy.

For a drinkable snack, blend the fruit mixture and serve it in a glass as described. For the bowl version, add the toppings only after pouring.

Serve and customise

Serve the bowl on its own for breakfast or a snack, or alongside toast or eggs if you want a more varied meal. Keep the granola aside until the last moment for the best crunch.

Use the optional honey to adjust the sweetness, bearing in mind that the banana, juice and vanilla yoghurt already contribute sweetness.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a ripe banana for a naturally sweet, smooth base.
• Let frozen fruit sit for a minute or two if your blender has trouble processing it.
• Add the orange juice to the blender before the frozen fruit if your blender needs liquid near the blades.
• Blend only until smooth to avoid warming the mixture.
• Top the bowl just before serving so the granola stays crunchy.

Variations

• Swap the juice: Use another fruit juice in place of orange juice for a different flavour.
• Add nut butter: Spoon a little on top for a richer finish.
• Change the crunch: Replace granola with chopped nuts or toasted seeds.
• Use different fruit: Add sliced strawberries or kiwi alongside the berries.
• Make it dairy-free: Use a plant-based vanilla yoghurt in both the base and toppings.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding too much juice: The base can become thin; start with the listed amount and blend before adding more.
• Using an unripe banana: It can taste less sweet; choose a ripe banana and freeze it beforehand.
• Skipping the blend check: Frozen fruit can stick to the sides; pause and scrape them down as needed.
• Topping too early: Granola softens on contact with the smoothie; add it just before eating.
• Over-blending: The mixture may warm up; stop as soon as it is smooth.

How to store

The smoothie base is best served immediately, but can be covered and refrigerated for up to 1 day. Stir before serving and add fresh toppings then; the granola is best kept separate.

Frequently asked questions