Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Ingredients

• 500 mlOrange juice
• 1Banana
• 5Strawberries, green leaves removed
• 1Strawberry, with the green leaves left on
• 7–8Raspberries
• 3 scoopsVanilla ice cream

Instructions

1. 1

   Add the juice

   Pour the orange juice into the blender.

2. 2

   Add the banana

   Peel the banana, break it in half by hand and add it to the blender.

3. 3

   Add the fruit

   Add the 5 strawberries, 7 or 8 raspberries and 3 medium scoops of vanilla ice cream.

4. 4

   Blend until smooth

   Blend for a few minutes, until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

5. 5

   Switch off

   Turn off the blender when the smoothie is ready.

6. 6

   Serve and enjoy

   It is ready to eat; enjoy!

What is a strawberry banana smoothie?

A strawberry banana smoothie is a blended drink made with fruit and a liquid base, often served chilled. This version uses orange juice for a bright citrus note and vanilla ice cream for a creamy, dessert-like finish.

Although the recipe is labelled Italian, smoothies are not a traditional Italian dish. The combination here is a simple, contemporary fruit drink rather than a classic regional preparation.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 170 calories, 3g protein, 35g carbs, 5g fat.

Most of the carbohydrates and natural sugars come from the orange juice, banana and berries; the vanilla ice cream contributes much of the fat, along with some protein. Serve it with a simple savoury snack, such as toast, if you want a more balanced plate.

Why these ingredients work

Orange juice: it gives the blender enough liquid to pull the fruit and ice cream together, while adding a tangy flavour.

Banana and berries: banana brings body and sweetness, while strawberries and raspberries add fragrant, lightly tart fruit notes.

Vanilla ice cream: it makes the drink richer and lends a familiar vanilla flavour that rounds out the citrus.

Getting the texture right

Add the juice first, as directed, so the blades have liquid to move around the fruit. Break the banana in half before adding it, and make sure the strawberries have their green leaves removed.

Blend until no obvious pieces of fruit remain and the mixture looks evenly combined. If the blender struggles, switch it off before checking the contents.

How long to blend

The method calls for a few minutes of blending, but the exact time depends on the blender. Use the visual cue: stop once the drink is smooth and the ingredients are mixed through.

Avoid leaving the blender running after the smoothie is ready. A long blend can warm the drink and soften its fresh, cold texture.

Serving the smoothie

Divide the finished smoothie between four servings and serve straight away while it is cold. The recipe includes one extra strawberry with its leaves left on, which can be used as a garnish if you like.

For a more substantial snack, serve it alongside a plain piece of toast or a small handful of nuts. Keep accompaniments simple so the fruit flavour stays in focus.

A note on the serving size

The four servings are modest drink portions, especially because the recipe includes only three scoops of ice cream. Pouring it into small glasses makes it easier to share evenly.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use ripe strawberries and banana for fuller fruit flavour.
• Remove the green leaves from the five strawberries before blending.
• Measure out four glasses before pouring to divide the smoothie evenly.
• Blend only until the fruit is fully mixed and the texture is smooth.
• Serve immediately for the coldest, freshest texture.

Variations

• More berries: Add extra strawberries or raspberries for a stronger berry flavour.
• Less sweetness: Choose unsweetened orange juice to keep the citrus flavour sharper.
• Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream in place of the regular ice cream.
• Thicker texture: Use chilled orange juice and ripe banana straight from the fridge.
• Citrus twist: Replace some of the orange juice with freshly squeezed orange juice.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving the leaves on: Remove the green tops from the five strawberries before blending.
• Adding fruit first: Pour in the orange juice first, as the method directs, to give the blades liquid to work with.
• Stopping too early: Blend until the fruit is evenly incorporated and no large pieces remain.
• Blending for too long: Switch off once the mixture is smooth so it stays cold.
• Uneven portions: Divide the smoothie between four glasses rather than pouring by eye.

How to store

This smoothie is best served immediately. If needed, cover and refrigerate it for up to a day, then stir or briefly re-blend before serving; it is not suitable for reheating.

Frequently asked questions