A Ninja blender is an excellent investment for any home. Not only are they incredibly efficient and powerful, but they’re also versatile. This article will show you how to make smoothies in a Ninja blender.
Smoothies are one of the most popular uses for Ninja blenders. While it’s great at crushing ice, is a Ninja blender good for making smoothies? Sure, it is! Ninja blenders are great for making all types of smoothies.
How Does A Ninja Blender Work?
A Ninja blender uses a variety of features to make smoothies. The pitcher is made from high-quality, dishwasher-safe materials. Most models even come with multiple containers and lids, allowing you to make smoothies in bulk and store them for later. Here’s a good guide on working on a Ninja blender.
Many Ninja blenders also feature pre-programmed settings like the Nutri Ninja Auto IQ Blender that automatically adjusts speeds and times to produce food that’s been minced or chopped down into uniform sizes. This is great for making smoothies.
While Ninja blenders are designed to be versatile, there’s one thing that can make them even better: pulse blend technology. Pulse blend technology allows you to control the speed and power of your blender easily.
That means you get delicious full-flavored smoothies every time without any chunks or pieces in them! No wonder Ninja blenders are such a hit with smoothie lovers.
How To Make Smoothies In A Ninja Blender
Step 1: Add Your Base Liquid
Your base liquid can be water, milk (dairy or nut), juice, sweetened condensed milk, yogurt, or even pureed fruit. Thinner liquids work best when using a Ninja blender because they can move through the blades more easily and won’t stick as much to the sides of the pitcher.
Pour enough liquid into your Ninja jar to cover the blades and about halfway up the pitcher.
Step 2: Add Your Solid Ingredients (Fruits & Vegetables)
Solid ingredients that work well in smoothies include frozen fruits, fresh fruit, vegetables, or even leafy greens. To reach your desired taste and consistency, you can add as many elements as you like.
If you’re using vegetables such as spinach or kale, add them at this time because they’ll be harder to blend later on when they’ve been added to the liquid base with whole fruits.
Fruit is easier to blend if it’s frozen, so consider adding a couple of cubes before blending your smoothie. This will help keep your drink cold while blending and give a thicker texture when it comes out of the jar.
Step 3: Add Your Protein
Adding protein will help keep you full longer. Great protein sources are yogurt, milk or soymilk, tofu, cottage cheese, meats, fish, and beans.
If you’re using any dairy products in your smoothie (milk or yogurt), make sure to add them at this time while the blades are covered with liquid. This will help prevent the ingredients from sticking to the sides of the jar while blending.
Step 4: Slowly Blend Until Smooth
Start your blender on low speed for 20-30 seconds before turning it to high speed. Continue blending until your smoothie reaches desired consistency – about 30-60 seconds total should be enough time to achieve a smooth drink!
Some people like to blend their smoothies for a minute after the liquid covers the blades, but this isn’t necessary.
Step 5: Pour And Enjoy
Pour your smoothie into glasses and drink immediately! Add toppings such as fruit, granola, or chocolate chips if desired. You can store leftover smoothies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one day.
If you want to save leftover smoothies for longer than that, consider freezing them in individual serving sizes using freezer bags instead of glass containers. That way, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy them again another day!
Read more: An Ultimate Guide On How To Make Crushed Ice In A Blender
Ninja Blender Smoothie Recipes
We can make these smoothies in the same way by adding all ingredients into the jar in the order listed. Pulse a couple of times just until blended. Continue blending at high speed for 1 minute, then pour it into your glass to enjoy. Here are a few Ninja blender recipes to get you started:
#1. Wake Up Call (Serves 2)
Ingredients
- 1 cup of ice cubes
- ½ banana, sliced and frozen
- One scoop vanilla protein powder
- ½ cup milk or yogurt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4-5 hulled strawberries cut in half
Tip: Add more liquid if needed. Scoop out any leftover smoothie from around the blades before blending, so there are no chunks left! This one is perfect after a morning workout when you need an energy boost.
#2. Banana Berry Blast (Serves 2)
Ingredients
- 1 cup of ice cubes
- 2 cups fresh or frozen berries (strawberries and/or raspberries)
- One scoop vanilla protein powder
- ½ ripe banana, sliced and frozen
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
#3. Peanut Butter Blast (Serves 2)
Ingredients
- 1 cup of ice cubes
- ½ banana, sliced and frozen
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
#4. Tropical Treat (Serves 2)
Ingredients
- 1 cup of ice cubes
- ½ ripe banana, sliced and frozen
- ½ cup pineapple chunks, fresh or frozen
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon coconut milk (optional)
#5. Fruit Explosion (Serves 2)
Ingredients
- 1 cup of ice cubes
- ½ banana, sliced and frozen
- 1/3 cup each strawberry, pineapple chunks, and orange segments or ½ whole small orange
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
How To Make Delicious Smoothies In Ninja Blender FAQs
#1. Can You Put Frozen Fruit In A Ninja Blender?
One of the best things about Ninja blenders is that they’re powerful enough to handle just about any ingredient. Whether you’re looking for a healthy smoothie or a blended drink, it can do it all.
#2. Can You Put Ice In Ninja Blender?
One of the most common ingredients in a smoothie is ice. Can you put ice in a Ninja blender? Absolutely. Some blenders have trouble with this, but not Ninja blenders.
One thing that makes Ninja smoothies so tasty is that they’re made from crushed ice, which mixes perfectly with all ingredients.
#3. Can You Make Smoothies With Milk In A Ninja Blender?
Milk and other dairy products are used frequently in many smoothies, including fruit-based ones. However, not every blender can handle these heavier ingredients – but that’s precisely what makes the Ninja such a great blender.
The high-powered blades mean that even heavy liquids like milk won’t be an issue for this blender!
Final Thoughts
Blending smoothies is a great way to pack your diet with fruits and vegetables beneficial for your health. Of course, you’ll need a blender like the Ninja Blender to make them quickly – it’s quick, easy to use, and makes perfect smoothies every time.
Remember not to overload the blender or put in any large ice cubes or frozen fruit pieces because this could damage the Ninja blade. It’s best to follow the recipe exactly as long as you’re using fresh ingredients.
