Cool Off With a Cherry Lime Smoothie That Packs a Secret Health-Boosting Twist

Picture this: A gloriously sunny summer day, a book you can't put down, and a deliciously refreshing beverage in your hand. What could make this picture even more perfect? If said delicious drink was also loaded with health benefits.

That combo was the inspiration behind this cherry smoothie recipe that's loaded with fresh summer produce like sweet cherries, zucchini, and beets (promise you can't taste them!) for major plant power.

The real superstar ingredient here is sweet Northwest cherries (duh), which not only lend bright sweetness to each sip, but also give a dose of natural fiber, gut support, and anti-inflammatory properties—making them a killer post-workout smoothie ingredient.

Sweet cherries also boast reported cancer-fighting properties, according to a USDA study, and are a natural source of melatonin for some extra sweet dreams (get it?).

If you're shocked that summer's signature snack has so many benefits, we're about to totally blow your mind: They also have the lowest glycemic index of almost any fruit, which means no crazy blood sugar spike like you get with so many other fun summer sips (looking at you, frozen margs).

Want to cash in on those benefits while you're out and about? Toss a container of cherries in your tote to bring the (healthy) summer vibes with you wherever you go.

Photos: Carla Contreras for Well+Good

Cherry lime smoothie

Pro tip: Pour this smoothie over extra ice and add a squeeze of lime on top for an extra cold, thirst-quenching drink – and don’t forget the cherry on top. (Psst, sweet cherries are in season from late June to August, but you can grab a bag of frozen ones year-round.)

Prep Time

5 minutes
Cook Time

60 seconds
Servings

1-2 smoothies

Ingredients

1 cup almond milk
1 cup sweet cherries (pitted)
1 cooked, extra small beet (about 2 Tbsp)
1/4 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
2 Tbsp zucchini (peeled and shredded)
1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice (reserved)
3-5 ice cubes (optional)

Instructions

To pit the cherries, try this hack: Take a sturdy bottle with a narrow mouth, remove the cherry stem, place the cherry on the mouth, and use a straw (metal is best) or the blunt end of a chopstick to push the pit into the bottle. That way the pits and good bit of the mess are contained.
Add the pitted cherries, almond milk, beet, raspberries, and shredded zucchini to the blender. Blend on high until smooth (about 30–60 seconds).
Pour over the ice cubes and add the fresh lime juice.