We’re loving every sip of our Cherry Dream Smoothie made with Cherry Lifeway Kefir and Lifeway Farmer Cheese, and we know you will too! This vibrant, refreshing smoothie is packed with cheerful flavor from dark sweet cherries and brimming with nutrients thanks to a combination of probiotic-rich Lifeway Kefir and protein-packed Farmer Cheese.
Our kefir infuses this smoothie favorite with bioavailable protein, billions of live and active probiotics, calcium, and vitamin D, while dark sweet cherries add a boost of potassium, vitamin C, and prebiotic fiber. Cherries are also rich in anti-inflammatory compounds just like our kefir, and they contain anti-aging compounds known as anthocyanins found in darkly colored purple, red, and blue fruits and veggies. With a bottle of Lifeway Kefir, the Champagne of Dairy, and a handful of cherries, any day can be filled with cheer!
The Benefits of Cultured Dairy for Better Health:
Research continues to show the importance of eating healthy foods, including cultured dairy such as kefir, for better gut health, a strong immune system, and to support the microbiome. Fermented foods like kefir hold important value in this line of research due to the link between the gut-brain axis and overall health. Specifically, kefir has been shown to help diversify the microbiome, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and even help support healthier blood sugar levels and improve levels of satiety due to how it triggers the release of GLP-1 since it is an excellent source of protein and high in bioavailable nutrition.
Lifeway Kefir contains a special trio of nutrients that are vital for healthy bones: vitamin D, K, and calcium. It is also a great source of many B vitamins, including vitamin B12. Lifeway also offers our artisan-made Farmer Cheese, a creamy cultured cheese made with live and active cultures to support a healthy microbiome that is also an excellent source of complete protein.
Prep Time: 2-4 min Servings: 1
Ingredients
For the Smoothie:
- 1/4 cup tart cherry juice
- 1 cup Whole Milk Black Cherry Kefir
- **or Lowfat Cherry Kefir
- 1 frozen banana
- 2/3 cup frozen dark sweet cherries
For the White Swirls Around the Glass:
- 1/2 cup Farmer Cheese
- 1/2 tsp. alcohol-free vanilla flavor/extract
- Optional Topping: fresh mint, fresh cherries (if in season), and/or unsweetened cacao nibs for a touch of chocolate flavor
Directions
- For the White Swirls Around the Glass: In a bowl, mix the Farmer Cheese with the vanilla with a spoon for a few minutes until mixed completely (or blend it in a mini food processor). Then, with a spoon, spread this mixture around the sides of a glass smoothie jar to create the swirls on the sides. Set aside while you make the smoothie.
- For the Smoothie: In a high speed blender, add all the ingredients for the smoothie, then blend until thick and creamy. Pour into your glass from step 1, then top with fresh mint, fresh cherries, and unsweetened cacao nibs, if desired. Enjoy!
