Healthy smoothie recipes: 6 delicious health-boosting drink ideas

Sometimes you just can't beat a really good healthy smoothie recipe - especially in the summer months, when the warm, sunny days make healthy eating all the more appealing.

In our quest to find the absolute best healthy smoothie recipes, we spoke to registered dietician Nichola Ludlam-Raine. She has shared her top six suggestions for drinks that promote a whole range of health benefits, from increased immunity to boosted energy levels - ideal for a post-workout pick-me-up!

To make all of the smoothie recipes listed below, you'll need a good blender (see our pick of the best blenders if you don't already own one). Simply blitz all the ingredients together and serve immediately.

Healthy smoothie recipe #1: the hangover cure

Ingredients

• 80g honeydew melon (peeled and sliced)
• 1 cucumber (seeds removed, sliced)
• 350ml water
• 2 tbsp xylitol
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ tsp salt 
• Small handful of ice (plus more for serving)

What makes this smoothie recipe healthy?

'This recipe features natural sugars to help you get back on your feet, and vitamins and minerals to top up depleted resources,' says Nichola.

Healthy smoothie recipe #2: the hydrator

Ingredients

• 2 large oranges (peeled)
• Zest of ½ orange
• 1 medium-sized carrot (peeled and sliced)
• 250-300 ml water
• 1-2 tsp honey (to taste)

What makes this smoothie recipe healthy?

‘Being dehydrated can leave you tired, headachy and with a poor complexion,’ says Nichola. ‘With water-packed fruit and veg (two of your five a day), this smoothie is ideal for helping you hydrate.’

Healthy smoothie recipe #3: the immunity booster

Ingredients

• 1 handful of raspberries
• 2 handfuls of strawberries (stalks removed)
• 2 carrots (peeled and chopped)

NB: Stir this smoothie after blending and before serving

What makes this smoothie recipe healthy?

‘This is an antioxidant-packed smoothie – rich in vitamin C, it’s great for the immune system,’ says Nichola. It tastes a lot better than cough syrup too!

Healthy smoothie recipe #4: the skin saviour

Ingredients

• 1-2 kiwi fruits (peeled and sliced)
• 5 medium strawberries (stalks removed)
• ½ frozen banana (peeled)
• 1 small handful of kale 
• 200ml almond milk

What makes this smoothie recipe healthy?

‘Packed with antioxidants, this will feed your skin to help keep skin healthy.'

Healthy smoothie recipe #5: the blood-pressure balancer

Ingredients

• 3 cooked beetroot balls
• 1½ apples (cores removed, sliced)
• 1 small Conference pear (core removed, sliced)
• 1 handful of grapes
• 1 large romaine lettuce heart
• ¼–½ lemon (peeled and sliced)

What makes this smoothie recipe healthy?

‘Beetroot is a great source of nitrate that has been shown to help lower blood pressure,’ says Nich.

Healthy smoothie recipe #6: the post-workout energizer

Ingredients

• 1 frozen banana (peeled)
• 1 small handful blueberries
• 2 small handfuls spinach
• 200ml almond milk
• 1 scoop of protein powder

What makes this smoothie recipe healthy?

‘The protein will help with muscle recovery after exercise and the banana provides glycogen to help replenish energy levels.' If you're new to using protein powder in your smoothies, check out our pick of the best protein powders for weight loss and the best protein powders for women.

And for more ideas, take a look at our list of the top protein shake recipes from the world's top fitness studios! Alternatively, see our list of the best post-workout smoothies.

Complied by: Jessica Powell