Strawberry Apple Smoothie (Dairy Free!) ~ Veggie Inspired

Name: Strawberry Apple Smoothie
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup non dairy milk; 2-3 pitted Medjool dates; 1/4 cup old fashioned oats; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste (optional)); 2 tablespoons raw cashews; 1 apple (cored); 2 cups frozen strawberries; water (as needed, to thin)

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A sweet, dairy free Strawberry Apple Smoothie that satisfies as much for dessert as it does for breakfast or a midday snack. It’s thick and creamy with no bananas!

Strawberry Apple Smoothie in a glass with two red and white striped straws.

This stunning pink beauty is sweetened only with the fruit itself and a few dates. Not only is this Strawberry Apple Smoothie a sweet delicious treat, it’s nutritious and healthy too!

Bonus: it’s dairy free, sugar free, and gluten free!

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Ingredients you need

Recipe ingredients arrayed in individual bowls. — *Strawberry Apple Smoothie ingredients: frozen strawberries, apple, rolled oats, raw cashews, non-dairy milk, dates, and cinnamon.*

Ingredient notes and substitutions

Strawberries ~ Use frozen strawberries. This makes for a creamy, thick smoothie without the need for ice, which may water the flavors down.

Apple ~ Use your favorite kind. I usually go for Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith, but use whatever you have.

If you have a super sweet apple, like a Honeycrisp, you may only need one date for extra sweetness. Taste and adjust to your preference.

No need to peel the apple, but do cut out the core.

Dates ~ Dates are incredibly nutritious. They’re naturally sweet and high in antioxidants and fiber. [source]

I like to buy pitted dates, but if yours have pits, make sure to remove them before throwing them in your smoothie. Even if you buy pitted ones, it’s always good to break them open and check to make sure there aren’t any remnants of the pit left.

Medjool dates are large and very sweet, usually just 1 or 2 is plenty to give this Strawberry Apple Smoothie enough sweetness. If you are using a different date variety, you may need 3 or 4. Start with just a couple and adjust to your taste preference.

Cashews ~ Raw cashews contain healthy fats, protein, and offer natural sweetness. A small dollop of cashew butter would also work.

If you prefer almonds or peanuts, use those. Almond butter or peanut butter would also work.

For a nut free option, simply leave them out or use hemp seeds instead.

Oats ~ I like old fashioned rolled oats. They add to the creamy texture of the smoothie and offer extra nutrients, like fiber, helping to keep you full.

Extras ~ I almost always add a sprinkle of cinnamon to my smoothies. I love the flavor and it has many health benefits. [source] You can leave it out if you prefer.

A dash of ginger or a squeeze of lemon would both taste great, as well.

How to make the recipe

Two photo collage of ingredients in a blender and the puréed drink.

Place all ingredients into a high speed blender (1) and blend until smooth (2).

One pink smoothie in a glass next to an apple and halved strawberries.

Pro tips for success

~ Make sure your dates have no pits left in them. Check them even if you buy pitted dates…there are sometimes remnants of the pits left behind.

~ Core the apple, but no need to peel it.

~ Use frozen strawberries for thick, creamy smoothie.

~ Layer your ingredients in the blender in this order: milk, dates, oats, cinnamon, cashews, apple, strawberries. If you have a good high speed blender, it might not matter much how you add your ingredients, but if your blender isn’t as strong, it will make a difference.

~ If your smoothie is too thick, add some water a few tablespoons at a time.

~ If your smoothie is too thin, add more oats 1 tablespoon at a time.

~ To ensure this smoothie is gluten free, use certified gluten free oats.

~ To make this smoothie nut-free, use hemp seeds instead of cashews.

Overhead view of two glasses filled with strawberry smoothies on a white marble counter.

FAQs

Why do you use frozen fruit in smoothies?

Frozen fruits make smoothies thicks and creamy. It also keeps everything cold so there is no need for ice, which could possible water down the flavor.

Do you need to peel apples for smoothies?

No, you don’t need to peel apples for smoothies. I do recommend you remove the core and seeds, however.

Are smoothies better with milk or water?

It really depends on the smoothie flavor. I like milk best in most smoothies. But in tropical flavored smoothies, I tend to use water or coconut water, instead.

How can I thicken a smoothie without banana?

There are many ways to thicken a smoothie without banana. In this Strawberry Apple Smoothie, frozen fruit, oats and cashews all contribute to the thick creamy texture.
In green smoothies, avocados are a great thickener.
Nut butters and protein powders are also good for thickening smoothies depending on the flavors used.

Adult hand holding up a smoothie in a glass.

More vegan smoothies

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