The secret to making a really good smoothie is balance—you want it to be thick but no so thick that you can't sip it through a straw, and sweet but not so sweet that it's cloying. The perfect strawberry smoothie is incredibly easy to make—just add all the ingredients to a blender and give them a whirl.

For a refreshing fruity snack or on-the-go breakfast that even picky eaters will love, make this strawberry smoothie. It's nutritious, with vitamins and nutrients from the fruit as well as protein from yogurt, but it's also sweet enough to serve as a frosty dessert.

INGREDIENTS

Yield: One 500ml or two 250ml servings

• 1 medium-size or large, ripe banana
• 1 heaped cup fresh or frozen hulled strawberries
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 2 to 3 ice cubes

PREPARATION

Step 1

Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve right away.

TIP

• Advance preparation: Smoothies should be made and drunk right away. This will thicken and lose flavor if it sits.