Refreshing, vibrant, and loaded with summer flavor, this Cherry Limeade Smoothie is about to become your favorite way to beat the heat (or a busy schedule)! Whether you’ve got five minutes before you need to rush out the door or want something healthy to sip while relaxing at home, this smoothie delivers bold cherry sweetness and the zesty brightness of real lime juice in every single sip. Toss everything in the blender and enjoy—no fuss, just pure deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy and Effortless: Five minutes and a blender are all you need—honestly, it doesn’t get easier. Simply grab, blitz, and enjoy.
- Bursting With Flavor: Sweet cherries and juicy nectarines meet tangy lime, creating a cheerful smoothie that’s vibrant, balanced, and refreshing.
- No-Guilt Goodness: Made entirely with fruit, almond milk, and nutritious add-ins if you want them, this smoothie feels like a treat but is actually packed with wholesome ingredients.
- Perfect for Any Time: Ideal for breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or even dessert, this cherry limeade smoothie is versatile and welcomes all sorts of custom twists.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what goes into this cherry-fueled blend, and why each choice matters:
- Nectarine or Peach: Adds juicy, fragrant sweetness and a velvety texture. Fresh or ripe ones bring out the best flavor—either works great.
- Fresh or Frozen Cherries: The star of the show! Bright, sweet, and a hint of tart. If using frozen, you can skip some of the ice for a thicker, more frosty finish.
- Almond Milk (or Other Non-Dairy Milk/Water): For creamy consistency without any heaviness. Almond milk’s subtle flavor lets the fruits really shine, but any non-dairy option (or just water) is fine if you prefer.
- Limes: Juice of 1–2 limes gives the drink its signature tart, punchy kick. Adjust the amount to taste—a touch more if you love bold citrus!
- Ice: To chill and add refreshing body, especially if using fresh cherries.
- Chia Seeds (Optional): If you’d like a hit of fiber and omega-3, chia seeds blend right in and add a slight thickness.
- Spinach (Optional): Toss in a handful for bonus nutrients—promise, you can’t taste it, but your body will thank you!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
This smoothie is delicious as is but adapts happily to whatever you have or crave:
- Use Different Stone Fruits: Mango, plum, or apricot would be lovely stand-ins for the nectarine.
- Go Creamier: Splash in coconut milk or add half a banana for a richer, silkier blend.
- Make it Protein-Packed: Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder for a truly satisfying snack or meal replacement.
- Greens Galore: Feel free to add more spinach, or try kale for extra green goodness.
- Turn it Into Popsicles: Pour the smoothie into molds and freeze for a cherry limeade treat everyone will love on a hot day.
How to Make Cherry Limeade Smoothie
Honestly, it’s so quick and easy, you’ll want to make it even on your busiest mornings:
Step 1: Load the Blender
Add sliced nectarine or peach, fresh or frozen cherries, your almond milk (or substitute), freshly squeezed lime juice, and a handful of ice into the blender. If using, drop in chia seeds and a handful of spinach.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Blend on high until everything is creamy, smooth, and vibrant. If you like it thicker, add a few more cherries or ice. If it’s too tart, blend in another cherry or a drizzle of honey (though it’s naturally sweet enough for most).
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give it a taste—bright enough? Sweet enough? Add more lime or cherries as needed and blend again.
Step 4: Serve
Pour into glasses, pop in a straw, and enjoy immediately while it’s chilled and fresh. If extra, freeze as popsicles for a fun treat later.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Frozen Cherries for Ultimate Chill: Your smoothie will be creamier and colder without extra ice.
- Layer Liquids First: Putting your almond milk in the bottom of the blender helps everything mix faster (and avoids pesky stuck fruit).
- Taste As You Go: Lime can vary in tartness, so start with a little and adjust upward to avoid overpowering the blend.
- Don’t Skip the Spinach: For extra nutrition that doesn’t alter flavor, just toss it in—you’ll never know it’s there.
How to Serve
This cheerful smoothie is ideal as a grab-and-go breakfast or vibrant snack. Pour it into a mason jar or tall glass, and garnish with an extra lime wedge or a few whole cherries for a festive touch. Want more? Pair it with a simple avocado toast or a handful of mixed nuts for a balanced, satisfying start to your day. For a fun party presentation, serve mini versions in small glasses with colorful straws!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made a double batch (smart move!), smooth any extra into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours—just give it a quick shake or stir before drinking, as natural separation happens.
Freezing
Turn leftovers into refreshing popsicles. Simply pour into popsicle molds and freeze overnight. It makes a fantastic summer treat!
Reheating
No reheating needed here—you want this cool and frosty. If your smoothie sits in the fridge, just blend again with a few extra ice cubes to restore its chill and creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lime juice is definitely best for a bright, clean flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch—just adjust to taste and remember the flavor won’t be quite as lively.
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What if I don’t have cherries?
No cherries? Try strawberries or mixed berries for a different but equally scrumptious smoothie. The key is using something sweet yet a little tart to balance the lime.
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Is almond milk required, or can I use regular milk?
You can use any milk you like, dairy or non-dairy. Almond milk keeps it light and subtly nutty, but oat, soy, coconut, or cow’s milk are all good.
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How do I make this smoothie sweeter without adding sugar?
If you like things sweeter, add half a ripe banana or a couple extra cherries. A dash of honey or maple syrup works too, though honestly, the fruit really does bring plenty of natural sweetness here!
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Limeade Smoothie is fantastic proof that delicious and healthy can coexist, even when you’re short on time. With juicy cherries, zingy lime, and a creamy, frosty finish, it’s a genuine treat any time of day. So why not grab your blender and give it a try? Experiment with variations, use what you have, and enjoy a burst of summer flavors—right in your own kitchen.
Print
Cherry Limeade Smoothie Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 small smoothies or 1 large smoothie 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Cherry Limeade Smoothie is a refreshing, tangy-sweet drink blending ripe nectarines or peaches with cherries, lime juice, and almond milk. Quick to prepare and fully customizable with optional superfoods like chia seeds or spinach, this vibrant smoothie is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for a summer breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 ripe nectarine or peach, sliced
- 1 heaping cup fresh or frozen cherries (add less ice if using frozen)
- 3/4 cup almond milk (or sub water or other non-dairy milk)
- 1–2 medium limes, juiced (depending on preferred tartness)
- 1 handful ice
Optional Add-ins
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1 handful spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the nectarine or peach, juice the limes, and pit the cherries if necessary. Have all ingredients and optional add-ins ready.
- Blend: Add the nectarine or peach, cherries, almond milk, lime juice, ice, and any optional add-ins (chia seeds, spinach) to a blender. Blend until completely creamy and smooth, scraping down the sides if needed.
- Adjust Flavors: Taste the smoothie and adjust as desired, adding more cherries if you want extra sweetness or more lime juice for extra tartness. Blend again to incorporate any changes.
- Serve: Pour the smoothie into glasses and enjoy immediately for the best texture. Optionally, freeze any leftovers in popsicle molds for a cool treat later.
Notes
- If using frozen cherries, reduce the amount of ice to prevent the smoothie from becoming too watery.
- For a greener smoothie, add spinach, but note it will slightly affect the color.
- Freeze leftovers in popsicle molds for a fun snack.
- Nutrition values are approximate and will vary with substitutions and add-ins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small smoothie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6.2 g
- Sodium: 83 mg
- Fat: 1.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
