“Sweet and creamy and 100% delicious. Use agave nectar instead of honey if you want to keep it vegan.”
~ Jane
Cherry Almond, a heart-healthy cholesterol-lowering smoothie recipe, is simple and delicious combining the natural sweetness of cherries with the nutty flavor of almond butter. Almond milk adds a creamy texture, while honey provides a touch of extra sweetness.
Cherries are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help support heart health. Almond butter and almond milk are sources of healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol levels.
Everything You Need
Key Ingredients
The Cholesterol-Lowering Cherry Almond smoothie ingredients are:
- cherries
- almond milk
- almond butter
- honey
- ice
Health Benefits
Cherries – Cherries are a kid favorite fruit that boast some terrific health benefits for adults as well. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, copper, and manganese. Cherries also have exceptional anti-inflammatory qualities and are often used to improve symptoms of arthritis and gout.
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Almond Milk – Almond milk is a popular nut-based milk replacement that is naturally lactose-free, dairy-free, and completely vegan. It has a surprisingly diverse set of nutrients, including significant amounts of vitamin D, vitamin E, and calcium. Almond milk is also a heart-healthy beverage for those interested in lowering their cholesterol.
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Almond Butter – Almond butter is made from roasted, ground almonds and is often used as a substitute for peanut butter. It is high in monounsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E. Almond butter can help lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve the health of artery walls.
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Honey – Honey is a thick, sticky liquid made from plant nectar by honeybees. It is rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids that are excellent at reducing oxidative stress. Honey has been used to facilitate burn and wound healing for thousands of years and has shown great success in healing diabetes-related foot ulcers.
[Amazon Fresh]
Equipment Needed
A standard blender is all that is required to make these delicious smoothies. If you are making it for just one person, we recommend using the truly amazing personal NutriBullet Ultra as it is super-quick to set up and very easy to clean.
If you are making them for more than one person, we recommend a higher-end Vitamix blender that can process larger loads more efficiently.
For overnight storage, we recommend using a glass or BPA-free airtight container with a resealable lid.
How To Make The Cholesterol-Lowering Cherry Almond Smoothie
The Cholesterol-Lowering Cherry Almond smoothie is very easy to make:
- Step 1: Place cherries, almond milk, almond butter, honey, and ice into a blender and secure the lid.
- Step 2: Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Step 3: Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Step 4: Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Recipe Tips And Substitutions
If you don’t have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
You can substitute another type of fruit, like blueberries or raspberries, for the cherries or use a different type of nut butter, such as peanut or cashew butter.
To make this smoothie vegan, replace the honey with a vegan-friendly sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.
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Cholesterol-Lowering Cherry Almond Smoothie Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherries frozen, pitted
- 1 cup almond milk, vanilla unsweetened
- 1/4 cup almond butter unsalted
- 1 tablespoon honey raw, unfiltered
- 1 cup ice
- 1 Collagen Boost optional
Instructions
- Place cherries, almond milk, almond butter, honey, and ice into a blender and secure the lid.
- Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Notes
- If you don't have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
- You can substitute another type of fruit, like blueberries or raspberries, for the cherries or use a different type of nut butter, such as peanut or cashew butter.
- To make this smoothie vegan, replace the honey with a vegan-friendly sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.
Video
Nutrition
Smoothie Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries in this smoothie?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries in this smoothie; however, you may need to add ice to create a colder, thicker consistency.
Can I add greens to this smoothie for added nutrients?
Yes, you can add a handful of spinach or kale to this smoothie to increase the nutrient content without significantly altering the flavor.
More Cholesterol-Lowering Smoothie Recipes
→ If you liked this delicious Cherry Almond smoothie, try more of our heart-healthy favorites on our Cholesterol-Lowering Smoothie Recipes page.
