Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Intensity: Easy
Ingredients
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1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
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1 cup whole milk (or milk of your choice)
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1/2 cup plain kefir (or plain yogurt)
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1 scoop (approx. 10-15g) unflavored collagen peptides
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1-2 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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Ice cubes (optional, for a frostier drink)
Instructions
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Prep the Strawberries: Wash and dry the strawberries. Remove the green tops (hull them) and slice them in half. For the best flavor, make sure they are completely ripe and at room temperature if possible.
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Combine All Ingredients: In a high-powered blender, combine the halved strawberries, milk, plain kefir, collagen powder, your chosen sweetener, and vanilla extract.
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Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender. Start blending on low speed and gradually increase to high. Blend for 45 to 60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and there are no visible chunks of strawberry or collagen powder. If you prefer a thicker, frostier consistency, add a handful of ice cubes and blend again.
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Taste and Adjust: Stop the blender and taste the mixture. Adjust the sweetness by adding a little more honey or maple syrup if desired.
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Serve Immediately: Pour the creamy pink drink into a chilled glass. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with a fresh strawberry slice or a sprig of mint. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and frothy texture.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
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Dairy-Free Version: Simply substitute the whole milk with unsweetened oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Use a plant-based kefir or plain coconut yogurt to achieve that tangy probiotic kick.
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Frozen Fruit Option: If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can use 1 cup of frozen strawberries. You may not need as much ice, as the frozen berries will chill the drink naturally.
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Extra Green Boost: For a hidden veggie addition, throw in a handful of fresh spinach. It will turn the drink a darker shade of green, but the taste of the strawberries and vanilla will completely mask the flavor of the greens.
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Citrus Zest: Add a touch of freshly grated lemon or orange zest for a brighter, more complex flavor profile.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Drink
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Don’t Over-Blend: While you want it smooth, over-blending can introduce too much air and make the drink frothy in a way that’s less pleasant. Blend just until the ingredients are combined and smooth.
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Chill Your Glass: To keep your drink cold longer on a hot day, pop your serving glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before pouring.
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Use Quality Collagen: Ensure your collagen is the “unflavored” variety. Flavored powders can clash with the delicate taste of the strawberries.
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Straining: If you are very sensitive to texture or using less-than-perfect strawberries, you can strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for an extra-smooth, silky drink.
Recipe Timeline & Intensity Explained
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Total Time: 10 Minutes. This is a “quick fix” recipe, meaning you can go from craving to sipping in under ten minutes.
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Intensity: Easy. This recipe requires no cooking, no advanced knife skills, and only one piece of equipment.
Storage Tips
This drink is best enjoyed fresh. The texture is most luxurious right out of the blender, and the collagen and kefir can cause the mixture to separate upon sitting.
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Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The drink will separate, so give it a vigorous shake or a quick blitz in the blender before serving again.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. This calculation is for one serving using whole milk, honey, and standard collagen peptides.
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Calories: ~335 kcal
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Fat: ~12g
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Saturated Fat: ~7g
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Carbohydrates: ~35g
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Sugar: ~28g (naturally occurring and added)
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Fiber: ~3g
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Protein: ~24g
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Calcium: ~350mg
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Vitamin C: ~85mg