A creamy lemon berry smoothie that is perfectly refreshing, sweet and tart. It reminds me of a lemon dessert and can honestly satisfy that sweet spot while providing (so many) nutritional benefits, too. It’s simple yet so satisfying. {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Friendly}
This recipe was inspired by my Lemon Berry Kefir Overnight Oats, which is so good, but this smoothie still honestly surprised me. It tastes like a lemon berry tart or a creamy fruit dessert, but it’s packed with nutrients that even your average smoothie might not have.
Kefir and Greek yogurt give it that rich, creamy texture while providing a powerful dose of probiotics to support gut health and digestion. The mix of protein and healthy carbs makes it satisfying enough to curb cravings without the sugar crash you’d get from most desserts.
I love using kefir here because it adds that tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with berries and lemon – kind of like cheesecake filling meets smoothie. If you’re someone who needs a little something sweet – this smoothie satisfies that craving, feels a little indulgent, and still aligns with your health goals.
Why I Love This Smoothie
Step-By-Step Instructions
This smoothie makes one 8-10 ounce serving. The fiber content provides food for that good bacteria provided from the yogurt and the kefir. Also, Lifeway Kefir is 99% lactose-free!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mixed berry Lifeway kefir. This is the star of the recipe and I don’t recommend substituting. Lifeway Kefir can be found at most grocery stores – and you will want this specific flavor.
- 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt. Can sub with plain Greek yogurt for lower sugar content.
- 1-2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flaxseed; nutritional information calculated for one tablespoon of chia seeds.
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries.
- Zest of 1/2 a small lemon, plus juice if preferred. Taste test and add more.
- Pinch of salt. This helps bring out the sweet and tart flavors!
- Drizzle of honey – totally optional, if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, optional – smoothie provides 23 grams of protein without it.
- Vanilla extract, optional. I prefer it without but if you want more vanilla flavor, it’s a great addition!
Directions
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender. Blend for at least 30 seconds, until smooth and well-combined.
- Taste test and adjust tartness with more lemon or sweetness by adding honey or preferred sweetener. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately! I like to top with whipped cream.
A little zest goes a long way – it adds that bright, lemony flavor without extra tartness from the juice. Here’s how to make it work perfectly:
- Use a microplane or fine grater. You just want the yellow outer layer of the peel – that’s where the flavor (and essential oils) live. Avoid the white pith underneath; it’s bitter.
- Zest first, then juice. It’s much easier to zest a whole lemon than one that’s already cut in half.
- Start small. Begin with the zest of ½ lemon – you can always add more, but it’s surprisingly potent in smoothies.
- Add it directly to the blender. No need to stir in later; blending releases even more of those fragrant oils and distributes the flavor evenly.
- Bonus tip: Freeze leftover zest in a small jar or baggie – it keeps for months and adds instant flavor to smoothies, yogurt bowls, or baked goods.
Variations
To lower the sugar content, omit honey or added sweeteners and swap vanilla Greek yogurt for plain. The smoothie will be more tart but the mixed berry kefir is already on the higher end when it comes to sugar.
For a dairy-free version, use a higher protein plant-based yogurt like Kite Hill! Again, Lifeway Kefir is 99% lactose-free and likely tolerated by more people who struggle with dairy.
More Delicious Recipes with Kefir
I go into much greater detail on gut health, kefir, and nutrition in some of these posts. So, if you are interested, check them out!
Healthy Lemon Berry Smoothie That Tastes Like Dessert
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Lifeway mixed berry kefir do not recommend substituting this one!
- 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt can sub with plain yogurt for lower sugar content
- 1-2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flaxseed nutrition calculated using 1 tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
- Zest of 1/2 a lemon, plus some of the juice per taste preference
- Pinch of salt
Optional Additions
- Whipped cream highly recommended for topping
- 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- Vanilla extract
- Honey or preferred sweetener if you prefer more sweetness
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender. Blend for at least 30 seconds, until smooth and well-combined.
- Taste test and adjust tartness with more lemon or sweetness by adding honey or preferred sweetener. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately! I like to top with whipped cream.
Notes
- See directions in the post for tips on lemon zest.
- Lifeway Kefir is 99% lactose-free! Sub Greek yogurt with high protein plant-based yogurt like Kite Hill for an (almost) lactose-free version.
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