Beet Smoothie Recipe

If you’ve never tried a beet smoothie recipe before, you’re in for a seriously gorgeous surprise. This deep crimson blended drink is packed with natural sweetness, creamy banana, bright berries, and just enough earthy beet flavor to make it feel like you’re actually doing something good for yourself.

Raw beets are peeled and blended with frozen strawberries, frozen banana, fresh orange juice, and a small knob of ginger. The result is a thick, velvety smoothie with a flavor that’s far more fruit-forward than you’d expect, a striking ruby-red color, and a nutritional profile that gives you every reason to make it a regular part of your morning.

The ginger is the secret weapon here. Just a small amount cuts through the earthiness of the beet and makes everything taste fresher and brighter. If you’re ever on the fence about using beets in a blender, this recipe will convert you.

This comes together in about five minutes with just one blender and a handful of ingredients. It’s a weekday-morning staple that looks impressive enough to serve to guests.

[Try this refreshing Spinach Smoothie if you love packing greens and veggies into your morning blend.]

Why You’ll Love This Beet Smoothie Recipe

This smoothie hits every note you want from a morning drink: vibrant color, natural sweetness, and a thick, satisfying texture.

The combination of beet, strawberry, and banana creates a flavor that tastes bright and fruity rather than veggie-heavy, making it approachable even for people who aren’t beet fans.

It blends up completely smooth in under five minutes, so there’s no cooking, no fuss, and very little cleanup.

The orange juice adds a natural tartness and sweetness that balances the earthy beet beautifully, and you don’t need to add any refined sugar at all.

It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally vegan, so it works for a wide range of dietary preferences.

The deep magenta color is genuinely stunning, making it the kind of drink you’ll want to photograph before you sip.

• Gorgeous, deep ruby color that looks incredible in a glass
• Five-minute prep with just one blender
• Naturally sweet with no added sugar needed
• Loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins
• Completely customizable with what you have on hand
• Dairy-free and vegan as written

Another great morning option is this Kale and Fruit Smoothie for days when you want an extra serving of leafy greens.

Ingredients

This recipe uses fresh raw beets as the base, which gives the smoothie the most nutrients and a bold color. Peeling the beet is essential. The tough outer skin is bitter and gritty, and removing it takes less than two minutes. Everything else goes in raw and frozen, which gives the finished smoothie a thick, cold, almost milkshake-like consistency without needing to add ice.

• 1 medium raw beet (about 5 oz / 140g), peeled and roughly chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup (150g) frozen strawberries
• 1 medium frozen banana, sliced (about ½ cup / 120g)
• ½ cup (120ml) fresh orange juice (from about 1 large orange)
• ½ cup (120ml) water
• 1 tsp (5g) fresh ginger, peeled and grated (or a ½-inch knob, roughly chopped)
• 1 tsp (7g) honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)

For a creamier, higher-protein version:

• ¼ cup (60g) plain Greek yogurt (optional add-in)

Read Also: Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to make this smoothie. The most important tool is a powerful blender that can break down raw beet into a fully smooth puree. If your blender is on the lower-powered side, cut the beet into smaller pieces to reduce the strain on the motor. You can also briefly microwave the beet pieces for 60 seconds to soften them slightly before blending.

• High-speed blender (such as a Vitamix or Nutribullet)
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Vegetable peeler
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus juicer (for the orange juice)
• Tall glasses for serving

You might also enjoy: Green Smoothie Recipe

Recommended Products for This Recipe

These are products I recommend based on quality and how much they genuinely improve the smoothie-making process.

1. Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender

A high-powered blender is the single most important tool for a beet smoothie. Raw beets are dense and fibrous, and a weak blender will leave gritty chunks behind. The Vitamix E310 pulverizes raw beet completely in under 60 seconds, giving you a perfectly silky texture every time. It’s also easy to clean and built to last for years.

Get it on Amazon

2. OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler

Peeling a beet quickly and cleanly makes the prep much easier. The OXO Y-Peeler has a sharp, wide blade that handles the curved surface of a beet better than a standard peeler. It also removes the tough skin in fewer strokes, so there’s less mess and less wasted beet flesh.

Get it on Amazon

3. Love Beets Organic Cooked Beets

If you want to skip the raw beet prep entirely, these pre-cooked vacuum-packed beets are a great shortcut. They’re already soft and mild in flavor, which means they blend smoother and taste slightly less earthy than raw beet. Keep a pack in the fridge for those mornings when you want this smoothie but don’t have time to peel and chop.

Get it on Amazon

4. Zwilling Pro Chef’s Knife

A sharp, quality knife makes prepping the beet so much faster. Beets are hard and dense, and a dull knife will slip and make the job frustrating. The Zwilling Pro holds a sharp edge well and makes clean cuts through even the firmest vegetables.

Get it on Amazon

For another simple, vibrant morning drink, check out this Watermelon Smoothie.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Beet

• Rinse the raw beet thoroughly under cold running water, scrubbing the surface with a vegetable brush or the rough side of a sponge to remove any dirt.
• Trim off the stem end and the root tip with a sharp knife. These parts can be tough and bitter, so removing them improves the flavor of the smoothie.
• Use a vegetable peeler or a small paring knife to peel the beet completely. The outer skin is tough, fibrous, and mildly bitter. Removing it gives you a smoother blend and a better flavor.
• Note: Beet juice stains. Consider wearing kitchen gloves and working on a surface you don’t mind staining, or place the beet on a cutting board you can rinse immediately after.
• Chop the peeled beet into roughly 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces. Smaller pieces reduce strain on the blender and help it blend more smoothly, especially in lower-powered machines.

Step 2: Peel and Grate the Ginger

• Break off a ½-inch (1.5cm) knob of fresh ginger root.
• Use the edge of a spoon to scrape away the thin papery skin. This is easier and wastes less ginger than using a peeler.
• Finely grate the ginger on a microplane or the smallest holes of a box grater, or simply chop it roughly if your blender is powerful enough to handle larger pieces.
• Measure out 1 teaspoon (5g) of grated ginger. If you’re new to ginger in smoothies, start with half a teaspoon and taste before adding more. Ginger is potent and can easily overpower the other flavors.

Step 3: Juice the Orange

• Cut one large orange in half crosswise.
• Squeeze each half firmly over a citrus juicer or by hand into a small bowl or measuring cup.
• Strain out any seeds or large pieces of pulp if desired, though leaving a small amount of pulp adds fiber.
• You need ½ cup (120ml) of juice, which is typically the yield from one large navel or Valencia orange. If your orange is small, use two.
• Fresh orange juice adds a bright, natural sweetness that balances the earthiness of the beet. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh gives a noticeably better flavor.

Step 4: Add Everything to the Blender

• Place the chopped raw beet pieces at the bottom of the blender jar. Raw beet is the densest ingredient in this recipe, so putting it closest to the blades helps the blender process it first and most efficiently.
• Add the frozen strawberries (1 cup / 150g) on top of the beet.
• Add the frozen banana slices (1 medium banana, about ½ cup / 120g) next. Frozen banana is what gives this smoothie its thick, creamy texture. If your banana is fresh rather than frozen, add a small handful of ice cubes to compensate.
• Add the grated or chopped fresh ginger (1 tsp / 5g).
• Pour in the fresh orange juice (½ cup / 120ml).
• Pour in the water (½ cup / 120ml). The water helps the blender process the dense ingredients without straining the motor.
• If you’re adding Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein, add ¼ cup (60g) now.

Step 5: Blend Until Completely Smooth

• Secure the blender lid tightly. Because this recipe contains beet, any splashing will stain everything it touches.
• Start blending on a low speed for about 10 seconds to break down the largest chunks.
• Gradually increase the speed to high and blend for 45 to 60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth with no visible beet chunks.
• Stop and scrape down the sides with a spatula if needed, then blend again for another 15 to 20 seconds.
• To check for smoothness, tilt the blender jar slightly and look at the texture. A finished beet smoothie should be silky with no visible fibrous strands or chunks.
• If the smoothie is too thick to blend properly, add water one tablespoon at a time and blend again until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

• Pour a small amount into a glass or spoon and taste for sweetness and flavor balance.
• If the smoothie tastes too earthy, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup and blend for another 10 seconds.
• If it tastes too sweet, add a small squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it.
• If you’d like more ginger heat, add an additional small amount and blend again briefly.
• The goal is a smoothie that’s bright, fruity, and pleasantly earthy, with the beet flavor present but not dominant.

Step 7: Pour and Serve

• Pour the finished smoothie immediately into tall chilled glasses.
• For a decorative touch, garnish with a thin slice of beet, a few fresh strawberry slices, or a sprinkle of chia seeds.
• Serve immediately. Beet smoothies begin to separate within about 15 to 20 minutes as the denser ingredients settle. If you need to wait, stir or shake before drinking.

Read Also: Yogurt Smoothie Recipe

Tips for Success

Getting the best result from this recipe comes down to a few key habits. The two most important ones are peeling the beet properly and using frozen fruit. Skipping either of these will noticeably affect the finished texture and flavor. Everything else is flexible, but those two steps make a real difference.

• Always peel the beet. The outer skin is tough, slightly bitter, and makes the smoothie gritty. Even in a high-powered blender, it doesn’t break down completely.
• Use frozen banana and frozen strawberries. Frozen fruit chills and thickens the smoothie without diluting it with ice. If your fruit is fresh, add 4 to 5 ice cubes to the blender.
• Cut the beet small. Smaller chunks are easier on the blender and produce a smoother result. Aim for 1-inch pieces or smaller.
• Start the blender on low. Beginning on a low speed before ramping up to high prevents large chunks from getting flung around and improves the overall smoothness.
• Add liquids last, or use them to adjust consistency. If the smoothie is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more frozen banana or frozen strawberries.
• Blend for at least 60 seconds. Beet needs more time to break down than soft fruit. Don’t rush this step.
• Taste before you pour. A quick taste at the end lets you adjust sweetness or brightness before serving.
• Chill your glasses in the freezer for 5 minutes before serving. A cold glass keeps the smoothie colder for longer and makes it feel more refreshing.

You might also enjoy: Dragon Fruit Smoothie Recipe

Serving Suggestions

This smoothie is a complete, nutrient-dense drink on its own, but it also pairs nicely with other simple breakfast foods if you want a more substantial morning meal.

Serve it alongside a slice of Avocado Toast for a balanced and filling breakfast that covers both healthy fats and complex carbohydrates.

• A bowl of Easy Granola with a splash of almond milk for extra crunch and staying power
• Baked Oatmeal for a warm, hearty pairing on cooler mornings
• A plate of Scrambled Eggs for added protein if you’re using the smoothie as part of a bigger breakfast
• Simple Cloud Eggs for a light, protein-forward option that pairs beautifully with the vibrant smoothie color
• A light Fruit Salad on the side for a colorful, refreshing breakfast spread

Read Also: Papaya Smoothie Recipe

Variations to Try

Once you’ve made the base recipe a couple of times, it’s easy to adjust it to suit your tastes, nutritional goals, or what you have in the fridge. The beet is always the star, but almost everything else is interchangeable. Some of the most popular variations swap out the strawberries for other berries, replace the orange juice with coconut water, or add a handful of spinach for extra greens.

• Beet and Berry Smoothie: Replace the strawberries with a mix of frozen blueberries and blackberries. The flavor becomes slightly more tart and the color shifts to a deep purple.
• Creamy Beet Smoothie: Add ¼ cup (60g) of plain Greek yogurt and swap the water for almond milk. This version is thicker, creamier, and higher in protein.
• Beet Green Smoothie: Add a large handful of fresh spinach or kale before blending. The added greens barely affect the flavor but significantly boost the nutritional value.
• Tropical Beet Smoothie: Replace the strawberries with ½ cup (75g) of frozen pineapple chunks. The pineapple adds a bright tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with the beet.
• Beet Protein Smoothie: Add one scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder and use unsweetened almond milk instead of water. This is a great post-workout option.
• Ginger-Citrus Beet Smoothie: Double the amount of ginger and add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice alongside the orange juice. This creates a zingier, more energizing drink.

Another vibrant option is this Pineapple Smoothie, which is perfect when you want something tropical.

Storage and Reheating

Beet smoothies are best consumed immediately after blending. Like most fresh smoothies, they begin to separate and lose some of their vibrant color as they sit. That said, they store reasonably well for a short time if you seal them properly. The flavor stays good even if the texture changes slightly.

• Refrigerator: Pour leftover smoothie into an airtight jar or container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Give it a vigorous shake or quick stir before drinking to recombine any separation.
• Freezer: Pour the smoothie into ice cube trays and freeze for up to 2 months. Pop the frozen cubes back into a blender with a splash of orange juice for a quick re-blend when you’re ready to drink.
• Do not reheat. This is a cold beverage and is not designed to be warmed. Heating destroys nutrients and changes the flavor significantly.
• Meal-prep tip: Measure and prep all the dry and frozen ingredients in individual zip-lock bags and store them in the freezer. In the morning, dump a bag into the blender, add the orange juice and water, and blend. This cuts your prep time to under 2 minutes on busy mornings.

Another great make-ahead breakfast option is this Easy Overnight Oats.

Nutritional Facts

These values are approximate and based on one serving (half the total recipe), without the optional Greek yogurt or honey.

Calories may vary slightly depending on the size of the beet and banana used. Adding Greek yogurt adds approximately 35 to 40 calories and 8g of protein per serving. Adding honey adds approximately 20 calories per teaspoon.

For a lighter smoothie with similar nutrients and bold color, try this Strawberry and Blackberry Smoothie.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Every ingredient in this smoothie earns its place, not just for flavor but for what it does nutritionally. Beets in particular have been studied for their impressive cardiovascular and performance-related benefits, which makes this smoothie popular with both everyday health-seekers and athletes.

Beets are rich in dietary nitrates, compounds that the body converts to nitric oxide, which helps relax and dilate blood vessels, potentially lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow. They also contain betaine, which supports liver function and reduces inflammation, and folate, a B vitamin essential for cell growth and DNA repair.

• Raw beet: Rich in nitrates, folate, potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. Supports blood pressure, heart health, and athletic performance. The deep pigment (betalains) is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
• Frozen strawberries: Packed with vitamin C, folate, and antioxidants. Strawberries are particularly high in ellagic acid, a compound linked to anti-cancer properties and skin health.
• Frozen banana: A natural source of potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Banana also provides resistant starch (especially when less ripe), which acts as a prebiotic and supports gut health.
• Fresh orange juice: Provides a concentrated dose of vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron from plant-based sources. The natural citric acid also brightens and balances the earthy beet flavor.
• Fresh ginger: Contains gingerol, a bioactive compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger also aids digestion and may help reduce nausea.

For another antioxidant-rich morning drink, try this Blueberry Smoothie.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned or cooked beets instead of raw?

Yes, absolutely. Cooked or canned beets work well in this recipe and make the prep significantly faster. The flavor will be slightly milder and less earthy than raw beet, and the color will still be vibrant. If using canned beets, drain and rinse them before adding to the blender to remove the brine.

2. Will this smoothie taste strongly of beet?

Not if you follow the recipe. The frozen strawberries and banana do a great job of softening the earthy flavor of the beet. The ginger and orange juice also brighten everything up. Most people are surprised by how fruity and pleasant this smoothie tastes compared to what they expected.

3. Do I really need to peel the beet?

Yes, you do. The outer skin of a raw beet is tough, slightly bitter, and fibrous. Even in a high-powered blender, it can leave a gritty texture in the finished smoothie. Peeling only takes a minute or two and makes a noticeable difference in both texture and flavor.

4. Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

You can store it for up to 24 hours in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, but fresh is always best. The smoothie will separate as it sits, so shake or stir it well before drinking. For the best flavor, try to consume it within a few hours of blending.

5. Is this smoothie safe to drink every day?

For most people, yes. Beets are a nutritious vegetable and are safe to consume daily as part of a balanced diet. One thing to be aware of is that beets contain oxalates, which in very large quantities can contribute to kidney stones in people who are prone to them. If you have a history of kidney stones, speak with your doctor before making this a daily habit. Also note that beets can temporarily cause pink or red discoloration in urine, which is harmless but can be alarming if you’re not expecting it.

Read Also: Chia Banana Boost Tropical Smoothie Recipe

Final Thoughts

This beet smoothie recipe is one of those things that sounds more intimidating than it actually is. Once you make it the first time and taste how bright, fruity, and genuinely delicious it is, it becomes hard to go back to ordinary smoothies.

The combination of raw beet, frozen strawberry, banana, orange juice, and ginger is so well-balanced that even dedicated beet skeptics tend to be won over on the first sip. The prep takes five minutes, the cleanup is minimal, and the color is just spectacular.

Give it a try this week, and let me know what you think in the comments below. If you try a fun variation or swap out an ingredient, I’d love to hear how it turned out!

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