One of the most requested flavors I get from AK readers for my recipes? LEMON. That’s right, AK readers literally go wild when I publish new lemon recipes. Cookies, breads, bars, you name it, I’ve made it for you. If you’re one of them, get all of my lemon recipes here!

I’m bringing back today’s beautiful smoothie recipe for all of you lemon lovers out there: this is my famous lemon blueberry smoothie.

I sort of experimented with this one because I wasn’t sure how tart the fresh lemon juice and zest would make the smoothie. The result was a refreshing, perfectly sweet and deliciously tart smoothie that reminds me of candy.

Also, can we just admire that beautiful color?! *heart eyes*

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Five ingredient lemon blueberry smoothie heaven

That’s right, this delicious lemon blueberry smoothie recipe is made with just five simple ingredients! It also just so happens to be dairy free, vegan and perfect for adding your favorite mix-ins. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

• Frozen blueberries: that beautiful color comes from delicious frozen blueberries! You can also use a frozen variety of mixed berries and keep the similar flavor.
• Frozen banana: a lot of the natural sweetness in this smoothie comes from frozen banana.
• Lemon: we’re using both fresh lemon juice and lemon zest for that wonderful tartness.
• Almond extract: trust me when I say the almond extract takes the flavor to the next level.

Can I make it without banana?

We get a lot of questions about making smoothies without banana, and while this lemon blueberry smoothie does taste the best when you use a ripe banana, you could try blending in 2-3 large Medjool dates that have been soaked and softened. Let me know if you try it!

Is this lemon blueberry smoothie sour?

It might sound strange to be adding fresh lemon juice and zest to a smoothie, but trust me when I say the blueberries and banana add the perfect amount of sweetness to balance out the tartness. It has a lovely refreshing flavor without being overpowering! Plus, it tastes like candy. YUM.

Add a boost of nutrition

This blueberry lemon smoothie is a great base for adding in your favorite nutrition boosters. Here’s what I can recommend:

• Flaxseed meal: this is one of my favorite ingredients to add to smoothies for a little boost of fiber and minerals, and is especially great for nursing mamas as flaxseed can help increase milk supply. Usually, a tablespoon is plenty! Here’s a brand I love.
• Chia seeds: feel free to add a tablespoon of chia seeds to your lemon blueberry smoothie for a boost of healthy fats and fiber.
• Hemp seeds: feel free to throw a tablespoon of hemp seeds into your smoothie for a boost of healthy fats, omegas and minerals.
• Veggies: if you’re looking to get more greens in your smoothie, try adding a cup or two of raw or cooked spinach or kale. You could also try adding some frozen cauliflower for another boost of veggies — you’ll never be able to taste it!
• Protein: Easily add more protein to a smoothie by adding 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder. I recommend Vital Protein collagen peptides or Four Sigmatic Plant-Based Protein Powder.

Tips for making the perfect lemon blueberry smoothie

I have a few tips and tricks for making smoothies super creamy, cold and delicious:

1. Use frozen ingredients. Using frozen fruit & veggies is best as it they help keep the smoothie cold and thick. Sometimes ice doesn’t blend as well, so it’s best to skip unless absolutely necessary.
2. Add more liquid. Don’t be afraid to add more liquid if your smoothie is too thick or won’t fully blend. High powered blenders tend to blend frozen fruit much better, so if you have a regular or personal size blender, you may need to add more milk.
3. Start on low speed. Start the blender on low speed, then gradually increase to high to help blend all ingredients. Finally, end with the blender on low speed.
4. Sweeten it up. If a smoothie doesn’t taste sweet enough for your liking, you can add a 1/2 tablespoon of honey, pure maple syrup or another pitted Medjool date, but you likely won’t need it with this recipe.
5. Use your fav milk. Feel free to use any milk you’d like in smoothie recipes according to your preferences. Almond milk tends to have a neutral taste in smoothies, coconut milk will add a more tropical and creamy flavor, and regular milk will add a boost of protein.

Prep this lemon blueberry smoothie ahead of time

Looking to meal prep this lemon blueberry smoothie? You can! Make it as-is or even double it and then try one of my three amazing ways to prep and store smoothies right in your freezer.

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More smoothie recipes to try

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I hope you love this delicious lemon blueberry smoothie recipe! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats

This post was originally published on April 23rd, 2021, and republished on March 25th, 2022.