Save The first time I blended beets into a smoothie, I stared at the shocking pink vortex in my blender with genuine skepticism. My kitchen counter looked like a science experiment gone wrong, all bright purple splatters and stained wooden spoons. But one spoonful later, I was completely converted by how earthy and naturally sweet the beetroot made everything taste. Now this vibrant bowl has become my go-to when I need something that feels both indulgent and incredibly nourishing.
Last summer, my sister came to visit and caught me mid-blend, watching concerned as I dropped a peeled beet into the blender with berries. She politely declined the first serving until I convinced her to try just one bite. Within minutes, we were both sitting at the kitchen table,争论 over who got the extra granola topping, with bright pink mustaches and zero regrets. Now she texts me every time she makes it, usually with a photo of her own colorful kitchen disaster.
Ingredients
- Small cooked beetroot: Roasting beets beforehand concentrates their natural sweetness and makes them blend silkier than raw ones
- Frozen mixed berries: The frozen fruit eliminates the need for ice, keeping your bowl thick and creamy rather than watered down
- Ripe banana: Adds natural sweetness and creates that luxurious thick texture we want in a spoonable smoothie bowl
- Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps things light while letting the beet and berry flavors shine through
- Greek or coconut yogurt: This is what transforms a drinkable smoothie into a bowl worthy of a spoon
- Chia seeds: They thicken the mixture slightly as it sits and add a lovely subtle crunch
- Maple syrup: Only add this if your berries are particularly tart, otherwise the banana and beet provide plenty of sweetness
- Granola: Use whatever you love, just make sure it has some nice clumps for texture contrast
- Fresh berries and kiwi: The fresh fruit on top adds bursts of juiciness against the smooth base
- Pumpkin seeds and coconut: These bring healthy fats and a satisfying crunch that keeps you full
Instructions
- Blend the vibrant base:
- Toss your beetroot, frozen berries, banana, almond milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup into a high-speed blender and let it run until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides once or twice.
- Adjust your consistency:
- If the mixture seems too thick to blend properly, add another splash of milk, but keep it thicker than a regular smoothie since we are eating this with a spoon.
- Pour into waiting bowls:
- Divide that gorgeous pink mixture between two bowls, using a spatula to get every last drop, then immediately start arranging your toppings while the base is still frosty cold.
- Make it beautiful:
- Scatter granola over one half, arrange fresh berries and kiwi slices in little sections, then sprinkle pumpkin seeds and shredded coconut wherever you want extra crunch.
- Serve straight away:
- This bowl waits for no one, so grab your spoon and dig in immediately while the contrast between cold smooth base and crunchy toppings is at its best.
Save This bowl became a regular in our rotation during those hectic weekday mornings when we need something portable but substantial. My partner started requesting it after workouts, claiming the beet gave him an energy boost that coffee never could. Watching my normally skeptical family willingly eat beets for breakfast has been one of my kitchen victories.
Making Ahead
You can roast and peel beets up to three days in advance, storing them in the refrigerator until blending time. I have also portioned out the smoothie ingredients into freezer bags, just needing to add liquid and blend on busy mornings.
Topping Swaps
Whatever fresh fruit is in season works beautifully here, from stone fruit in summer to pomegranate seeds in winter. Sometimes I swap pumpkin seeds for hemp hearts or add a dusting of bee pollen if I am feeling fancy.
Protein Boosts
After workouts, I will stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or add an extra tablespoon of nut butter to the blender. A tablespoon of hemp seeds blended into the base also adds protein without altering the flavor.
- Leftover smoothie base can be poured into popsicle molds for a grab and go treat
- If you do not have cooked beets, raw beets work but may need slightly more blending time
- The toppings can be prepared the night before and stored in separate containers
Save There is something joyful about starting your day with a bowl this color and vibrant. It feels like a small act of kitchen rebellion against boring breakfasts.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I taste the beetroot in this smoothie bowl?
The beetroot flavor is quite subtle when blended with sweet berries and banana. You'll mostly notice the beautiful vibrant color and a slight earthy undertone that balances the fruit sweetness. If you're new to beets, start with half the amount and gradually increase as you adjust to the flavor.
- → Do I need to cook the beetroot first?
Yes, using cooked beetroot is essential for the right texture and sweetness. You can roast, boil, or steam the beetroot ahead of time. Raw beetroot would be too fibrous and earthy. Pre-cooked beets from the grocery store work perfectly if you're short on time.
- → Can I make this smoothie bowl ahead of time?
You can blend the base up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The texture may thicken slightly, so you might need to stir in a splash of milk before serving. Add toppings just before eating to maintain their crunch and freshness.
- → What milk alternatives work best in this recipe?
Unsweetened almond milk provides a neutral base that lets the beet and berry flavors shine. However, oat milk adds creaminess, coconut milk enhances the tropical notes, and soy milk offers extra protein. Choose based on your preference and dietary needs—just ensure it's unsweetened to control the sweetness level.
- → How can I make this smoothie bowl higher in protein?
Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder when blending, or use Greek yogurt instead of coconut yogurt for about 10 extra grams of protein. Hemp hearts, extra chia seeds, or a tablespoon of nut butter blended into the base also boost protein content naturally while adding rich flavor.
- → What other toppings work well with this combination?
Beyond the suggested toppings, try sliced banana, chopped almonds or walnuts, cacao nibs for chocolate crunch, or a drizzle of almond butter. Seasonal fruits like peach slices, pomegranate seeds, or diced mango complement the earthy beet beautifully. A sprinkle of bee pollen or hemp seeds adds visual appeal and nutrients.