Beetroot smoothie

Ingredients

• 200 g (or 180–200 ml)cooked beetroot, cut into small cubes (or beetroot juice)
• 1banana, peeled and cut into pieces
• 1 largeapple, peeled, cored and diced
• 250 mlice-cold water
• 2 (optional)pitted dates, roughly chopped

Instructions

1. 1

   Blend until smooth

   Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend at high speed until smooth.

What is a beetroot smoothie?

A beetroot smoothie is a blended drink that pairs beetroot’s earthy flavour with fruit for sweetness and body. This version uses banana and apple, with cold water to keep the texture drinkable.

There is no single traditional origin for this combination; it is a simple modern fruit-and-vegetable smoothie. The cooked beetroot makes it especially straightforward, since it can go straight into the blender.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 174 calories, 2g protein, 45g carbs, 1g fat.

Most of the carbohydrates and natural sugars come from the beetroot, banana, apple and optional dates; the fruit and beetroot also contribute fibre. There is little fat or protein in the listed ingredients, so pair a serving with a protein-rich food such as yoghurt to make a more balanced plate.

Choosing the beetroot

Cooked beetroot: Use plain cooked beetroot rather than pickled beetroot, which can add vinegar and extra seasoning. Cut it into small cubes so it blends readily.

Beetroot juice: The recipe also allows 180–200 ml of juice instead of the beetroot cubes. Since juice adds liquid without the same pulp, blend first and adjust the texture with the water if needed.

Getting a smooth texture

Fruit pieces: Peel and core the apple, then cut it and the banana into pieces before blending. Smaller pieces help the fruit combine evenly with the beetroot.

Blending: Start with the ingredients in the blender and blend at high speed until there are no noticeable chunks. If the mixture is thicker than you like, add a little more cold water.

Balancing the flavour

Apple and banana: The apple brings a fresh, lightly tart note, while banana gives the drink a softer texture and sweetness. A large apple is specified, so use one of similar size for the intended balance.

Dates: These are optional and make the smoothie sweeter. Taste the blended drink before deciding whether to include them next time.

Serving it cold

Cold water: Ice-cold water helps keep the drink refreshing without needing ice in the blender. Blend and serve promptly for the smoothest texture.

Pairing: Serve it alongside breakfast or a light snack. If you want a more filling plate, add something with protein, such as plain yoghurt or eggs.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use plain cooked beetroot rather than pickled beetroot.
• Cut the fruit into pieces small enough for your blender to handle easily.
• Add the optional dates only if you want a sweeter drink.
• Blend at high speed until the mixture looks evenly smooth.
• Add a little extra cold water if you prefer a thinner smoothie.

Variations

• Use beetroot juice: Replace the cubes with 180–200 ml beetroot juice as specified.
• Make it sweeter: Include the two optional dates and blend them with the fruit.
• Serve thicker: Use less of the 250 ml water, then add more only if needed.
• Add a creamy side: Serve the smoothie with plain yoghurt rather than changing the listed ingredients.
• Keep it simple: Leave out the dates for a less sweet version.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using pickled beetroot: Its vinegar flavour can dominate; choose plain cooked beetroot instead.
• Leaving large chunks: They may blend unevenly; cut the beetroot and fruit into smaller pieces.
• Adding dates automatically: They are optional and can make the drink sweeter; taste the fruit blend first.
• Pouring in extra water at once: The smoothie can become too thin; add any extra gradually.
• Stopping while it is still lumpy: Continue blending at high speed until the ingredients are evenly combined.

How to store

For the best texture, drink the smoothie soon after blending. If needed, refrigerate it in a covered container and use within 24 hours; shake or stir well before drinking.

Frequently asked questions