This Acai Berry Smoothie Bowl is a healthy, filling breakfast that will improve any morning. It’s packed with beautiful colors and refreshing, bright flavors.
I’ve seen smoothie bowls appearing on various websites for awhile now, and have always given them the side-eye. They seemed gimmicky to me (why not just have a smoothie?), and I suppose that’s because I didn’t stop to think about what they actually are. Fast forward to this weekend, when I was flying cross-country from Seattle to Washington DC.
It can be very difficult to find healthy (or reasonably healthy) meal options at the airport, especially ones that taste decent. I try to pack healthy snacks when I’m starting the journey from home, but that’s not always an option for the return trip. Either way, snacks are never enough for a full day of travel, and I have no interest in balancing a meal as I make my way through security. Unless you’ve never been to an airport, you know the drill.
On Saturday, I had a brief layover in Denver, just long enough to seek out potential dinner options. Limp pre-packaged salads and dry looking sandwiches stared at me from the kiosks. I walked by McDonalds and Sbarro Pizza. I ignored the Jamba Juice next to my gate because I didn’t want a smoothie for dinner. With time running out, I began resigning myself to a dry sandwich. I decided to look at Jamba Juice on the off chance they sold something aside from drinks. The smoothie bowls stared back at me, topped with granola and fruit. I went for an Acai Primo Bowl, because whatever, I needed to board my flight. I didn’t have high expectations, but honestly… it was a revelation.
Simple, yet so much more filling than a regular smoothie because of the granola. While I’d rather enjoy a smoothie bowl for breakfast than for dinner, I was grateful to have a healthy meal for the long flight home. The older woman sitting next to me, (who reminded me of Zelda), wouldn’t stop leaning over to ask what I was eating. I’m fairly certain she was hoping I’d offer her a taste. Er… no.
In summary, smoothie bowls are basically cereal but you use a smoothie base instead of milk or yogurt to tie everything together. I like cereal. I like this. No more side-eye.
Acai Berry Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
for the smoothie bowl
- 1 cup plain yogurt (I recommend full fat or Greek)
- 3 1/2 - 4 ounces acai juice or puree, see notes
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries or strawberries
- 1 large banana, sliced
for the topping (all approximations)
- 1 cup granola, either store-bought or homemade
- 1 large banana, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup raspberries or strawberries
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon torn fresh mint leaves
- a drizzle of honey
Instructions
- In a blender, puree the yogurt, acai juice, blueberries, raspberries, and banana until smooth. Optionally, for a frothier smoothie bowl, freeze some of the fruit in advance.
- Divide the smoothie into two bowls. Top each bowl with equal amounts of granola, banana, blueberries, raspberries, coconut, mint, and a drizzle of honey.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
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Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama says
Love smoothie bowls! This one is gorgeous too!
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
I must admit that I’ve also been skeptical. But how can something so beautiful be bad? Anyway, you have me seriously excited to try one.
Jennifer Farley says
Right? I even told a brand no when they asked me to make one for a sponsored post, because just say no to trends. But I got it this weekend- they’re basically cereal with smoothie instead of milk. I like cereal.
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain says
I’ll never say no to a good acai berry bowl!! Best way to start the day!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
I have been hearing SO much about Acai bowls lately, and have been seeing them ALL over Instagram….but have yet to try one! I think I know what breakfast is tomorrow!
Utkarshini Khanna says
Really beautiful & nutritious :)
Joanne @ Fifteen Spatulas says
LOL I have always given them the side-eye too. Now I have to try one!
Matt says
What a perfect way to start any day off right! Awesome shots.
naomi says
Man, I’m all over your smoothie bowl. I love them just because they’re healthy and easy to throw together.
Laura | Tutti Dolci says
So gorgeous, I love the berry and granola topping!
gerry @ foodness gracious says
I could eat smoothie bowls until it came out of my ears..weird but my kids would love that :)
Caroline says
I felt the same about smoothie bowls…until I broke and made one. Honestly, so much fun to make and such a great change from sipping through a straw. As always…gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! xo
Alanna says
Currently obsessed with smoothie bowls after giving them major side-eye for years. These are insanely gorgeous and I will be making them stat! <3
Sarah @ Snixy Kitchen says
Hahaha – Todd and I were JUST talking about how I give smoothie bowls a side-eye! This one is gorgeous though so maybe I need to change my tune…
Aysegul D Sanford says
Acai Bowls are my breakfast for summer. Like you, I do pair it with different kinds of granola on top. Though yours look SO pretty Jennifer.
LOVE the mood in these photos. <3
Amy says
I can’t get over how flavorful this is! Beautiful colors, too.