A few days ago, when out to lunch with a friend, I was introduced to an Instagram trend that I have been absolutely obsessed with since: smoothie bowls. It sounds weird, I know, but it absolutely is not weird. Smoothie bowls are basically bowls of smoothies elaborately decorated with all kinds of delicious toppings. And according to Instagram, this is the new way to ingest smoothies.
Search #smoothiebowl on Instagram, and you'll be left to scroll through almost 200,000 photos of gorgeous, colorful, fruity, healthy goodness. There are entire accounts dedicated to pictures of smoothie bowls. There are people out there who are willing to spend what has to be at least 25 minutes of their time decorating a bowl of liquid just to take a picture of it. And I'm not even judging them, because these pictures are so awesome that I literally want to eat all of the smoothie bowls.
Does it seem a bit excessive to be this elaborate with something you are going to eat in probably under 10 minutes? Sure, I guess so, but it's also kind of amazing. And why not make food fun, right? When made with the right ingredients, smoothie bowls can be a healthy treat that will make your eyes and your taste buds happy — but they can also be made to be a little more on the sweet side. There are so many options, and you can do whatever you want with them. But if you need some ideas on where to start, keep reading. Here are 29 photos of smoothie bowls (with recipes) that are so gorgeous, you'll want to make one of your own immediately.
1. An Acai/Blue Print Cleanse Bowl
This cleansing bowl combines acai with a Blue Print Cleanse juice, frozen bananas, protein powder, maca powder, and flax seed, and is then topped with fruit, granola, coconut, and almond butter. So much goodness.
2. Mixed Berry Smoothie Bowl With Figs
OH MY GOD. I would say this one is too pretty to eat, but it sounds delicious, so I can't. This user, @papaya_sunshine, included the recipe in the caption — and her entire account is just gorgeous to look at. This is the perfect way to use figs while they're in season.
3. Pretty In Pink Smoothie Bowl
This one is a little more simple, but still sounds just as delicious. Interested in seeing smoothie porn (I'm so sorry for that phrase)? Instagram user @delicious_and_healthy_by_maya has so many gorgeous photos, you won't be able to contain yourself.
4. Purple Detox Smoothie Bowl
In case you were thinking things couldn't get any more elaborate, here is a lesson on putting hearts in your smoothie bowl. Whether you're going to go that far or not, you can't deny this purple goodness looks incredible. Instagram user @blueberrysmoothies also has one of the most incredible smoothie accounts ever, if you want even more inspiration.
5. Refreshing Green Smoothie Bowl
Smoothies don't always have to be all about fruit. This green one mixes spinach with some fruit to get this beautiful color.
6. Mint Colored Smoothie Bowl
To get this pretty mint color, this user mixed spinach with overnight oats and Greek yogurt. Put your toppings in this cute little design, and you're ready to eat.
7. Pink Smoothie Bowl
This recipe looks simple and delicious: combine berries with almond milk and dates, then top with figs, granola, coconut, chocolate, and nuts.
8. Spirulina Breakfast Bowl
Mix together the superfood that is Spirulina with some fruit and coconut water, then add on the toppings for this beautiful and super healthy bowl. And if you're looking for more healthy food inspiration, @thefrenchcoconut is a user you need to follow.
9. Acai Bowl
While this user doesn't include a recipe, acai bowls are easy to make, and you can find a tutorial for them all over the Internet. They're a gorgeous purple color, and taste amazing. This user topped hers with bananas, kiwis, coconut, blueberries, and chia seeds. So filling!
10. Banana Mango And Spinach Smoothie Bowl
Does this not sound like tropical smoothie perfection? Follow this easy recipe for an energy booster — and a cool Instagram picture.
11. Blood Orange Smoothie Bowl
This one is so pretty that I honestly don't know if I could eat it. But it has tons of fruit and muesli on it, so actually, I could.
12. Vegan Green Smoothie Bowl
One of the best things about smoothie bowls is that they can be made to fit any diet. This one is vegan, mixes fruits and veggies with almond milk, and is topped with berries, bananas, and oats.
13. Fruity Smoothie Bowl
This one combines so much fruit to create something that looks amazing. Seriously, I might be drooling.
14. Aloe Vera Smoothie Bowl
Is it just me, or is this smoothie the color of the ocean? It's made with aloe vera, Spirulina, and some fruit, which is why it has this amazing color. With granola, nectarines, and more on top, this looks like a serious winner.
15. Banana Blackberry Smoothie Bowl
Although there's no recipe here, this one looks pretty self-explanatory: mix bananas and blackberries with your liquid of choice (almond milk, regular milk, coconut milk), and add something frozen in there. Top with banana, blueberries, flax, chia seeds, and agave syrup for a sweet and healthy treat.
16. Superfood Smoothie Bowl
I know it doesn't look like it, but this is actually quinoa soaked overnight with almond milk, raspberry, and a whole bunch of other healthy ingredients. Delicious and beautiful!
17. Buckwheat Super Greens Smoothie Bowl
I might cry, because the color of this smoothie bowl is literally so gorgeous. It's so pretty that you'll forget how ridiculously healthy it is. Every smoothie bowl on this list is Instagram-worthy, but this one — you can't pass up the photo opportunity.
18. Strawberry And Coconut Smoothie Bowl
My favorite thing about this is that the user admits how long she spent putting it together. But you know what? It was so worth it. This is awesome!
19. Chocolate Smoothie Bowl
Your unspoken prayers have been answered: chocolate smoothie bowls exist. This one, with chocolate, dates, and bananas, sounds more like dessert than a healthy breakfast, but I will happily take it.
20. Lemon Juice Smoothie Bowl
I would have never thought of adding lemon juice to a smoothie, but after seeing this picture, I will. Topped with fruit, almonds, granola, chia, and flax seeds, this looks refreshing and filling.
21. Green Smoothie Bowl
The base is explained in the caption, but those toppings are what really stand out: nectarines, goji berries, pumpkin seeds, strawberries, passionfruit, coconut, and what looks like granola make a really interesting bowl.
22. Acai Smoothie Bowl
Is it just me, or do kiwis make every smoothie bowl automatically look prettier? Also, acai bowls are really just such a gorgeous color.
23. Strawberries And Cream Smoothie Bowl
For this bowl, mix frozen strawberries with your liquid of choice, then swirl in yogurt. You can add granola and more strawberries on top.
24. Mango, Avo, And Matcha Oat Bowl
This one mixes mango, avocado, matcha, and oats for a delicious smoothie base. On top, there are kiwis, strawberries, vegan chocolate, berries, and nuts.
25. Cacao Smoothie Bowl
Here is another chocolate smoothie bowl, because I know that's what you really want. This one even uses peanut butter.
26. Pineapple Smoothie Bowl
With tropical, fruity flavors and berries on top, you'll almost forget summer is over.
27. Banana Chocolate Smoothie Bowl
It's hard to resist a banana chocolate smoothie, especially when it looks this gorgeous. Can I eat this every day please?
28. Super Green Smoothie Bowl
Spinach and kale help give this smoothie the gorgeous green shade, while coconut and fruit keep it sweet and delicious.
29. Buckwheat Lunch Smoothies
Does it count as a smoothie bowl if it's in a mason jar? It must when it looks this good, right? This user has so many incredibly mason jar smoothie bowls you need in your life.
