All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Its no surprise that smoothie bowls are all the rage onInstagram.
I mean, they were basically designed for the perfect overhead shot.
Lets just say, the stuff Ive made has never really been Instagram-worthy.
So, obviously, she knows exactly what it takes to make them gorgeous.
Kunin says the secret to making a vibrant smoothie bowl is using ingredients that are approximately the same color.
If you combine different colors, its probably going to turn brown.
Think back to your elementary school art class days: red + blue + green = bleck.
So, before you even get started, decide what color you want your smoothie bowl to be.
Gunning for something yellow?
Kunin suggests mixing bananas, mangos, and a healthy dose of turmeric.
Theturmerichelps a lot, she says, because it acts like food coloring but is way healthier.
Kunin says that you want what youre putting into your bowl to bemore like ice cream than a smoothie.
How exactly do you get a texture like that?
Start by picking the right ingredients.
Kunin prefers fruits like frozen banana and mango, which create that desired ice creamy consistency.
She also likes avocado and zucchini, because theyre similarly creamy and their flavors are easy to mask.
They’ll make your smoothie bowl actually satisfying without really messing with the color.
That way you could get the perfect shot and feel good when you eat it.
There are a couple reasons for this.
Using a smaller bowl is a simple thing you might do to see to it that doesnt happen.
Plus, a smaller bowl means a smaller surface to decorate, which means less room for mess-ups.
Basically, using a smaller bowl is never going to be a bad idea.
Kunin starts by pouring the smoothie into the center of the bowl.
Then she spreads it around gently with a spoon until it evenly covers the bottom.
Ta da, you have a perfect base for laying out gorgeous toppings.
So lets get on with it.
Kunin chooses decorations based on what she put in the smoothie.
So, if its a frozen mango smoothie, shell top it with chopped fresh mango.
The fresh and frozen fruit complement each other really well, she says.
Same goes for a smoothie filled with frozen berriesshe says fresh berries on top is the move.
From there, making the fruit look good is as simple as honing your knife skills.
As for dry toppings, what you pick really comes down to preference.
Shes says getting the layers to look great comes down to patience and practice.
These three recipes are some of Kunins favorites from her new cookbook.
And they might make you Instagram-famous, so theres that.
Serves 1
In a blender, puree milk, spinach, and matcha until smooth.
Add mango, banana, and avocado, and puree again.
Add more milk if needed.
Pour into a bowl and top with strawberries, goji berries, chia seeds, and coconut flakes.
Pour into a bowl and top as desired.
*you’ve got the option to purchase pitaya fresh or frozen.
Its available in frozen single-serving smoothie packs (which are most convenient).
Aside from smoothies, pitaya is a nice addition to drinks, ice creams, and frozen pops.
