In the mood for a festive winter drink? Try this sweet & tart cranberry smoothie!
Ever since I was able to jump into the cranberry bogs on a press trip a few years back, I’ve had a special place in my heart for cranberries. Seeing all the hard work that Massachusetts families put into the growing and harvesting process was humbling.
While most of my cranberry culinary treats have centered around baked goods and my favorite holiday dip – it was time to get creative and make a cranberry smoothie!
Ingredients in this cranberry pomegranate smoothie (and why they’re good for you):
This smoothie is packed with five health-promoting ingredients:
- Cranberries – Obviously you’ll find cranberries in here, or the recipe name wouldn’t be very accurate! 😉 Fresh cranberries are rich in polyphenols, which are thought to have a whole host of health benefits. For example, they may promote a healthy heart and support digestive health. In addition, cranberries are thought to help prevent recurrent urinary tract infections.
- Banana – Frozen bananas add that perfect creamy texture to a smoothie – not to mention they pack a punch of potassium. If you’ve never had a fresh cranberry, they’re very tart, so using a sweet banana helps to balance out the flavor profile.
- Vanilla Greek or Icelandic Yogurt – Aside from adding additional flavor, Greek or Icelandic yogurt (both quite similar to each other as far as texture and flavor) offer an added boost of calcium and protein. I prefer Siggi’s, as it’s lower in sugar than many other yogurts, but you can use whatever you like best.
- Pomegranate Juice – Rich in antioxidants – and delicious flavor – pomegranate juice is an obvious winner in this smoothie. Did you know the antioxidants in pomegranate juice may help with memory and muscle strength recovery?
- Unsweetened Almond/Coconut Milk – Adding the unsweetened almond and coconut milk blend helps to thin out the smoothie without adding a ton of calories. I love the blend because of the flavor. That said, you can use almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, or regular dairy milk – whatever floats your boat.
When to Drink This Smoothie
This cranberry smoothie is ideal for three situations:
- Post workout – This smoothie is ideal after a long run, bike ride, or cardio session at the gym. Carbohydrates from the fruit and juice will help to replenish your energy stores, while protein in the yogurt will start the muscle repair and recovery process. Drink this bad boy within 30 minutes of finishing your long sessions for optimal benefits.
- Breakfast – Try this smoothie as a breakfast treat! The entire recipe is just 330 calories with more than 16 grams of protein. Plus, it’s a fun way to switch things up from your go-to breakfast meals.
- Snack time – If you’re just looking for a snack, split this in half and share with a pal. With half the recipe clocking in at just 165 calories and more than 8 grams of protein, it’s a perfect mid-day treat.
Looking for more great fresh cranberry recipes? Try one of these!
- Pumpkin waffles with cranberry orange compote
- Low sugar cranberry sauce
- Cranberry apple quinoa breakfast bowl
- Cranberry orange scones
- Cranberry jalepeno dip
- Honey roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta
I hope you enjoy this cranberry pomegranate smoothie as much as I do – and if so, be sure to rate it in the comments!
Fresh Cranberry Smoothie with Pomegranate
This sweet & tart cranberry smoothie combines antioxidant-rich cranberries and pomegranate juice alongside bananas and yogurt for a nutritionally power-packed drink!
Ingredients
Smoothie:
- 3/4 cup whole cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 frozen banana
- 5.3 ounce container Siggi’s vanilla yogurt (or another Greek/Icelandic yogurt)
- 1/3 cup pomegranate juice
- 2/3 cup unsweetened almond/coconut milk blend (or whatever milk/milk alternative you prefer)
Optional for topping:
- Pomegranate arils
Instructions
Blend all the smoothie ingredients together until well combined. Top with pomegranate arils for a garnish if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition analysis (approximate for whole smoothie): 330 calories, 2.5 g fat, 177 mg sodium, 62 g carbohydrate, 7 g fiber, 39 g sugar, 16.5 g protein, Vitamin A: 13%, Vitamin C: 36%, Calcium: 47%, Iron: 5%, Potassium: 21%
Can I substitute pomegranate arils for the juice?