The Ultimate Guide to Making a Perfect Purple Resolution Smoothie
A colorful drink packed with nutrients to kickstart energy and nourish your body.
The Purple Resolution Smoothie: A Vibrant Start to the Year
There’s something magical about a smoothie that’s both delicious and beautiful. The Purple Resolution Smoothie checks all the boxes for a healthy, flavorful, and eye-catching drink, perfect for kicking off a new year, energizing your mornings, or making any day a little brighter. Inspired by Ree Drummond, this smoothie layers tangy yogurt, luscious berries, and a surprising vegetable twist into one unforgettable purple blend. Whether you’re a smoothie beginner or a breakfast pro, this guide will lead you through every step, swap, and trick to achieve smoothie perfection.
Why Purple? The Story Behind the Smoothie
The Purple Resolution Smoothie rose to fame thanks to its gorgeous color and flexible, healthy ingredients. It’s celebrated in holiday cookbooks and breakfast guides because it represents a fresh start, packed with flavor and nutrition. The concept is simple: use anything purple or red from your fridge or freezer, throw it in the blender, and reap the benefits. Not only does it look stunning, but it helps you pack in vitamins, antioxidants, and a burst of refreshing taste.
Ingredients: Foundation of Flavor and Nutrition
This smoothie recipe is versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your taste, dietary needs, and ingredient availability. Here’s the classic blend:
- Greek Yogurt (plain or vanilla): Provides creaminess, protein, and tang.
- Mixed Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries—fresh or frozen—all contribute flavor, color, and antioxidants.
- Purple Cabbage: The secret ingredient, adding nutrients, fiber, and deepening the color without overpowering the flavor.
- Banana: Thickens the texture, adds subtle sweetness, and enhances smoothie body—trust this step even if you’re not a banana fan!
- Milk of Choice: Any kind works: cow’s milk, almond, soy, 2%, or even oat.
- Honey: Optional, to sweeten as needed.
- Purple or Red Juice: Grape juice or a cranberry blend adds juiciness and intensifies the purple hue.
- Granola (optional): Toss in for a nutty, hearty twist and more texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Building the Perfect Smoothie
Creating the Purple Resolution Smoothie is an art that anyone can master. Here’s how to craft the perfect glass every time:
- Add Greek Yogurt: Scoop two cups of Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla) into your blender as the creamy base.
- Pour in Milk: Add a splash of your favorite milk. This helps everything blend smoothly and adjusts the consistency.
- Load the Berries: Add around two cups of mixed berries (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries). Use what you have—either fresh or frozen. If all your berries are fresh, add a handful of ice for chill.
- Add Purple Cabbage: Toss in about half a cup of roughly chopped purple cabbage. Don’t worry—its delicate flavor won’t overpower the smoothie, but it will turbocharge the health factor and color.
- Include a Banana: Break a ripe banana into chunks and add it to the blender. Even dedicated banana skeptics approve here as it offers smoothness without an overwhelming banana flavor.
- Drizzle Honey: If you prefer your smoothie on the sweeter side, drizzle in a tablespoon of honey.
- Add Juice: Pour in a splash (about half a cup) of grape or cranberry juice.
- Granola Surprise (optional): For a bit of crunch and heartiness, throw in a small handful of granola.
- Blend: Secure the lid, blend until completely smooth, and marvel at the striking purple color!
- Taste and Adjust: Sample your creation. Add more honey if it needs sweetness, more milk for creaminess, or more juice for a looser consistency.
- Serve: Pour into a tall, pretty glass and enjoy immediately.
Customization Ideas: Make It Your Own
The beauty of the Purple Resolution Smoothie is its adaptability. Here are some ways to tailor it to your cravings or dietary needs:
- Make Dairy-Free: Use plant-based yogurts (almond, cashew, coconut) and non-dairy milks.
- Boost Protein: Add a scoop of your preferred protein powder, a tablespoon of nut butter, or a sprinkle of chia seeds.
- Fiber Power: Toss in a handful of oats or some flaxseed meal for longer-lasting energy.
- Extra Greens: For more nutrients, add spinach or kale—these will be camouflaged by the berries’ robust flavor and color.
- Superfood Kick: Add acai powder, maca, or spirulina for an additional boost.
Nutritional Highlights: Why This Smoothie Is a Smart Choice
Packed with nutrition, the Purple Resolution Smoothie is ideal for boosting energy and supporting health goals. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Antioxidants: Berries and cabbage are loaded with anthocyanins, which fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
- Protein: Greek yogurt delivers satisfying protein for muscle support and longer satiety.
- Probiotics: Yogurt also provides live cultures for gut health.
- Fibers and Vitamins: Bananas, berries, and cabbage ensure dietary fiber, vitamin C, and a multitude of micronutrients.
- No Added Sugar: Sweeten naturally with fruit and honey to control the sugar content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use only one type of berry?
A: Absolutely. The blend works with any berries you like or have. Using a single berry results in a slightly different flavor and color, but it remains delicious.
Q: What can I substitute for purple cabbage?
A: Red cabbage, a handful of baby spinach, or even grated carrots (for a slight orange tinge) can be used. However, purple cabbage best preserves the vibrant color and adds unique nutrients with a mild flavor.
Q: How do I thicken a runny smoothie?
A: Add extra frozen fruit, another half-banana, a spoonful of oats, or a bit more yogurt. Blending in a few ice cubes works as well.
Q: Is it suitable for kids?
A: Yes! This smoothie is kid-friendly and a great way to sneak in fruits and vegetables for picky eaters.
Q: Can I prepare it in advance?
A: It’s best consumed fresh, but you can blend ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake before drinking, as natural separation may occur.
Serving Suggestions: Make It a Meal or Snack
- Breakfast Power-Up: Pair with a slice of whole grain toast or a hard-boiled egg for a balanced morning meal.
- Snack Attack: Sip in the afternoon for a boost of energy and nutrients.
- Dessert Delight: Top the smoothie with extra granola, seeds, or fresh fruit and serve in a bowl for a satisfying dessert.
What others are reading
Expert Tips for Smoothie Success
- Frosty Finish: If you prefer extra cold smoothies, use all frozen fruit or add a handful of ice cubes.
- Texture Tweak: Adjust thickness with more or less milk to suit your preference.
- Blender Smarts: Always start blending with the liquids and softer ingredients before adding hard or frozen items to prolong your blender’s life.
- Pretty Glassware: Serving in a clear glass really shows off those purple tones and adds to the smoothie experience.
Ingredient Table: What Goes in a Purple Resolution Smoothie?
| Ingredient | Purpose | Substitutes/Options |
|---|---|---|
| Greek Yogurt (2 cups) | Creaminess, protein | Plain or vanilla; dairy-free yogurts |
| Mixed Berries (2 cups) | Color, antioxidants, flavor | Any fresh or frozen berries |
| Purple Cabbage (1/2 cup) | Nutrition, color depth | Omit or substitute with spinach |
| Banana (1 medium) | Texture, natural sweetness | Avocado, extra berries (if allergic to banana) |
| Milk (1/2–1 cup) | Liquid to blend | Any plant or dairy milk |
| Honey (1–2 tbsp, optional) | Sweetener | Maple syrup, agave, or omit for unsweetened |
| Purple/Red Juice (1/2 cup) | Juiciness, color | Grape juice, cranberry blend, pomegranate, optional |
| Granola (handful, optional) | Texture, nutty flavor | Oats, nuts, or omit |
Why Try the Purple Resolution Smoothie?
- Easy prep & cleanup—pop everything in a blender.
- Customizable to tastes & diets—swap or add ingredients on a whim.
- Great for meal prep—even when made ahead, it stores for a day without significant nutrient loss.
- Kid and adult approved—it’s the rare treat that’s healthy and genuinely fun.
Related Searches & Variations
- Green smoothies (add kale or spinach)
- Tropical versions (add mango, pineapple, or coconut)
- Superfood smoothies with add-ins like chia, flax, or protein powder
- Classic strawberry-banana or peanut butter-berry as alternatives
- Smoothie bowls with layers of nut butters, seeds, and sliced fruit
Final Thoughts: A Smoothie for All Seasons
Whether you’re aiming to eat healthier, brighten up your breakfast, or sneak more fruits and veggies into your day, the Purple Resolution Smoothie is a crowd-pleasing winner. Adaptable, nutritious, and utterly delicious, it’s destined to become a staple in your smoothie repertoire. Happy blending—and happy new year, every day!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11372/purple-resolution-smoothie/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g42319867/smoothie-recipes/
- https://wenderly.com/the-pioneer-woman-cooks-a-year-of-holidays-and-resolution-smoothies/
- https://tastykitchen.com/recipes/drinks/purple-resolution-smoothie/?review_page=1
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g63423638/healthy-breakfast-recipes/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
