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This Healthy Cherry Smoothie, made with just 3 ingredients and no banana, contains just under 140 calories and 15g of protein. It’s the perfect easy solution for breakfast on the go or a post-workout recovery snack to keep you full longer.
I’ll be honest, cherries in a smoothie wasn’t my idea. My mom texted me about her obsession with this combination and I was skeptical enough that it took me a full year to try it. She was right, obviously.
But here’s where my nutritionist brain kicked in: most cherry smoothies you’ll find are basically a bowl of fruit in a glass. Of course, they’re naturally delicious, but they’re often not built to keep you full. So I did what I always do and built this one protein-first, using Greek yogurt as the base.
This cherry yogurt smoothie is amazing! I kind of feel selfish not sharing it sooner because I think it’s one of my favorite Greek yogurt smoothies, or a close tie with my protein strawberry smoothie.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Only 3 ingredients. No long grocery list, no complicated prep, just frozen cherries, Greek yogurt, and a little stevia. It blends up in under five minutes and cleans up even faster, just like this healthy orange smoothie.
- High protein and genuinely low calorie. At 137 calories and 15 grams of protein per serving, this smoothie is built for weight loss that actually sticks. Most cherry smoothies are fruit-heavy and leave you hungry by 10am, while this one keeps you full.
- No banana, no added sugar. Greek yogurt handles the milkshake-like texture, and the sweetness comes from the cherries themselves (with just a touch of stevia if you want it).
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Frozen cherries: I love using frozen cherries rather than fresh for smoothies. They’re already pitted (no prep), and they make a colder and thicker smoothie. If you use fresh, you will need to add some extra ice. Mention dark sweet vs. tart cherries in one line. Dark sweet cherries will have a sweeter, more dessert-like flavor, while tart cherries are bright and tangy. Both work, but the flavors are different. If you love cherries, try this cherry quinoa smoothie and healthy cherry bars.
- Greek yogurt: Use Greek yogurt here rather than regular yogurt because it has a higher amount of protein. I use Greek yogurt in many recipes, like these healthy apple muffins, to boost the protein.
- Stevia: Stevia is the no-calorie sweetener I enjoy, but you can use whatever sweetener you prefer, such as monk fruit and even honey or maple syrup. Just note maple syrup and honey will add calories. The amount added should be based on your own preferences and what you enjoy!
See the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and quantities of each one.
Variations & Dietary Modifications
- Dairy-Free: Swap out the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free option. These aren’t usually as thick and don’t contain as much protein, though there are a few options that have protein added, like the Greek yogurt by Kite Hill.
- Chocolate Cherry: Add up to a tablespoon of cocoa powder to make a chocoalte cherry smoothie. Then sprinkle with a few chocolate chips for serving.
- Green Boost: Add a handful of spinach or kale before blending. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for breakfast, like in this healthy green juice!
- Extra Protein: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to increase the protein in your healthy cherry smoothie. If adding protein powder, you will also need to increase the liquid too. Start with 1-2 tablespoons more and then add more in small increments until it’s the texture you want.
How to Make a Healthy Cherry Smoothie with Yogurt
- Place all the ingredients in the blender. Add the liquid and yogurt first to make blending easier.
- Blend the smoothie until it’s smooth. You may need to pulse at first, especially if the blender is struggling. Pour into a glass and enjoy with these quinoa egg bites for an easy on-the-go breakfast.
Expert Tips
- Make Smoothie Packs: These are great to make ahead so you can just grab, blend, and go! Add all the cherries and sweetener to a plastic bag or container. Store in the freezer until you’re ready to make. To blend, remove from the freezer and add the liquid and yogurt.
- Taste Before Adding Sweetener: Depending on the sweetness of your cherries, you may need only a small amount or even none at all. I suggest blending the smoothie, tasting it, and then adding the stevia if it’s needed.
- Adjusting the Consistency: If your smoothie is too thin, add some ice cubes and blend again. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, add some more cranberry juice or water to loosen it up.
- Storage: Smoothies are best enjoyed freshly made. You can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours in a sealed jar. Just stir or shake it really well before serving.
Healthy Cherry Smoothie Recipe FAQs
Yes, they can be when they’re built with protein. Most cherry smoothies are heavy on fruit and light on staying power, which means you’re hungry again an hour later. This one uses Greek yogurt for 15 grams of protein, which helps stabilize blood sugar and keep cravings in check. Even better, add a scoop of protein powder to boost it even more!
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen to make this cherry smoothie recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re pitted first, and toss in a handful of ice to keep the smoothie thick and cold. Fresh cherries work especially well in summer when they’re at peak sweetness; you may not even need the stevia.
This recipe already is banana-free! Skipping the banana keeps the calories lower and lets the cherry flavor really shine. Of course, you can add a banana to a cherry smoothie for more nutrients if you enjoy them. Greek yogurt takes care of the creamy texture so even if you don’t use a banana, you’ll still enjoy a creamy texture!
Cherries have antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory compounds, making them a great choice after a workout or a tough day on your feet. They’re also a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Bonus: cherries contain natural melatonin that can even help you sleep better. I like to enjoy one after a good workout. Cherries are great for muscle soreness and reducing inflammation, so this smoothie is a natural way to aid the body in repairing itself.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your cherry smoothie with a protein-rich bite, like these cottage cheese breakfast bars, or with a slice of healthy sausage egg casserole, if using as a full breakfast.
As a post-workout snack or an afternoon pick-me-up, pair it with an almond butter protein ball.
More Healthy Smoothie Recipes
If you tried this Healthy Cherry Smoothie recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below.
Healthy Cherry Smoothie
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup Cherries, frozen
- ⅔ cup Nonfat Greek Yogurt
- 1 cup Ice
- Stevia to taste, or sweetener of choice
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Transfer to a glass and enjoy!
Notes
- Make Smoothie Packs: Add cherries and stevia to a zip bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just dump the bag into the blender, add the yogurt and liquid, and blend. Breakfast in under two minutes.
- Taste Before You Sweeten: Ripe, in-season cherries can be sweet enough on their own. Blend first, taste, then add stevia only if you need it.
- Adjust the Consistency: Too thick? Add a splash of liquid and blend again. Too thin? Toss in a few ice cubes. Easy fix either way.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love blueberry and banana based smoothies.
I love trying new smoothie recipes. This love looks so good!
Love Siggi’s! It’s my favorite brand and mixed with cherries is a win-win combination! Thank you for the opportunity to win a months supply! Makes me so happy!!
are you a siggi’s ambassador too?! i love them <3 i usually use the plain though! (i would add vanilla extract in this case 🙂 )
I’m not a Siggi’s ambassador, but sure wish I was!
My favorite smoothie is frozen watermelon, nectarine and mint. I will admit this cherry one looks like a good rival though!
That smoothie sounds really good!
I never thought to make a smoothie ahead of time to use during the week- it really is a great idea and I completely get the fact that sometimes you don’t even have a few minutes. My kids drink smoothies, so this is something I could do on Sunday to make school mornings less chaotic. I love cherries.. so does my daughter. I’ve never tried Siggi’s but I always swoon over the packaging when I’m in store–Love the simple design.
Having meals ready to go is one less stress!
My favorite smoothie is chocolate cherry banana. Although I just haven’t been in a smoothie mood this summer, which is odd for me.
And I LOVE Siggi’s!
Another chocolate cherry smoothie. I need to get on that one!
I love cherries! I just wish they weren’t so dang expensive! Great smoothie recipe though!
I buy frozen cherries, they’re inexpensive.
Love adding cherry to smoothies! I have a chocolate cherry protein shake that I can’t get enough of! Might have to be breakfast tomorrow 😉
I never thought about adding chocolate. That sounds so good!
I bought a top of the line Vitamix five months ago and have only used it one time so far — to grind up cookies. I should probably redeem myself by making this tasty-looking smoothie. hehehe
One time? I think that needs to change!