The Anatomy of a Smoothie Bowl

There’s just something about throwing caution to the wind and eating a smoothie with a spoon instead of sipping it with a straw. Honestly, that’s probably why smoothie bowls have stayed the darling of Instagram since they burst onto the scene several years ago. Since you’re serving these beauts outside of a cup, you can make them as thick as you like, any flavor you want, and enjoy topping them off with more fruit, granola, or whatever strikes your fancy. Below, the best way to prepare one to give you the maximum amount of nutrition along with a glamorous appearance.

Base

Before you can begin anything, you have to decide what kind of smoothie is going to be your base. Do you want something tropical or berry-based? Or maybe you really want to play up bananas. Whatever you choose, make sure your primary fruit is the star of the show and will pair well with whatever else you decide to toss into your smoothie.

An excellent combination begins with:

Protein

Once you’ve decided on your smoothie’s flavor profile, then you can add some complementary protein to give your smoothie bowl some staying power. Nuts are the best way to incorporate this essential nutrient. You can add a splash of nut milk, a spoonful of nut butter, or simply throw in a few nuts whole.

A classic add-in is:

If you like almonds, 12 is the perfect number to add in. It gives a creamy thickness and just a hint of flavor without leaving your smoothie full of grainy nut skin. Another good option here is a 1/4 cup of yogurt if you want an extra creamy smoothie with a little bit of tanginess.

Greens

Now, add your greens. A medium sized handful of mild-flavored spinach, kale, or lettuce is generally sufficient. If you’re going for a green smoothie, the more, the merrier.

Start with:

Sweets

Of course, once you have a healthy balance of greens, protein, and fruit, it’s time to add a hint of sweetness with a squeeze of honey or agave. Alternatively, you can add some coconut sugar or shavings if you’re looking for an extra boost of tropical goodness in your breakfast.

Drizzle in:

Toppings

After you’ve blended your smoothie, it’s time to decorate. Here is where you can let your imagination run wild. Add berries. Crush some coconut. Sprinkle a few seeds. If you’re nuts about nuts, throw in a few more. Make sure to be mindful of adding in a variety of textures as well as flavors. That means some crunchy granola, cereal, or seeds are a must. Try to limit yourself to three choices to keep your flavors balanced and your bowl beautiful.

Pick three of the following:

Did we miss anything? What else do you think is essential to the perfect smoothie bowl? Tweet your suggestions at us @BritandCo.

(Illustrations via Rebecca Fong / Brit + Co)