Amid the myriad kitchen gadgets vying for your attention (and money), Ninja blenders have carved out a niche of their own. Appealing to both smoothie lovers and culinary enthusiasts, the brand has developed a cult following thanks to its products’ multi-functional capabilities that go beyond mere blending.
With a range of versatile products that include the Ninja Foodi, Auto-iQ series, and the Ninja Detect, there’s a Ninja appliance that caters to every kitchen (unless you’re old school like my mom and refuse to use anything that “looks too fancy”). The Ninja Detect Kitchen System, for example, can pulverize pretty much anything into creamy concoctions, and offers a whopping 13 functions.
From blending frozen cocktails and smoothies to crafting silky smooth soups and dressings with ease, it’s easy to see why Ninja blenders have become the kitchen warriors that everyone wants to have. The only downside? With some sporting a price tag of $200 plus, they can be quite pricey. But with the holidays coming up, you might be able to snag one at a discount. If all else fails, you know what to ask Santa for Christmas.
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Ninja Blender Smoothie Recipes:
If you’re thinking about investing in a Ninja blender, or if you’ve already got one sitting on the countertop and are eager to put it to use, you’ve come to the right place. The easiest place to start once you’ve secured a blender? Smoothies. Here are 22 recipes — starting with refreshing smoothies — for you to try.
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1. Antioxidant Berry Banana Smoothie
Relive the simple joys of childhood with this sweet and tangy smoothie that is also nutritious and filling. Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, this smoothie features a fusion of mixed berries, banana, Greek yogurt, your choice of milk or water, crushed ice, and a drizzle of honey (optional).
Pro tip: Buy frozen fruit to prevent the hassle of peeling, chopping, and worrying about spoilage. Frozen fruit also lasts much longer in the freezer for whenever you’re craving a creamy, refreshing smoothie.
Imagine the golden hues of a tropical sunrise in a cup. This smoothie combines the zesty and sweet flavors of mango, banana, and frozen strawberries with refreshing coconut water. Served thick and adorned with your choice of toppings, it’s the perfect choice for a quick breakfast — or for when you need an energy boost throughout the day.
Give this one a whirl if you’re looking for a drink to cleanse your system or bring you back to life after a hangover. Featuring a blend of kale, mango, avocado, chia seeds, and a kick of ginger, this drink works as a detoxifying elixir that’s both invigorating and refreshing. Plus, this green smoothie actually tastes good and won’t make you want to hurl.
Fuel your fitness routine with this blueberry, pineapple, and beet smoothie that pairs beautifully with protein powder to give you a sustained energy boost pre- or post-workout. Beets are high in fiber and rich in folate, which can help repair damaged tissue and blood vessels while promoting healthy cell growth and function.
Embrace all the flavors of fall and winter with this comforting and flavorful tomato basil soup. The best part is that you can recreate it by literally pushing two buttons on your Ninja Foodi. Place olive oil, onion, and salt in your Ninja blender pitcher and select sauté. Then add your remaining ingredients and select “smooth soup.” It’s like magic, but better.
Experience the aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine with this easy and flavorful coconut curry soup. In your high-powered Ninja blender, combine coconut milk, chicken stock, curry paste, ginger, and watch as the base of a broth comes together in a soup that’s soothing, creamy, and rich. Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a complete meal.
Cool down on hot days or enjoy a tasty post-gym treat with this refreshing gazpacho. This chilled soup combines tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and garlic to create a dish that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the body. Plus, it doesn’t skimp on flavor. Serve cold and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper (optional).
Blend together tomatoes, onion, garlic, and a squeeze of lime juice to create a thick sauce that’s perfect for tacos, chips, or brushing on grilled meats. For a fun twist, use this mix as a base for a classic tortilla soup by enhancing it with chicken broth, shredded chicken, and fried tortilla strips for a meal that’s both nourishing and flavorful.
Lay the foundation for a hearty meal with this Middle Eastern dish that’s bursting with bold flavors. Blend together tomatoes, eggplant, mushrooms, onions, and a medley of spices to create the sauce, then transfer to a pan and create small pockets to crack your eggs in. Cover and simmer on low heat for a few minutes; top generously with chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese.
Craft your own dairy-free milk with this recipe. By blending soaked almonds with water and then straining the mixture, you can create a fresh, nutty alternative to store-bought milk that’s tasty, free of preservatives, and ready to be used on cereals, coffee, and more. To sweeten, add a scoop of honey, maple syrup, or blended dates to the mixture.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream. Made by blending frozen bananas with a generous scoop of peanut butter, this creamy, decadent treat is both sweet and slightly salty. But the best part? It only requires two ingredients. Add chopped walnuts or almonds for an added crunch (optional).
Indulge in a guilt-free dessert that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. This chocolate avocado mousse combines ripe avocados and bananas with cocoa powder and orange juice to create a velvety, chocolatey dessert that’s sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters. Rich in vitamins and healthy fats, avocados are a nutrient powerhouse that can help prevent heart disease, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation.
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with this creamy roasted red pepper hummus. Combine chickpeas with roasted red peppers, tahini, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and garlic to create a creamy concoction that’s perfect for snacking, dipping, or to use as a flavorful spread on wraps and sandwiches.
Reinvent the classic flavors of Alfredo sauce with this recipe that calls for healthier ingredients. By blending together steamed cauliflower, vegetable broth, garlic, nutmeg, and parmesan cheese, the result is a creamy and flavorful pasta sauce that will have everyone fooled. Go on and treat yourself without the guilt.
Dive into the flavors of the Mediterranean with this feta dip that’s brimming with fresh lemon and garlicky flavors. By blending together feta cheese with Greek yogurt and a stream of olive oil, you can whip up a dip that’s tangy, creamy, and irresistible to spread on pita chips or as a dip for sliced veggies.
Brighten up your salads with this dressing that’s zesty, bold, and refreshing. To recreate it, blend carrots, ginger, rice vinegar, olive and sesame oil until thick and creamy. Perfect for dishes with an Asian flair, this dressing adds a burst of flavor and nutrients to any greens or rice dishes.
Celebrate the vibrant flavors of a garden fiesta with this fresh salsa that only takes five minutes to whip up. A quick pulse of ripe tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, and a squeeze of lime juice in your Ninja blender creates this sauce that’s perfect for tacos, as a dip for chips, or for brushing on grilled meats. Add a dash of cumin to give it that earthy and smoky flavor.
Whip up a classic pesto in mere minutes by blending together fresh basil, pine nuts, grated Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil to create a versatile sauce that’s perfect on pasta, pizza, or as a flavorful drizzle for vegetables and seared meats. The best part? You only need five ingredients to make it.
If you’re still paying $7 or more for a frappe at Starbucks, then this one’s for you. This blend of cold brew or ground coffee, your choice of milk, and whipped cream makes for a delightful pick-me-up that’s smooth, creamy, and oh so indulgent. Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce, and say goodbye to overpriced coffee shops drinks.
Capture the essence of fall any time of year with this homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe that takes less than two minutes to make. Combine ground coffee (or a shot of espresso if you like your coffee on the stronger side) with pumpkin pie spice and your choice of milk to create a delicious PSL copycat and never have to spend money at Starbucks again.
Embrace this ancient elixir for wellness and digestion with this golden milk smoothie. Turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, is the star of this drink and is mixed with yogurt, ginger, a crack of black pepper to enhance absorption, honey or maple syrup, and orange juice to create a healing and soothing beverage. Garnish with clove and cinnamon powder for more flavor.
Whisk yourself away to a tropical paradise with this classic piña colada recipe that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. To recreate, combine fresh pineapple chunks, coconut cream or milk, and a splash of rum to craft this adult beverage that’s synonymous with relaxation and good times. You can also make it kid-friendly by skipping the booze.
A native of Queens, New York, Alina has a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications from Baruch College and enjoys writing about culture, tech, travel, and lifestyle. Prior to joining the Cheapism team, Alina worked as a U.S.-based correspondent for Vision Times and interned for several media outlets during college. In her free time, Alina loves to try out as many new restaurants as she can, go on scenic hikes with friends, tackle a hot yoga class, or spend hours going down a Wikipedia/Reddit rabbit hole. Always looking for ways to stretch her money, Alina loves to stay updated on money-saving tips and helpful life hacks that make everyday chores more manageable. You can reach her at [email protected].
