Antioxidant Mixed Berry Smoothie
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
Boost your health with this antioxidant-packed berry smoothie. Featuring the superfood power of amaranth and chia seeds, this refreshing blend is perfect for a nutrient-rich breakfast or recovery snack.
Berries do the heavy lifting here; we just help them blend. Frozen mixed berries give this smoothie its deep color and a generous helping of antioxidants, while amaranth and chia quietly add protein, fats, and minerals. Five minutes from blender to glass.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 1 cup mixed berries (frozen or fresh)
- 🫗 1 tbsp amaranth (pre-cooked or sprouted for best digestibility)
- 🫗 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 🫗 *Recommended base: 1 cup water or unsweetened almond/soy milk*
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
**Prep the Amaranth:** If using raw amaranth, it is best to cook it beforehand (boil 1 part amaranth to 3 parts water for 20 minutes) and let it cool. If you have popped amaranth, you can add it directly.
**Combine:** Place the mixed berries, cooked/prepared amaranth, chia seeds, and your liquid base into a high-speed blender.
**Blend:** Blend on high speed for 45–60 seconds. Because chia seeds and amaranth have a unique texture, you want to ensure they are fully incorporated for a smooth mouthfeel.
**Serve:** Pour into a glass and consume immediately to enjoy the maximum benefits of the antioxidants.
🎥 Video Tutorial
Antioxidant Mixed Berry Smoothie
Video credit: embedded from YouTube. All rights belong to the original creator, who allows sharing on other websites.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Texture Issues: If you use raw, uncooked amaranth, the smoothie will be extremely gritty. Always ensure your amaranth is cooked or puffed before adding it to the blender.
- ✕
Thickening: Chia seeds will absorb liquid rapidly. If you let the smoothie sit for too long, it will turn into a pudding! Drink it right after blending.
🔄 Variations
Creamy Boost: Add half a banana or a tablespoon of almond butter to make the texture creamier and more filling.
Greens Addition: Toss in a handful of spinach—you won't taste it, but it will add iron and extra fiber to your antioxidant boost.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
This is best consumed fresh. If you must prep it, blend it in the morning and keep it in a vacuum-sealed bottle to prevent oxidation of the berries.
💡 Chef Tips
The Amaranth Advantage: Amaranth is a gluten-free grain that is exceptionally high in protein and lysine. Using it in smoothies adds a satisfying, nutty depth that balances the tartness of the berries.
Hydration: If you are making this as a post-workout recovery drink, use coconut water as your liquid base to replace electrolytes.
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About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →