Dried Tart Cherry Smoothie

Smoothies are one of my go-to ways to get something nourishing and delicious without much fuss—and this dried tart cherry smoothie has quickly become one of my favorites. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, creamy and refreshing. The dried tart cherries bring an unexpected depth of flavor that sets this one apart from the usual berry or banana blends. Whether you’re sipping it post-workout, using it to kickstart your morning, or just need a 3 p.m. pick-me-up, it hits the spot every time.

What I love about using dried tart cherries is that they add more than just flavor. They’re packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties—something athletes and anyone with a busy, active lifestyle can appreciate. They’ve even been linked to better sleep and reduced muscle soreness. So not only does this smoothie taste amazing, but it’s also doing something good for your body behind the scenes.

You don’t need anything fancy to make this. With just a handful of ingredients—think Greek yogurt, banana, almond milk, and of course, those richly flavored cherries—you’ll have something that feels both indulgent and healthy. The dried cherries get soaked ahead of time, so they blend smoothly and give the drink a luscious texture and tart-sweet punch.

Whether you’re new to dried tart cherries or already a fan, this smoothie is an easy way to enjoy their bold flavor in a fresh and energizing way. It’s like a little glass of cherry-powered sunshine—and honestly, who couldn’t use a bit of that?

Why You’ll Love It

• Bold, tangy flavor: The dried tart cherries add a rich, tangy sweetness that gives this smoothie a standout flavor—way more exciting than your average fruit blend.
• Nutrient-packed goodness: It’s loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and natural compounds that support muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and even help with better sleep.
• Creamy and satisfying: Thanks to the banana and Greek yogurt, this smoothie has a thick, creamy texture that keeps you full and energized.
• Great for any time of day: Whether you’re fueling up in the morning, recharging post-workout, or looking for a healthy snack, it’s always a good time for this smoothie.
• Easy to customize: Want to boost the protein? Add a scoop of your favorite powder. Prefer it dairy-free? Swap in coconut yogurt. It’s totally flexible to fit your needs.

Ingredient List

• ½ cup dried tart cherries
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 1 medium banana (preferably frozen)
• ½ cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for added fiber)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ to 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
• Handful of ice cubes (optional, for a colder smoothie)

Ingredient Notes

• Dried tart cherries: Soak them in warm water for 10–15 minutes to soften before blending—it helps them blend smoothly and brings out their bold, tangy flavor.
• Banana: A frozen banana makes the smoothie creamier and adds natural sweetness, so you may not need extra sweetener.
• Greek yogurt: I prefer using plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for that thick, creamy texture and a good protein boost.
• Almond milk: Unsweetened works best here to let the cherries shine, but you can use oat, dairy, or any milk you like.
• Maple syrup/honey: Totally optional. Taste your smoothie first—if the banana and cherries are sweet enough, you can skip it.
• Chia seeds: A great optional add-in for extra fiber and omega-3s without changing the taste.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• High-speed blender – For a smooth, creamy texture. I love using my NutriBullet for single servings or my Vitamix when doubling the recipe.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To get the right balance of ingredients every time.
• Small bowl – For soaking the dried tart cherries before blending.
• Spoon or spatula – To scrape down the sides of the blender and make sure everything gets fully incorporated.
• Serving glass or to-go cup – Whether you’re sipping at home or heading out the door, a tall glass or insulated tumbler makes it feel extra special.

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the dried tart cherries

• Place the dried tart cherries in a small bowl.
• Cover them with warm water and let them soak for about 10–15 minutes. This helps soften them up so they blend smoothly and evenly into the smoothie.
• After soaking, drain the cherries and set them aside.

Pro Tip:
Don’t skip the soaking! Unsoaked dried cherries can leave chewy bits in the smoothie and may strain your blender.

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Step 2: Prep your ingredients

• Peel the banana if it’s not already frozen and break it into chunks.
• Measure out your almond milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and chia seeds (if using).
• Have everything ready near your blender—it makes the process smoother.

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Step 3: Add everything to the blender

• Start by adding the almond milk first (this helps the blades catch everything).
• Next, add the banana, soaked tart cherries, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and chia seeds.
• If you’re using maple syrup or honey, drizzle that in.
• Add a handful of ice cubes for a colder, thicker smoothie (optional).

Pro Tip:
Adding liquid first prevents ingredients from sticking to the bottom and helps your blender run more efficiently.

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Step 4: Blend until smooth

• Start your blender on a low speed to break everything up.
• Gradually increase to high speed and blend for 45–60 seconds, or until completely smooth and creamy.
• Pause to scrape down the sides with a spatula if needed, and blend again briefly.

Pro Tip:
If the smoothie looks too thick, add a splash more almond milk and blend again to adjust the consistency.

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Step 5: Taste and adjust

• Give the smoothie a quick taste.
• If you’d like it sweeter, add a touch more honey or maple syrup and blend for a few seconds more.

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Step 6: Pour and enjoy

• Pour the smoothie into your favorite glass or to-go cup.
• Top with a few extra chia seeds, a cherry, or a sprinkle of granola if you’re feeling fancy.

Now you’ve got a refreshing, energizing drink that’s ready to sip and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Soak the cherries ahead of time – This is key for a smooth blend and to release their bold tart flavor.
• Use a frozen banana – It gives the smoothie that creamy, milkshake-like texture without needing extra ice.
• Start the blender on low speed – Then increase gradually to high to help everything blend evenly without overworking your machine.
• Adjust sweetness to your taste – Some dried tart cherries are sweeter than others. Taste before adding extra sweetener.
• Make it thicker or thinner – For a thicker smoothie, add more banana or yogurt. For a thinner one, splash in more milk.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Milk: Use oat milk, soy milk, or regular dairy milk—whatever you like best or have on hand.
• Greek yogurt: Swap for a plant-based yogurt to make it dairy-free or use flavored yogurt for extra sweetness.
• Banana: Substitute with frozen mango or pineapple for a different fruit twist.
• Chia seeds: Try flaxseeds or hemp seeds for a similar nutrient boost.
• Sweetener: Use agave syrup, stevia, or even a Medjool date instead of honey or maple syrup.
• Add-ins: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale for some hidden greens, or blend in protein powder to make it more filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy it as a quick breakfast: It’s energizing and filling, especially with the banana, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds keeping you full until lunch.
• Perfect for post-workout fuel: I love sipping this after a morning walk or workout—it helps with recovery and keeps me refreshed.
• Pair with a slice of toast or granola bar: For a heartier option, serve it alongside something crunchy or carby for a balanced snack.
• Serve in a smoothie bowl: Pour into a bowl and top with granola, sliced banana, and a few extra cherries for a fun twist.
• Make it a light dessert: I sometimes serve this chilled with a dollop of whipped coconut cream on top—it’s surprisingly satisfying after dinner!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Store in the fridge: Keep leftovers in a sealed jar or airtight cup in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir well before drinking.
• Shake before serving: If it separates after sitting, just give it a good shake or quick blend.
• Freeze into smoothie pops: Pour leftovers into popsicle molds and freeze for a refreshing treat later.
• Avoid reheating: Since it’s a smoothie, it’s best enjoyed cold and isn’t meant to be heated.
• Prep ingredients ahead: You can portion and freeze the banana and soaked cherries together so you’re always smoothie-ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh or frozen tart cherries work great—just skip the soaking step. The flavor will be slightly lighter and less concentrated, but still delicious.

What if I don’t have a high-speed blender?

No worries! Just soak the dried cherries a bit longer (20–30 minutes) and blend a little longer, pausing to scrape down the sides. It might not be ultra smooth, but it’ll still taste great.

Is this smoothie good for kids?

Yes! Kids usually love the fruity, tangy flavor. You can even reduce the tartness by using a bit more banana or a flavored yogurt to sweeten it up naturally.

How do I make this smoothie more filling?

Add a scoop of protein powder, a tablespoon of nut butter, or some rolled oats before blending. It turns into a full meal in a glass!

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

Sort of. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can blend and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just shake or stir before drinking to recombine everything.

Is it okay to skip the sweetener?

Yes! If your banana is ripe and your cherries are naturally sweet, you may not need any extra sweetness at all. Taste first, then decide.

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub_ or use the hashtag #tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!