Lemon Strawberry Smoothie | Creamy & Zesty

Whenever you're craving a refreshing and zesty smoothie with the perfect amount of creaminess, you've gotta try this lemon strawberry smoothie with fresh lemon zest and juice.

While this smoothie has that classic strawberry lemonade smoothie taste, it's a bit creamier and more satisfying thanks to naturally sweet and creamy banana plus almonds that are first blended with water to create a homemade almond milk base.

Frozen strawberries provide the sweet berry flavor, while fresh lemon juice and zest give this strawberry lemon smoothie a bright citrus flavor. I also add a teaspoon of maple syrup to balance the tartness and a touch of vanilla that goes so well with strawberries.

It's satisfying yet refreshing and the perfect afternoon treat when you're craving something cold, fruity, and naturally sweet. Plus, this healthy strawberry banana smoothie is completely vegan and made without yogurt or dairy.

Lemon Strawberry Smoothie Recipe

• 1¼ cups frozen unsweetened strawberries
• 1 medium banana
• 2 tablespoons slivered raw almonds
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup

Instructions

1. Add the almonds and water to a high-speed blender. Blend for 40 seconds to 1 minute, until the almonds are finely blended and you have a creamy homemade almond milk base.
2. Add the frozen strawberries, banana, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
3. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
4. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Lemon Strawberry Smoothie Nutritional Info

• Calories: 314 kcal
• Protein: 5.1 g
• Fat: 7.6 g
• Net Carbs: 51.3 g

Top 5 Vitamins & Minerals

• Vitamin C
• Manganese
• Copper
• Vitamin E
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Fun Fact: Did you know that much of a lemon's fresh citrus aroma comes from fragrant oils found in the yellow outer peel? That's why adding lemon zest can make such a big difference in smoothies. The zest gives this strawberry and lemon smoothie a fresh lemon flavor that you don't get from lemon juice alone.

Tips & Substitutions

• Blend the almonds first. Blend the almonds with the water for 40 seconds to 1 minute before adding the remaining ingredients. This helps break them down as finely as possible and creates a creamy homemade almond milk base.
• Use store-bought almond milk instead. You can replace the almonds and water with ½ cup of unsweetened almond milk. I like making my own because it's quick and easy, and I don't always have almond milk stored in my fridge.
• Use frozen strawberries. Frozen strawberries give this smoothie a thick, cold texture without needing ice. Fresh strawberries will result in a much thinner smoothie.
• Use a ripe banana. A ripe banana works best for natural sweetness and creaminess.
• Adjust the lemon flavor. I love a noticeable lemon flavor, which is why I use 2 teaspoons of zest. If you prefer a milder strawberry lemon smoothie, reduce the zest slightly.
• Adjust the sweetness. I use 1 teaspoon of maple syrup, but strawberry and banana sweetness varies. Taste after blending and add a little more maple syrup if needed.
• Make it without almonds. For a lighter strawberry lemonade smoothie, leave out the almonds and use ½ cup of coconut water. It won't be as creamy, but it makes a refreshing summertime variation.

For more lemon fruit smoothie variations check out this lemon blueberry smoothie and lemon banana smoothie!

What Does a Lemon Strawberry Smoothie Taste Like?

Think of this smoothie as somewhere between a creamy frozen strawberry banana smoothie and strawberry lemonade. You get the familiar strawberry-banana flavor first, followed by a fresh lemony zing that keeps it from tasting overly sweet.

The vanilla and almonds give it a softer, slightly creamy finish, so it doesn't taste as sharp or watery as traditional lemonade. If you enjoy sweet and tart flavors together, this is a fun twist on a classic strawberry smoothie.

What Makes This Lemon Strawberry Smoothie Unique?

The homemade almond milk base is what sets this lemon strawberry smoothie recipe apart. Instead of using a carton of plant milk, I blend 2 tablespoons of raw almonds with ½ cup of water directly in the blender before making the smoothie.

I love this trick because almonds are easy to keep stocked in my pantry, so I can make a creamy smoothie even when I don't have plant milk in the fridge. They also provide vitamin E, magnesium, healthy unsaturated fats, and a little extra protein.

Combined with frozen strawberries, banana, fresh lemon, maple syrup, and vanilla, it makes an easy vegan strawberry smoothie in about five minutes. If you love strawberry lemonade and creamy fruit smoothies, this recipe gives you a little bit of both.

When life gives you lemons, be sure to make this lemon strawberry smoothie and also learn how to make the best tasting stawberry smoothies of all varieties.

📖 Recipe