The summer is a great time to enjoy light and refreshing foods and drinks, as it’s when people tend to spend more time in the warm weather outside. That’s why smoothies are not only perfect for hot summer days, but they are also great options for any meal or snack of the day. Contributor, Kara Stout, shares recipes for three delicious summer smoothies that are sure to satisfy!

Smoothies are one of my favorite healthy breakfasts, especially in the summer! Some of our favorite fruits come back into season (hello, cherries and watermelon!), which means we must seize the season and take full advantage of all the fresh, delicious produce available.

Smoothies are such an easy way to add in leafy greens, vegetables and fruit for an abundance of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals—great for our summer skin, digestion, energy and overall health. Smoothies can also provide us with high-quality protein and healthy fats.

I created three simple smoothie recipes that are refreshingly perfect for summer, and you can make them in five minutes for a quick, nutritious and delicious breakfast! They will give you those summer vibes that will happily get you through your day. What’s more, smoothies don’t just have to be enjoyed for breakfast. You can make them for lunch or for a poolside healthy summer sip.

We hope you love these summer smoothie recipes!

Suggestion for all three smoothies: You can also add in one to two handfuls of green leafy vegetables, such as baby spinach or kale (I promise you can’t taste it!). It’s a great way to sneak in those green veggies.

Watermelon, Strawberry & Basil Smoothie

Makes 2 smoothies 

Ingredients

• 1 cup pure water
• 1½ – 2 cups cubed watermelon
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• ½ cucumber
• 1-2 basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender, and blend well.
2. Add a fun summer straw and a slice of watermelon.
3. Cheers!

Cherry Key Lime Smoothie

Makes 2 smoothies 

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1½ heaping cups pitted, dark sweet frozen cherries
• 2 key limes
• 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Directions

1. Juice key limes with a handheld juicer.
   
2. Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender, and blend well.
3. Add a fun summer straw, a key lime slice and maybe a cherry on top!
4. Cheers!

Peaches & Coconut Cream Smoothie

Makes 2 smoothies 

Ingredients

• 1 can organic, full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup frozen peaches
• 1 fresh peach sliced
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 scoop or 1 packet collagen peptides or your favorite good-quality vanilla protein powder (make sure it’s low in sugar, no artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors, and healthy ingredients you recognize)
• 1 tablepoon chia seeds
• optional: coconut flakes 

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender, and blend well.  
2. Add a fun summer straw, a peach slice and sprinkles of coconut flakes on top.  
3. Cheers!