Save to Pinterest The first time I made this smoothie bowl, my roommate walked into the kitchen and asked why I was making "mud for breakfast" until she tasted it. The brilliant magenta color catches everyone off guard, but that earthy sweetness from the beetroot balanced with tart berries has become my go-to when I need something that feels both decadent and energizing.
Last summer, I started making these for my sister after her morning runs. She was skeptical about vegetables in her breakfast but now she texts me photos of her own elaborate topping arrangements. Theres something joyful about eating something this beautiful first thing in the morning.
Ingredients
- Small cooked beetroot: Roast a batch ahead of time and keep them in the fridge, they blend smoother than raw and add natural sweetness
- Frozen mixed berries: Frozen fruit creates that thick, ice cream like texture without needing to add ice
- Ripe banana: The riper the better, it balances the earthy beet with natural sweetness
- Unsweetened almond milk: Start with half a cup and add more if needed, you want this thick enough to support toppings
- Plain Greek or coconut yogurt: This creates that creamy, spoonable texture and adds protein
- Chia seeds: They thicken the mixture and add omega 3s without affecting the flavor
- Maple syrup or honey: Taste first, the beet and banana might make this sweet enough already
- Granola: Use whatever you love, just make sure its certified gluten free if needed
- Fresh berries and kiwi: Pick whatever looks best at the market, the more colors the better
- Pumpkin seeds and coconut: These add the crunch that makes every spoonful interesting
Instructions
- Blend your base:
- Add the beetroot, frozen berries, banana, almond milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and optional sweetener to a high speed blender. Blend on high, stopping to scrape down the sides, until completely smooth and thick like soft serve ice cream.
- Check your consistency:
- The mixture should be thick enough to hold a spoon upright. If its too thick, add another tablespoon of milk and blend again.
- Portion into bowls:
- Divide the vibrant mixture between two bowls, using the back of a spoon to create swooshes and dips in the surface to hold your toppings.
- Arrange your toppings:
- Pile on granola, fresh berries, kiwi slices, pumpkin seeds, and coconut in sections or spirals however appeals to you.
- Serve right away:
- This bowl waits for no one. The longer it sits, the thinner it gets, so dig in immediately while its still frosty and thick.
Save to Pinterest This bowl has become my weekend ritual, a moment of making something beautiful before the rush of the day begins. The toppings take the most time, but thats the meditative part.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I skip the banana and use extra frozen mango for a tropical twist. Other mornings, when I need extra protein, a scoop of vanilla powder blends right in without altering the gorgeous color.
Prep Ahead Tips
I roast three or four beetroots at once and keep them peeled in a glass container. They last a week and make morning assembly so much faster when everything is ready to go.
Perfect Toppings
The contrast between creamy and crunchy is what makes this bowl work. I always choose at least three textures from creamy almond butter to crunchy nuts to fresh fruit.
- Toast your coconut flakes for 2 minutes until golden, it makes a huge difference
- Slice toppings small enough to get on your spoon with each bite
- Press some toppings slightly into the smoothie so they dont all roll off
Save to Pinterest Start your morning with something this vibrant and the whole day feels a little more possible.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use raw beetroot instead of cooked?
Cooked beetroot works best as it's sweeter and blends more smoothly into the creamy base. Raw beets can have an earthy, bitter taste that might overpower the berries. If you only have raw beets, roast or steam them until tender before blending.
- → How can I make this bowl higher in protein?
Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder when blending, or use Greek yogurt instead of coconut yogurt. You can also top with hemp seeds, chopped nuts, or a dollop of nut butter to boost the protein content naturally.
- → Can I prepare this the night before?
The smoothie base can be blended ahead and stored in the refrigerator overnight, though it may thicken slightly. Add a splash of milk in the morning to reach desired consistency. However, add toppings just before serving to keep them crunchy and fresh.
- → What other fruits work well in this blend?
Mango, peaches, or pomegranate seeds make excellent additions. For a different flavor profile, try adding frozen cherries or a handful of spinach for extra greens without changing the vibrant color much.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Pre-portion your frozen berries and chop the beetroot in advance. You can even pre-mix the dry toppings like granola, seeds, and coconut in small containers. In the morning, just blend and assemble for a quick, nutritious breakfast.
- → Can I make this without a high-speed blender?
A regular blender works too, though you may need to add more liquid and blend longer. Start with smaller batches, and stop frequently to scrape down the sides. Cutting ingredients into smaller pieces before blending also helps achieve a smooth consistency.