Save My roommate walked into the kitchen yesterday morning and caught me blending something that looked alarmingly like a science experiment gone wrong. The bright magenta swirl was mesmerizing though, and when I explained it was beetroot and berries, she went from skeptical to intrigued in about three seconds flat. Now we're both obsessed with starting our days with this vibrant bowl.
Last summer, I was trying to use up a surplus of cooked beets from meal prep and started throwing random things into the blender. The first attempt was too thick to drink but too thin to eat with a spoon, so I poured it into a bowl and topped it with whatever crunch I could find in the pantry. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you're just trying not to waste food.
Ingredients
- Cooked beetroot: Use pre-steamed or roasted beets for the smoothest texture and sweetest flavor profile
- Frozen mixed berries: Frozen fruit creates that thick, ice-cream-like consistency without needing to add ice
- Ripe banana: Adds natural sweetness and helps bind everything together into a creamy base
- Unsweetened almond milk: Start with half cup and adjust to reach your preferred thickness
- Plain yogurt: Greek yogurt adds protein while coconut yogurt keeps it entirely plant-based
- Chia seeds: These little powerhouses thicken the mixture and add omega-3s
- Maple syrup: Completely optional depending on how sweet your fruit is
Instructions
- Blend your base:
- Combine the beetroot, frozen berries, banana, almond milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup in a high-speed blender. Puree until completely smooth, scraping down the sides and adding a splash more milk if it's too thick to blend.
- Create your bowls:
- Pour the vibrant mixture into two bowls, using the back of a spoon to create swooshes and swirls on the surface for that satisfying presentation.
- Add the magic toppings:
- Arrange your granola, fresh berries, sliced kiwi, pumpkin seeds, and coconut in whatever pattern makes you happy. The toppings should cover about half the surface area so you get both creamy and crunchy in every spoonful.
Save My niece came over for breakfast last week and declared this fairy food. She ate two bowls and asked if we could make red pancakes next, which honestly sounds like a challenge I might need to accept.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of smoothie bowls is their infinite adaptability. I've swapped the berries for tropical fruit and topped it with toasted coconut flakes, or used spinach instead of beetroot when I wanted something green and energizing. Let what's in season guide your combinations.
Texture Secrets
The difference between a good smoothie bowl and a great one comes down to thickness. Your blended base should be substantial enough to hold up the toppings without them sinking immediately. If it's too thin, blend in a few more frozen berries or a couple ice cubes.
Prep Ahead Strategy
Morning time is precious, so I often batch cook beets on Sunday and keep them in the fridge. You can also portion all the smoothie base ingredients into freezer bags the night before.
- Pre-measure your toppings into small containers so they're ready to grab
- Use frozen beet cubes if you can find them for extra thickness
- Keep your blender pitcher assembled in the fridge for maximum laziness efficiency
Save There's something joyful about starting the day with food this colorful. It's like eating a bowl of optimism.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use raw beetroot instead of cooked?
Raw beetroot works but requires thorough blending and may have a stronger earthy taste. Pre-cooking or roasting the beetroot mellows the flavor and makes blending easier. You can also use pre-cooked vacuum-sealed beets from the grocery store for convenience.
- → How long will the smoothie base keep in the refrigerator?
The blended base stays fresh for up to 24 hours when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it's best enjoyed immediately to maintain the vibrant color and creamy texture. Add a splash of milk and give it a quick stir before serving if it thickens overnight.
- → Can I make this completely sugar-free?
Absolutely—simply omit the maple syrup or honey. The berries and banana provide natural sweetness, while the beetroot adds a subtle earthy note. You can always adjust sweetness by adding more ripe banana or dates if needed after tasting.
- → What toppings work best with this bowl?
Crunchy elements like granola, nuts, or seeds contrast beautifully with the smooth base. Fresh berries, sliced tropical fruits, coconut flakes, and hemp seeds all complement the earthy-sweet flavor profile. For extra protein, top with a dollop of nut butter or a sprinkle of protein powder.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Prepare the smoothie base in advance and store it in individual containers or freezer bags. In the morning, simply thaw slightly, give it a stir, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy. Keep toppings separate until ready to serve to maintain their crunch and freshness.
- → Can I substitute the almond milk?
Any plant-based or dairy milk works wonderfully—oat, soy, coconut, cashew, or regular dairy milk all create a creamy base. Coconut milk adds richness and tropical notes, while oat milk provides a neutral flavor that lets the berries shine through.