Nectarine Smoothie – The Almond Eater

This Nectarine Smoothie is light, refreshing, and perfectly sweet with a touch of zing from fresh ginger. It comes together in 1 minute with only 6 ingredients and is easy to customize for a nourishing breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up!

Need a break from the same smoothie you sip every morning? Give this sweet and refreshing Nectarine Smoothie a try. It’s creamy with just the right amount of natural sweetness and has a subtle zingy lift from fresh ginger. I can’t help but make it on repeat all summer long!

 

Nectarines are typically in season from late spring to early fall, making this quick and easy nectarine smoothie a perfect summer treat. As a bonus, the fruit is packed with vitamin C and fiber, so this smoothie tastes as good as it makes you feel.

While the stone fruit is the star here, you can easily make the recipe your own by customizing the rest of the ingredients. Use vanilla yogurt for extra sweetness, toss in a banana for natural creaminess, or swap in plant-based milk and yogurt for a dairy-free or vegan version. There are no rules!

If you’re looking for more refreshing summer stone fruit recipes, you’ll also love my stone fruit ceviche and stone fruit panzanella salad recipes. 

Recipe features

• Light, refreshing, and perfectly sweet with just enough kick from fresh ginger. 
• Cooling and hydrating! Perfect for summer mornings, post-workout, or anytime you need a refreshing snack.
• Just 6 ingredients and 1 minute of blending for instant stone fruit smoothie satisfaction.
• Easy to make dairy-free, vegan, boost with greens, banana, protein, and more! 

Ingredients

Nectarines – Look for ripe, fragrant nectarines that give slightly when gently squeezed. Frozen nectarines will also work here, but they’ll make your smoothie thicker and frostier. If you’re using frozen fruit, you can skip the ice or use less, depending on your texture preference.

Yogurt – Greek yogurt is my go-to for creaminess and to boost the protein content, but plain yogurt works, too. You can even use vanilla-flavored yogurt for a touch of extra sweetness and depth.

Honey – I add a touch of honey for its natural sweetness. You can adjust the amount based on your preference and the ripeness of your nectarines. If your fruit is super sweet, you might not need any at all.

Milk – Any milk works here. Dairy, almond, oat, and soy milk are all tasty options. You can even use coconut milk to give your smoothie a tropical twist!

Ginger – A piece of peeled ginger adds a zingy brightness and gives the smoothie an energizing lift. Plus, it’s great for digestion and inflammation. Start with a small piece (¼ to ½ inch) and add more if you love that spicy kick. No fresh ginger? Use ⅛ teaspoon of ground ginger instead.

Instructions

Step 1: Add all ingredients. Add the soft ingredients to the blender first (milk, yogurt, nectarines, and honey), then top with ice cubes and ginger. 

Step 2: Blend. Blend on high speed until the smoothie is silky smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed. 

Step 3: Serve. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Tips and FAQs

• Layer the ingredients in the correct order: start with liquids and soft ingredients closest to the blades, then layer in harder or frozen ingredients. This helps your blender work more efficiently and creates a smoother texture.
• For a thicker, creamier nectarine smoothie, reduce the milk slightly, or toss in half of a frozen banana.

Variations

One of the best things about smoothies is how easily they can be customized! Here are some simple ways to make this nectarine smoothie your own:

• Swap the sweetener – Not into honey? Maple syrup or agave nectar also fit in well. You can also sweeten things up with half of a ripe banana or a couple of pitted Medjool dates.
• Sneak in some greens – A handful of baby spinach or kale (with stems removed) blends right in without affecting the flavor.
• Make it dairy-free or vegan – Use plant-based yogurt (like almond, cashew, or coconut) and your favorite non-dairy milk. Maple syrup or agave are great vegan sweetener options if you’re skipping honey.
• Try other fruit add-ins – Strawberries, mango, pineapple, or peaches all pair well with nectarines. Frozen fruit works great here—just adjust the milk as needed.

What’s the difference between peaches and nectarines?

Both stone fruits are very similar. Think of nectarines as a fuzz-free variety of peaches with slightly firmer flesh and a bolder, tangier flavor. And when they’re ripe and juicy, they give this smoothie its naturally sweet, sunny flavor.

Can I make this smoothie without yogurt?

Yes, you can skip the yogurt entirely or replace it with a small frozen banana or half an avocado for creaminess. Silken tofu is another dairy-free, protein-rich substitute that blends in easily.

Can I add protein to this smoothie?

Sure. Add a scoop of Greek yogurt or 1 scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder. You can also add hemp seeds, chia seeds, or 1 tablespoon of nut butter to sneak in more protein and healthy fats.

Storage

Refrigerator: Smoothies are best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Before serving, stir or shake the smoothie very well, as it will likely separate.

Freezer: If you have leftovers, try freezing them in popsicle molds or ice cube trays for later.

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If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!