Blenders · Buying guide

Blender Recipes: 6 Smoothies, Soups and Spreads for a High-Powered Blender

Reviewed by Mara Ellison, Kitchen-Gear Editor

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A strong blender does far more than smoothies. These six recipes show the range: two smoothies, a lassi, a soup that heats itself, hummus and nut butter. They suit the Vitamix 5200 and other high-powered blenders, and most of them work in a mid-range blender too, just with more patience.

Choosing a blender? Read our Vitamix 5200 review or check the Vitamix 5200 on Amazon.

Blenders illustration — Blenders guides from Kantan Prep, researched from specs and owner reviews.

Blending basics

Add liquids first, then soft ingredients, then frozen items and ice on top.
Start on low and ramp up the speed for a smoother result.
Never fill the container past its max line, and keep the lid and plug firmly in place when blending anything hot.

The six recipes

1. Green smoothie (dairy-free)

1 cup water or plant milk
1 large handful of spinach
1 ripe banana
1/2 cup frozen mango or pineapple

Blend on high until completely smooth, about 45 to 60 seconds.

2. Berry protein smoothie (high-protein)

1 cup milk or plant milk
1 cup frozen mixed berries
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

Blend until thick and smooth. Add a splash of milk if it is too thick to pour.

3. Mango lassi

1 cup mango chunks (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon honey or sugar, to taste
A handful of ice

Blend until smooth and frothy. Serve cold.

4. Hot tomato soup

1 can (about 28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes with juice
1/2 cup broth
1 small cooked onion or 1 teaspoon onion powder
1 clove garlic
Salt and pepper, to taste

Blend on high for several minutes until the soup is steaming hot from friction in a high-powered blender. Always use the lid and vent per your manual, and start on low to avoid splatter. In a mid-range blender, heat the soup on the stove first or after.

5. Hummus (dairy-free)

2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 to 4 tablespoons water, as needed

Blend with the tamper, adding water a tablespoon at a time until creamy.

6. Almond butter (dairy-free)

3 cups roasted almonds
Pinch of salt

Blend with the tamper, scraping down as needed, until the nuts break down into a smooth butter. This takes a few minutes and can warm the motor, so pause if the blender gets hot.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make these in a cheaper blender?

The smoothies and lassi work well. Nut butter and hot soup are the hardest on a mid-range blender; see our best blenders comparison.

Is it safe to blend hot liquids?

Follow your manual: use the lid, keep the vent open if the model has one, never fill past the line, and start on low.

How do I clean it quickly?

Fill it halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap, blend for a minute, then rinse.

How we wrote these

These are general starting recipes. Quantities and times vary by blender, so adjust to taste and follow your manual.