You will love this delicious cranberry smoothie with pea and avocado. Less fruit and more vegetables means it isn’t as sweet as most smoothies, but still bursting with flavour, is packed with protein and has a wonderful creamy texture. Easy to make, it’s a great way to start the day.
I like some variation in my morning routine. Sometimes I start the day with overnight oats or porridge, and at other times I prefer a smoothie like this cranberry smoothie with pea and avocado. Smoothies take no time to make: pop everything into the blender and blitz it up; best of all, by making my own, I can adjust it to exactly how I like it.
I’m especially careful about how much fruit I use; a pure fruit smoothie is just too sweet and sugary, one portion of fruit at the most please! I like to use the opportunity to follow my mantra of adding one serving of vegetables, preferably raw, to every meal, and start the day as I mean to go on!
This smoothie is made with Ocean Spray Whole Berry Cranberry, Blueberry, Raspberry, Strawberry juice. This drink is a rich source of antioxidants and fibre, and doesn’t have any added sugar or preservatives. I really like the fact that it’s not too sweet, making it a great base for the smoothie.
Also, as it’s made with whole cranberries and berries rather that just the juice, it’s already nice and thick was well as richly flavoured; perfect for the job. Each glass contains 40 crushed cranberries.
Ocean Spray – Whole Berry in Cranberry and Cranberry Blueberry Raspberry Strawberry Flavours.
We’ve been enjoying the Ocean Spray Whole berry with our breakfast and also mixed with sparkling water for a before dinner drink. I’m going to make ice pops from it too!
At first glance peas might seem an odd ingredient for a smoothie, but when you think about it they are sweet, packed with protein (to keep you fuller for longer), and are a relatively frugal ingredient.
The avocado adds a silky creaminess to the smoothie, but if you are not too worried about the fruit content then you can leave it out and add a whole banana.
This smoothie has only one downside; it’s looks. There’s no getting away from the colour: yes, it really is that less-than-appetizing green/brown colour. However, what it lacks in looks it makes up for with flavour, so don’t let that put you off. Also, you can add some interest to presentation by topping it with fresh blueberries and raspberries, chia seeds, and a few leaves of fresh mint.
How do I make this Cranberry Smoothie with Peas and Avocado ?
Simple! Throw all the ingredients into a power blender, or food processor and whizz. Add a little more juice if needed and serve in a glass garnished with a few berries, a sprig of mint and some (optional) chia seeds.
Can I make this cranberry smoothie using fresh peas?
Absolutely yes! But you don’t have too: frozen peas are just as good, less fuss, and have the advantage of cooling the whole drink. Peas are frozen so soon after they’re picked that the sweetness and flavour is locked in.
I don’t have a smoothie maker. How can I make this cranberry smoothie?
If you don’t have a smoothie maker or power blender, it’s not a problem. Add all the ingredients to a steep sided jug, and blend with a stick blender. Inexpensive examples are available from many different sources for only a few pounds, and they’re great for making soups as well as smoothies.
How Can I Vary This Cranberry Smoothie with Peas and Avocado?
Use your imagination!
- How about adding some orange segments for citrus flavours.
- Or blend in some apple.
- Add almond or peanut butter for a hint of nut.
- Fresh kale for a vibrantly green healthy smoothie.
- Add a handful of oats for a smoothie bowl.
- Add a generous dollop of yogurt.
Can I make this cranberry smoothie in advance?
I don’t recommend you make this the night before, but it will be perfectly happy in a flask in your bag for half an hour or so. Give it a shake or good stir before you drink it.
You will love this delicious cranberry smoothie with pea and avocado. Less fruit and more vegetables means it isn't as sweet as most smoothies, but still bursting with flavour, is packed with protein and has a wonderful creamy texture. Easy to make, it's a great way to start the day.
- 250 ml cranberry juice
- 1 tbsp blueberries
- 1/2 banana
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 cup peas frozen
- 1 sprig fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp chia seeds (optional)
- 1 tbs mixed berries
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 2 sprigs fresh mint
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Add all ingredients to a blender or smoothie maker. It's easiest to scoop out the avocado flesh with a spoon.
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Blend until smooth.
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Adjust consistency by adding more cranberry juice if needed.
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Serve garnished with a few extra berries, a spring of mint and sprinkle of chia seed.
If you don't have access to a power blender or food processor, you can use a stick blender and make this with defrosted, but chilled peas. Add all ingredients to a jug and blend together.
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Ocean Spray Whole Berry is available from selected supermarkets for around £3 for 850ml.
Recipe for this cranberry smoothie with peas and avocado commissioned by Ocean Spray. All opinions our own.
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
I love a good smoothie and this one looks fabulous! I especially love the avocado in it! Wait, who am I kidding, every single one of the ingredients in your smoothie looks delicious, soothing and healthy! I can’t wait to try it!
Helen
Avocado in smoothies is SO good!
Caroline
An unusual combination of ingredients but I love the sound of it. I must try to hunt down that cranberry berry juice as I definitely prefer things to be not too sweet and without added sugar, if possible. And I’m a big fan of cranberries.
Helen
the juice is fantastic, thick and not too sweet.
Jacqueline Debono
I love to start the day with a smoothie. Yours sounds really good, although peas is a new smoothie ingredient for me. I’ll have to try that. Using that cranberry juice is a great idea too!
Helen
the peas and cranberry together are amazing!
Amanda
You are quite right – peas sound a really odd thing to put in, but I bet they are lovely. The juice looks amazing too.
Helen
the peas are fab! My new smoothie staple.
Peter D
Wow! Who would have thought of peas in a smoothie!
I want some of that juice – it would be SO pretty with a slice of orange.
Helen
Peas are so good in smoothies – it will become a regular now
Sam
I love the idea of an avocado based smoothie and totally agree re too much fruit – you may as well eat a candy bar.
The Ocean spray juice looks so good!
Helen
Avocado is just fab in a smoothie
Janie
what a great start to the day. That juice is SUCH a pretty colour.
Helen
thank you. I adore that juice
Beth
Mmmm! I love all of the ingredients in this smoothie! Your photos are so gorgeous and the berries and mint make such a beautiful garnish for an otherwise not gorgeous smoothie!!
Helen
It really isn’t a pretty colour is it?
Anosa
I love avocados, I love cranberry juice but e bit shy on peas, never thought I would see such a smoothie combo. Very interesting indeed
Helen
The peas are so good in a smoothie – sweet, but not too flavoured.
Demeter
This sounds fantastic! I love a good smoothie with avocado. :)
Helen
Avocado is so good – makes the smoothie so creamy
Claudia Lamascolo
this is a whole new experience for me I havent tried before. I love the freshness of this!
Helen
The mint certainly helps the freshness!
Natalie
I never thought of adding peas into smoothies before, but actually – why not? Peas are actually quite sweet and would definitely go well in shakes and other smoothies. I have to try this soon!
Helen
the sweetness and the protein makes them ideal!
Lisa | Garlic + Zest
Don’t you just love how you can put veggies in a smoothie and they taste so good? Chia seeds are a great addition, too!
Helen
All the veggies in my smoothies. Chia seeds are such a favourite – and also a really good thickener.
Gloria
That is an interesting combination of flavours there. I will admit I have NEVER added peas to a smoothie before. Looks like a healthy lunch option for sure.
Helen
Peas in smoothies are the way forward!
Rebecca | AAUBlog
this sounds so delicious and it has pretty much all of my favourite foods in! The photography is stunning too!
Helen
Thanks Rebecca, I am a peas in smoothies addict now
Eva Katona
I have not yet used fruit juice as a smoothie base, but what a great idea! Snap!
Helen
Fruit juice is an excellent base, but do remember not to add loads of extra fruit too.
michelle twin mum
Well, I’d never have thought to put peas in a smoothie before but I do love them so why not! Mich x
Helen
Pea are AMAZING in a smoothie, and such a useful addition as most people have a bag in the freezer.
Sarah
Oh this smoothie sounds so good! I wasn’t so sure about the idea of peas in a smoothie but it looks really delicious actually!
Helen
The peas are new to me, but make the perfect addition.
Kristina Maggiora
Thick and not too sweet, right up my street! Unusual combo of ingredients but love the sound of them haha
Helen
I really don’t like smoothies that are full of fruit – far too much sugar
Sheri - A Busy Bee's Life
I have never had this combination in a smoothie before but I think it would be very healthy and taste good.
Helen
It is fab – the peas add just the right amount of freshness and sweetness.
Kara
I never thought of putting peas in a smoothie. I am not sure about the combination of flavours in this one but would try it
Helen
th peas just add a touch of sweetness and really not that much flavour – they are great for thickening and adding some protein.