Heart Healthy Acai Smoothie Bowl

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Published 2/7/2022
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Vegetarian
Heart Healthy Acai Smoothie Bowl
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

Fresh berries are blended with honey, banana, and açaí puree for a vibrantly hued smoothie bowl recipe. With a tart, pleasant taste and antioxidant benefits, this nutritious recipe makes for a delicious start to your day. We'll also share tips on how to make it thick and customize your toppings.

If you enjoyed this healthy smoothie bowl, be sure to explore our full collection of heart-healthy breakfast recipes for more delicious ways to start your morning. For more blended options, check out our quick and easy low-calorie smoothies that are ready in minutes. We have plenty of nutritious ideas to keep you energized and satisfied.

Total Time
15 minutes
Servings
2
Calories
331

What Makes This Acai Smoothie Bowl Healthy

This smoothie bowl is a nutrient-dense breakfast option, relying on whole fruits like acai, bananas, and berries for natural sweetness and fiber. It provides significant antioxidant benefits from the acai and berries, supporting overall wellness. Using Greek yogurt adds a boost of protein, making it a more satisfying and balanced meal.

Key Health Highlights

  • Heart-Healthy Choice: Aligns with heart-healthy guidelines by being exceptionally low in sodium (20 mg) and saturated fat (0 g).
  • Excellent Source of Fiber: Provides 12 grams of fiber, largely from chia seeds, berries, and acai, which supports digestive health.
  • Rich in Antioxidants: Acai and assorted berries are known for their high antioxidant content.
  • Source of Protein: Contains 10 grams of protein per serving, helping you feel full longer.
  • Diet-Friendly: Naturally vegetarian and can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free yogurt and granola.

FAQs About Our Healthy Acai Smoothie Bowl

Yes, an acai smoothie bowl can be very healthy. This recipe is packed with fiber (12g), antioxidants from berries, and 10g of protein. It's also low in sodium (20mg) and aligns with heart-healthy guidelines. Healthiness depends on portion size and toppings; avoid excess granola or sweeteners.

The key is to use minimal liquid and fully frozen fruit. This recipe uses only 1/4 cup of apple juice. Using a frozen banana is essential for a creamy, thick texture. Blend only until smooth and do not over-mix, as this can melt the ingredients.

A typical acai smoothie bowl base is made from blended frozen acai berry puree, other frozen fruits (like bananas and berries), and a small amount of liquid (like apple juice or yogurt). It is then served in a bowl and covered with toppings.

Look for unsweetened frozen acai puree packets, which are commonly found in the freezer section. This gives you control over the sweetness and avoids added sugars. Acai powder is another option if puree is unavailable.

Yes. While banana adds creaminess and natural sweetness, you can substitute it. Try using 1/2 cup of frozen mango, frozen avocado, or increase the Greek yogurt to 3/4 cup for a similar thick texture.

This specific recipe contains 331 calories per serving, which includes the smoothie base and the listed toppings. Calorie counts vary widely based on ingredients, toppings (like granola, nuts, and honey), and portion size.

More Healthy Smoothie Recipes

If you loved this acai bowl, explore our other healthy smoothie recipes for more quick and nutritious breakfast ideas. These simple, fruit-forward blends are packed with flavor and essential vitamins to start your day right.

Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Continue your healthy eating journey with these delicious and easy-to-make heart-healthy breakfast options. From savory toasts to make-ahead baked oatmeal, these recipes are perfect complements to your wellness routine.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 2 servings

Directions

  1. Step 1

    In a blender, combine the apple juice, banana, frozen berries, yogurt, honey and acai and purée until thoroughly combined and smooth.

  2. Step 2

    Pour the smoothie into 2 bowls. Top with the almonds, fresh berries, kiwifruit, coconut, granola, chia seeds and mint leaves.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 cup

331
Calories
10
g
Fat
3
mg
Cholesterol
20
mg
Sodium
48
g
Carbs
0
g
Sat. Fat
12
g
Fiber
10
g
Protein
23
g
Sugars

Alternative Cooking Methods: Blender & Ninja CREAMi Tips

  • High-Powered Blender (Recommended): A blender like a Vitamix or Blendtec is ideal for breaking down the frozen fruit and acai with minimal liquid. Use the tamper tool to keep the mixture moving and avoid adding extra juice, which makes it watery.
  • Ninja Creami: If using a Creami, blend the base ingredients (juice, yogurt, berries, honey, acai, banana) first, then freeze the mixture in the Creami pint for 24 hours. Process it on the 'Sorbet' or 'Smoothie Bowl' setting for an extra-thick, scoopable texture.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Serving: Smoothie bowls are best served immediately, as they melt quickly. Add toppings just before eating so they stay crunchy.
  • Healthy Topping Ideas: Focus on nutrient-dense toppings like the almonds, chia seeds, and fresh fruit used in this recipe. Other great options include hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, or a small drizzle of nut butter.
  • Storage: This recipe is not ideal for storage and should be eaten fresh. You can freeze the leftover smoothie in an ice cube tray and re-blend it later with a splash of juice, but the texture will not be as thick.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Acai:  If you cannot find frozen puree, use 2-3 tablespoons of freeze-dried acai powder. You may need to add a few more frozen berries to achieve the same thick consistency.

To Make Without Banana:  To make this recipe banana-free, substitute the frozen banana with ½ cup frozen mango, ½ cup frozen avocado, or increase the vanilla Greek yogurt to ¾ cup. This will maintain the creamy texture.

For Added Protein:  Add 1 scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder. You may need to add 1-2 extra tablespoons of apple juice to help it blend.

For Greek Yogurt:  You can use plain Greek yogurt instead of vanilla to reduce sugar, or use a plant-based yogurt (like coconut or almond) to make it dairy-free.

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