Upgrade Your Homemade Smoothies With An Unexpected Pickled Topping

You've blended every combination under the sun — banana and spinach, strawberry and yogurt, mango and pineapple. But there's one ingredient that rarely makes the leap from salad bar to smoothie glass — pickled beets. Before you scroll away, hear us out. These ruby-red slices aren't going in the blender. They're going on top, where their bold color steals the show.

While fresh or roasted beets are already prized in smoothie recipes for their earthy profile, pickled beets bring something entirely new. They're one of the best toppings to dress up your smoothie — a tangy, savory-sweet counterpoint that adds texture and balances fruit-driven blends. A little acidity can actually brighten the overall flavors instead of overpowering them, which explains why these zesty bites work so well here — and it's not all about taste. 

Pickled beets pack plenty of benefits — they're full of antioxidants and fiber, both known to support healthy blood flow and heart health. That means you're adding something delicious and functional. So, what are you waiting for? Dice pickled beets into tiny cubes and drop them right on top of your smoothie, then give it a kick with a sprinkle of Tajín for a spicy edge. Pickled beets transform your drink from predictable to gourmet — proving that a little tang goes a long way.

The fun doesn't stop there. Make your next vibrant tropical smoothie bowl even more electric with pickled beets. Imagine dragon fruit, pineapple, banana, mango, kiwi, and blueberries all blended with coconut milk, then topped with coconut flakes, golden berries, and a few glistening cubes of pickled beets, turning every spoonful into a burst of visual and edible delight.

Or, go in the opposite direction with a healthy black forest smoothie. Start with banana, black cherries, spinach, cocoa powder, almond milk, and a spoonful of ground flaxseed. Top it off with chopped pickled beets, a handful of crushed nuts, and a drizzle of honey with a pinch of sea salt. It's like a chocolate dessert that works for any time of the day — rich, and full of surprises. 

If you're ready to expand your palate even more, look beyond pickled beets. There are plenty of vegetables you should be adding to your smoothies if you want to keep things interesting and packed with goodness. Sweet potatoes make an unexpectedly cozy topping when cooked, chopped, and chilled or frozen. Their natural sweetness complements most blends and adds heartiness, fiber, and potassium. Then there are peas, the quiet achievers of the vegetable world — mild, slightly sweet, and a source of plant-based protein. Together, these toppers prove that vegetables can be just as fun as fruit — and nothing shows it better than a few bright cubes of pickled beets on top.