Anti-Inflammatory Tart Cherry Smoothie Recipe

By Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC
Updated June 26, 2018
Medically reviewed by a board-certified physician
tart cherry smoothie
Dana Angelo White

Nutrition Highlights (per serving)

Calories 263
Fat 1g
Carbs 53g
Protein 15g
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving  
Calories 263
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 2mg 1%
Sodium 82mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 53g 19%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 44g  
Includes 0g Added Sugars 0%
Protein 15g  
Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
Calcium 211mg 16%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 923mg 20%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Total Time 10 min
Prep 10 min, Cook 0 min
Servings 1

This cool and refreshing smoothie attacks inflammation in three ways: Leafy greens like spinach are top notch for battling inflammation, while tart cherries are especially beneficial for post-exercise muscle recovery. The third all-star ingredient is a compound called bromelain found in pineapple. This powerful enzyme may assist in reducing inflammation throughout the body.

The recipe is complete with a shot of Greek yogurt, which adds protein and tummy-pleasing probiotics.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup tart cherry juice
  • 1 cup frozen pineapple
  • ½ cup baby spinach
  • ½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt

Preparation

  1.  Place tart cherry juice in a blender, followed by pineapple, spinach, and yogurt.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour and sip.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

For a vegan and dairy-free version, replace Greek yogurt with high protein soy milk. Rice or almond milk are also healthy lower protein options.

For an alternative protein boost option, add a scoop of vanilla protein powder. Other healthy ideas for add-ins include walnuts, chia seeds, or a spoon full of almond butter.

Although nutritious, note that these are calorie dense, so be mindful of portion sizes!

Cooking and Serving Tips

Enjoy this hydrating and nutrient-packed smoothie for breakfast or a post-workout recovery snack.

Look for tart cherry juice in the natural foods section of the grocery store. As the name suggests, the tart cherry juice is tart and flavorful, so it's best combined with extra sweet pineapple to balance out the flavors.

For optimal blending and an extra smooth consistency, add the liquid before the other ingredients, then blend for at least 90 seconds.

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