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Do you or your kiddos LOVE Tropical Smoothie Cafe? This “copycat” Blimey Limey Smoothie is a great breakfast smoothie recipe and just as delicious, but MUCH easier on the wallet!

Healthy Smoothies

One of the best ways to help kiddos eat more fruits and vegetables is to pack them into smoothies. I suggest starting with one base smoothie recipe and then varying the recipe based on what your kids like (and what you have on hand).

My kids have loved smoothies ever since my dad made them when we would visit for breakfast on the weekends.

They love smoothies for breakfast and snacks and think of some of the recipes like the Blimey Limey more as a treat. Smoothies are great because you can keep most of the ingredients on hand in the freezer or pantry.

Smoothies for Kids

One of my best tips for helping kids like smoothies is to avoid getting too adventuresome with ingredients at the start. Because if you go overboard on veggies and things like chia or hemp seeds, a kid’s smoothie can taste like sludge really fast. But thankfully, you can still make a healthy smoothie packed with nutrition if you know how to balance the ingredients. 

Ingredients You Need

There’s one base recipe here, but you can select which fruits and veggies to use to customize it for your child.

Generally, you’ll require:

• Milk
• Fruit
• Veggie
• Frozen banana
• Optional add-ins

TIP: I like to do half frozen fruit and half fresh fruit typically that’s a nice and easy thickness for kids to enjoy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at the process involved in making smoothies for kids. If you have time, ask your child to wash the fruit before adding to the blender. Tip: Kids of all ages love to add ingredients to the blender. It is a great way to have your child be more involved in the preparation. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for all of the recipes.

1. Add the milk to the blender
2. Add the fruit and veggie
3. Add any optional ingredients.
4. Blend the smoothie really well to ensure that it has a very creamy texture.

TIP: To help ensure a good texture and flavor in our veggie smoothies, I usually pick just a few ingredients each time and try to keep the flavors simple.

I’D LOVE TO KNOW IF YOU’VE TRIED THIS RECIPE AND WHAT YOUR FAMILY THINKS OF IT SO PLEASE RATE AND COMMENT BELOW!

Favorite Healthy Smoothies (with Veggies!)

BASE RECIPE

Ingredients

1 cup milk of choice

1 small banana (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup fresh or frozen fruit (such as blueberries, strawberries, mango, apple, or kiwi)

1/2 cup veggies (such as kale, spinach, raw fresh or frozen chopped cauliflower, raw fresh or frozen sliced zucchini, raw fresh or frozen sliced summer squash, roasted sweet potato, roasted butternut squash, steamed diced beets)

Optional add-ins (pick 1-2: 1 teaspoon hemp seeds, chia seeds, or ground flaxseed 1 tablespoon nut butter 2 tablespoons avocado 1-2 teaspoons cocoa powder 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup 1 tablespoon rolled oats)

Instructions

• Add chosen ingredients to a blender.
• Blend until very smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl and adding more liquid if needed.
• Serve immediately.

Interested in more smoothie recipes? Try this Orange Creamsicle Smoothie or Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie.