35 Healthy Smoothie Recipes for a Morning Energy Boost

The best smoothies are creamy, refreshing and satiating, with all the macronutrients you need to start your day on a high note. But it can be tough to find the right balance of nutritious and delicious. These healthy smoothie recipes hit both marks: Not only are they loaded with whole fruits and vegetables, but they also get extra oomph from add-ins like fresh herbs, creamy nut butters and warm spices. Any one of these also makes a perfect quick breakfast to sip on the go.

What are the healthiest things to put in a smoothie?

First, think nutrient- and vitamin-rich produce. Smoothies are a great way to make use of leftover fresh fruit or to sneak in some extra superfoods that you wouldn't normally eat on their own. Think beyond the classic add-ins and consider dark greens like spinach, a squeeze of citrus and spices like ginger (try grated fresh ginger!) and turmeric. There are also lots of herbs like fresh basil and mint, and — if your blender is strong enough — hearty veggies like carrots and beets. Then add some protein, like a spoonful of nut butter or some plain Greek yogurt, for an energy boost that will keep you going until lunch. Milk (or milk alternatives) are a great base, and you can add in a probiotic burst with a healthy pour of kefir.

Is it healthy to have a smoothie every day for breakfast?

That depends on what's in it. "As long as your smoothie contains some protein and isn’t loaded with sugar, it can be a convenient and healthy breakfast option that allows you to pack in a variety of nutrient-dense foods," says Stefani Sassos, deputy director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab. So keep the advice above about sugar in mind, and if you're dying to try out a smoothie recipe that doesn't have protein, you can still add one of the protein boosts above, or even a spoonful of a good-quality vegan protein powder.

You don't have to have a smoothie for breakfast every day, of course. But as long as you're keeping an eye on your total sugar content for the day, and being reasonable about the serving size of your smoothies, there's no reason not to have one each day. Remember that even if you're not adding sugar to your smoothie, the sugary fruit and dairy both add to your daily sugar intake, as do add-ins like maple syrup.

Are smoothies good for kids?

"Smoothies can be a nice option for kids since they're simple to make and give parents the opportunity to incorporate foods that their child may otherwise not eat," says Sassos. Even if your kid makes a face at the idea of spinach, they'll probably love a "green monster smoothie" (or whatever you want to name your concoction!), especially if there are a few banana chunks in there to naturally sweeten it up. To make things even more convenient, you can take smoothies along in a spill-proof cup for a healthy between-games Saturday snack.

What is the best way to make a smoothie?

Learn how to make a smoothie like a total pro (hint: there's a certain order you should add ingredients to the blender!) then get ready to mix up a tasty breakfast or snack that's good for you, too. Our Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab also tested the best blenders for whipping up the smoothest, creamiest drinks. To make smoothies ahead of time, stash your non-liquid ingredients (such as fruits, vegetables, powders and seeds) in the freezer in freezer-safe bags or food storage containers. In the morning, just add your liquid to the blender, followed by your other ingredients, and blend. Breakfast in 5 minutes? Easy!

Just pull out these pre-made (by you) mixes from the freezer, add liquid and blend.

Get the Make-Ahead Smoothie recipes.

This creamy smoothie is made in an immersion blender for faster prep and easy cleanup!

Get the Coconut Raspberry Smoothie recipe.

Cucumber makes this sipper super hydrating.

Get the Pineapple-Cucumber Smoothie recipe.

Choose between raspberry, mango, strawberry or green smoothie options so you'll never get bored. Better yet, try them all!

Get the Summer Smoothies recipes.

Power up your morning with this fruit-veggie combo, sweetened with honey yogurt.

Get the Green Goddess Smoothie recipe.

Why put your smoothie in a bowl? One word: Toppings.

Get the Tropical Smoothie Bowl recipe.

Our go-to smoothie formula? Purée fresh fruit with yogurt and milk! Or, make multiple batches and layer two flavors in one glass for an Insta-worthy effect.

Get the Super-Simple Smoothies recipe.

Sweet peaches and tropical mango offer dessert-like deliciousness — plus a ton of vitamins!

Get the Peach-Mango Smoothie recipe.

Yes, this sipper is loaded with leafy greens, but frozen mango and pineapple keep it sweet.

Get the Spinach Smoothie recipe.

A little ginger and tart pineapple juice add a kick to this sweet but healthy blend of banana and berries.

Get the Banana-Berry Smoothie recipe.

This golden smoothie looks and tastes like sunshine in a glass, and it's a nutritional knockout to boot. The orange juice and pineapple are high in vitamin C, and the banana is a good source of potassium.

Get the Pineapple-Citrus Smoothie recipe.

For a thicker, colder smoothie, cut peeled banana into chunks and freeze for up to a week in a self-sealing plastic bag.

Get the Banana-Peanut Butter Smoothie recipe.

Tropical flavors offer a mini vacation in a cup. You won't even notice the grated carrot added for extra sweetness and a bonus boost of veggies!

Get the Mango-Madness Smoothie recipe.

It's all in the name: This fresh fruit and ginger smoothie will help you put your best foot forward.

Get the Jump-Start Smoothie recipe.

A little nut butter can give you the protein boost your morning needs.

Get the Blueberry-Banana-Nut Smoothie recipe.

The best part about smoothie bowls? The toppings. Load up this one with Cara Cara oranges, pepitas and toasted coconut chips.

Get the Peach Smoothie Bowls recipe from Woman's Day.

One peeled, cooked beet adds extra-pink color and earthy sweetness to this berry-ful bowl.

Get the Raspberry Smoothie Bowl recipe from Woman's Day.

Try carrot juice in your next smoothie bowl (like this one!) for the right amount of sweetness, plus a dose of beta-carotene.

Get the Strawberry Smoothie Bowl recipe from Woman's Day.

Coconut milk adds slightly sweet, tropical taste to this pineapple-spinach blend.

Get the Green Pineapple Coconut Smoothie recipe from Prevention.

RELATED: 32 Delicious Spinach Recipes That Even Spinach Haters Will Love

Sneak frozen peas into your smoothie for extra vitamins and nutrients. They're super creamy, too!

Get the 'Green Machine' Smoothie recipe from Women's Health.

Smoothies are already a great low-stress breakfast option. With magnesium-loaded hemp seeds and a perfectly creamy texture, this raspberry-peach recipe will help you chill out even more.

Get the Stress Less Smoothie recipe from Prevention.

Making this smoothie shop fave at home has two benefits: One, you can make it exactly the way you like it; two, you can control how much sugar is in there.

Get the Açaí Bowl recipe from Delish.

Packed with good stuff like chia seeds and goji berries, this smoothie will keep you full until lunch.

Get The Sage's Smoothie recipe from Delish.

With a rich purple hue, this lightly sweetened blueberry smoothie is almost as lovely to look at as it is to drink.

Get the Blueberry Smoothie recipe from Delish.

This thick, naturally sweet smoothie isn’t exactly like eating pumpkin pie for breakfast — but it’s pretty darn close. Using almond milk as the liquid makes it super creamy while keeping it dairy-free.

Get the Best Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie recipe from All the Healthy Things.

We love a glass of OJ in the morning. When we need something a bit more substantial, however, we reach for this tangy, fruit-filled orange smoothie instead.

Get the Vitamin C Immune Boosting Citrus Smoothie recipe from Unsophisticook.

RELATED: Is Orange Juice Good for You? 4 Surprising Health Benefits of Drinking OJ

After overdoing it on the heavy foods and booze, this is what you want to put in your body.

Get the Mean Green Smoothie recipe from Half-Baked Harvest.

Coffee lovers, rejoice! You can have your sweet, sweet caffeine and your smoothie in the morning.

Get the Wake Me Up Coffee Smoothie recipe from Live Eat Learn.

RELATED: The 20 Best Coffee Recipes to Make at Home

This one pretty much tastes like a bowl of brownie batter.

Get the Chocolate Dream Smoothie Bowl recipe from Plantily.

If you're trying to cut out pastries, this smoothie is the next best thing.

Get the Blueberry Muffin Smoothie recipe from Happiness is Homemade.

Whenever we can make chocolate an appropriate breakfast choice, we're all in.

Get the Dark Chocolate Cherry Smoothie recipe from How Sweet Eats.

This is basically the breakfast version of guac, right?

Get the Banana Mango Avocado Green Smoothie recipe from Emilie Eats.

This is everything you love about pie, minus the crust.

Get the Peach Pie Smoothie recipe from Foodiecrush.

Pour yourself a tall glass of fall with this spiced concoction.

Get the Pumpkin Apple Smoothie recipe from Jennifer Meyering.

When you need a little extra pep in your step.

Get the Coffee Banana Smoothie recipe from Little Broken.