Looking for a quick, nutritious, and indulgent treat to kickstart your day or refuel after a workout? I’ve got you covered! This Chocolate Cherry Smoothie has everything you need. Packed with antioxidants, creamy Greek yogurt, and a hint of sweetness from dark cherries and chocolate chips, this smoothie isn’t just delicious—it’s good for you too!

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If you’re new around here, a warm welcome! My name is Amanda, and I’m a pizza-loving registered dietitian focusing on empowering you to cultivate your own best gut health.

Gut health matters, and what you eat on a regular basis has a profound impact on how well you thrive 24/7…for better or worse!

But: no one wants to choke down meals or smoothies that are gross – me neither! That is what makes recipes like this chocolate cherry smoothie such a delight – they’re delicious, down to the last drop – and they nourish your gut health to boot.

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Why Gut Health Matters

What we eat plays a crucial role in supporting a healthy gut, which, in turn, impacts so many aspects of our overall well-being. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fiber, and probiotics can help nourish the beneficial bacteria in our digestive system, promoting better digestion, a stronger immune system, and even improved mood.

Most of us could use a little extra help when it comes to understanding and supporting our gut health. If you’re wondering where your gut health stands, check out this helpful guide on 10 signs of an unhealthy gut for more insights and practical tips!

Our Chocolate Cherry Smoothie recipe ticks all of the gut-health boosting boxes because it includes nutrient-rich cherries and oranges, it is hydrating, and includes the benefits of naturally occurring probiotics, thanks to the inclusion of Greek yogurt.

Plus, the ingredients are affordable, and the recipe is super quick to blend up and pour into your trusty go-mug for a hydrating breakfast or recovery snack on the go.

In the upper left image are the ingredients in glass containers
in the bottom left image all the ingredients in a blender
in the image on the right is the smoothie being poured into a cup

Gut Health Benefits Packed Into Every Sip

Frozen dark sweet cherries – bring vital antioxidants, helping shield your cells from damage while supporting recovery and better sleep. Cherries have a significant amount of gut health boosting fiber as well (1, 2).
1 mandarin orange – bursting with vitamin C, fiber, and beta-carotene- mandarin oranges nourish you from your gut health all the way to your beautiful, glowing skin (3).
Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt – a rich source of probiotics, protein, and calcium for stronger bones. The probiotics reduce your risk of IBS and all of those unwanted side effects (4).
Milk of choice (or water for a different option).
Chocolate chips – add a touch of indulgence while providing flavonoids, known to improve the microbiome community (5). I like to use dark chocolate, but any chocolate will work well.
Ground cinnamon – can add additional antioxidants to the mix and even support blood sugar control (6).
Ice cubes – add hydration and help to thicken the smoothie.
Collagen powder (optional) – contains three specific amino acids – glycine, glutamine, and proline – that are crucial for gut health and can help heal leaky gut (7). For a deep dive into everything collagen and gut health, click here: Should You Take Collagen for Your Gut Health?

For the exact measurements and the instructions, scroll down to the recipe card below.

in the image on the left is a bowl of frozen cherries
in the image on the right is the smoothie in the blender

Why Add Cherries to Your Smoothie?

Cherries offer more than just a rich, sweet flavor for your recipes. Research indicates that cherries are loaded with polyphenols and vitamin C, which provide impressive anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. According to a recent study, consuming cherries has been linked to (1):

Reduced oxidative stress.
Improved sleep quality thanks to naturally occurring melatonin.
Reduced muscle soreness after exercise, perfect for active lifestyles!

Whether you’re a morning productivity go-getter or a post-workout refueler, cherries are a powerhouse fruit to include in your regular routine.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen ones?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries work just as well, though you may want to add a few extra ice cubes to keep your smoothie thick and chilled.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can substitute it with any kind of plain yogurt or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt for a plant-based option.

Skyr yogurt, which is thicker and has more protein than Greek yogurt, would also work well for this recipe. You may need to add a bit more liquid depending on how thick you like your smoothie.

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare and freeze it in an airtight container. Before drinking, simply thaw it slightly and give it a good stir or re-blend.

Or, for a fun summer treat, you can pour your smoothie mixture into a popsicle mold and freeze. I love these molds – they’re dishwasher safe and easy to use.

Can I skip the chocolate chips?

Of course! The chocolate chips add a bit of indulgence, but the smoothie will still taste delicious and naturally sweet without them.