Strawberry Cherry Smoothie with Orange and Chia

Strawberry cherry smoothie has a deep red colour and a thick fruit texture. Orange supplies brightness, while banana softens the tart edges without needing extra sugar. Chia seeds disperse through the drink and thicken it further as it stands. Using frozen strawberries makes the smoothie cold without adding ice. Check every cherry for stones even when the package says pitted. A forgotten stone can damage the blender and is unpleasant to find in a glass.

Recipe at a glance

Yield: 2 large servings; about 900 ml. Prep: 10 minutes. Cook: 0 minutes. Total: 10 minutes, including 0 minutes of additional resting, cooling, chilling or draining where stated. Times are estimates; follow the doneness checks.

Equipment

Blender, knife and two glasses

Ingredients and directions

Doneness checks

Check cherries for stones and remove orange seeds and thick white pith. Follow frozen-fruit package cooking directions if given and chill fruit before blending. Blend 45–60 seconds, stop to scrape if needed and blend again until smooth. Pour into two glasses and drink promptly.

Helpful tips

• Check cherries for stones.
• Add liquid first.
• Use at least one frozen fruit.
• Drink before chia thickens it further.

Troubleshooting

• Yes, but the drink will be warmer and thinner; chill the fruit first.
• Add liquid first.

Serving ideas

• Serve with breakfast toast.
• Pair with yogurt separately.
• Pour into smaller snack glasses.
• Offer beside oatmeal.

Substitutions

Use cold coconut water in place of water for a sweeter result. Ground flaxseed can replace chia.

Variation

Add 60 g plain yogurt for a creamier non-vegan version.

Make ahead

Portion the fruit into freezer bags ahead; add water and chia at blending time.

Storage and reheating

Best fresh. Refrigerate covered up to 1 day and stir before drinking; colour and texture change. Freeze in portions up to 1 month.

Food safety

Use clean utensils and wash produce. Keep perishable ingredients refrigerated at 4°C (40°F) or below. Refrigerate perishable leftovers promptly, within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 32°C (90°F).

Frequently asked questions

Can I use fresh fruit only?

Yes, but the drink will be warmer and thinner; chill the fruit first.

Why does it thicken after blending?

Chia absorbs liquid as it sits. Stir in a little water if needed.

How to tell when it is ready

Check cherries for stones and remove orange seeds and thick white pith. Follow frozen-fruit package cooking directions if given and chill fruit before blending. Blend 45–60 seconds, stop to scrape if needed and blend again until smooth. Pour into two glasses and drink promptly.

Tips

• Check cherries for stones.
• Add liquid first.
• Use at least one frozen fruit.
• Drink before chia thickens it further.

Troubleshooting

• Yes, but the drink will be warmer and thinner; chill the fruit first.
• Add liquid first.

Substitutions

• Use cold coconut water in place of water for a sweeter result. Ground flaxseed can replace chia.

Variations

• Add 60 g plain yogurt for a creamier non-vegan version.

Serving suggestions

• Serve with breakfast toast.
• Pair with yogurt separately.
• Pour into smaller snack glasses.
• Offer beside oatmeal.

Make ahead

Portion the fruit into freezer bags ahead; add water and chia at blending time.

Storage

Best fresh. Refrigerate covered up to 1 day and stir before drinking; colour and texture change. Freeze in portions up to 1 month.

Food safety

Use clean utensils and wash produce. Keep perishable ingredients refrigerated at 4°C (40°F) or below. Refrigerate perishable leftovers promptly, within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 32°C (90°F).