Sometimes I make myself something that’s so delicious I can’t wait to share it with everyone. Last week I blended up this cherry, tahini, date smoothie at least a dozen times! My family loves smoothies and this one is a win, win for more than just breakfast or an after workout energy boost. It’s not only delicious and refreshing but super healthy and has three of my favorite ingredients blended together.

Cherries are my number one favored fruit, always have been. The sweet taste of cherries are not only irresistible but nutritious and contain a ton of health benefits. Some studies say they can reduce inflammation, improve sleep, boost heart health, and help you recover faster after exercise. I use frozen cherries to add to the frostiness and since they can be purchased all year, you can enjoy summer in a glass 365.

Tahini is like liquid gold and I add it to everything from dressings, and hummus to baked goods (check out my tahini chocolate chip cookies), and of course smoothies. It’s a puree of pure sesame seeds and tastes like a less sweet peanut butter with a sharper flavor. Aside from its appealing nuttiness, it’s a healthy and yummy way to add antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats to your diet. I’m a big fan of Soom Foods Tahini, but when I can’t get it, I like Whole Foods brand, or any of the Israeli brands I find in the kosher or mediteranean section of my local grocery.

Dates have become my preferred way to add natural sweetness without adding processed sugar to many baked goods and definitely smoothies. They’re great on their own as a snack because they are so sweet and chewy plus a little goes a long way. When added to a smoothie, they add little bursts of sweetness throughout, are high in essential nutrients, fiber, nutrients and said to improve digestion.

My cherry, tahini, date smoothie is a great way to the start, middle, or end your day! Blend these three powerhouses together and you have a unique, balanced, and nutritious smoothie that hits all the marks. Enjoy!

ingredients
1 cup frozen cherries
4 ice cubes
½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)*
½ to ¾ cup almond milk** (depending on how frozen you like it)
1 tablespoon tahini***
2 medjool dates (make sure to take the pits out)

simplest directions ever
Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!

*if you want to make this vegan, you can sub nondairy yogurt or omit and add extra ice cubes
**feel free to sub any milk you like. I adore the taste of almond and oat milk so those are always my first choice.
***if you strongly dislike tahini, feel free to substitute cashew, almond, or peanut butter.