Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie

Breakfast at a Glance

• Prep Time: Less than 5 minutes
• Planning Ahead: None
• Morning Effort: Under 5 minutes
• Protein: 29 grams
• Fiber: 9 grams

Nessy's Note

Without a doubt, this is one of the most well-tested recipes I've shared (second only to my high protein breakfast casserole).

While I only have it every once in a while, my partner went through a stretch where he drank this smoothie every morning for close to a year.

And so, after many (many!) test batches, I feel confident saying this blueberry banana protein smoothie is as tasty as it is satisfying. Packed with fiber, healthy fats and protein (but without the need for protein powder), it’s a simple, balanced breakfast you’ll may want on repeat (you wouldn't be the first!).

• Banana- Just half of a ripe banana adds natural sweetness and creamy texture to the smoothie. You can use fresh or frozen but frozen will make it thicker (which I like!).
• Frozen blueberries- You can use fresh blueberries if you prefer but frozen lends to a thicker smoothie (and then you can have some on hand to make a blueberry yogurt bowl).
  • Substitution: For a slightly different variation, other frozen berries (like raspberries, blackberries or mixed berries) work too.
• Greek Yogurt- This does the heavy lifting for making this smoothie high protein without the need for protein powder (as it does in Greek yogurt overnight oats).
  • Substitution: Skyr works well and is high in protein also. You can also sub with another kind of yogurt but note that the protein content will vary.
• Chia Seeds- These add fiber to the smoothie as well as help to thicken it.
  • Substitution: Flaxseeds also work well or they can be left out.
• Peanut Butter- I love the flavor of peanut butter alongside the banana and blueberries (but to be fair, I even love peanut butter on avocado toast!). Including it in the smoothie also adds a bit of extra protein, fiber and healthy fats to make it filling.
  • Substitution: Any nut or seed butter that you like would work.
• Milk- I opted for dairy milk as the liquid to add to the protein content of the smoothie.
  • Substitution: Water or another milk of choice will work.

Tips for the Best Blueberry Banana Smoothie

• Layer for Easier Blending. Did you know the order you put ingredients into the blender can help it blend better?
  • If using a blender cup with the blade on top, add frozen and hard ingredients first (like banana and frozen blueberries), then seeds and peanut butter and finish with the yogurt and liquid on top.
  • If using a standard blender with the blade on the bottom, the order is the opposite: Liquids and yogurt, then seeds and finally frozen or heavy items.
• Freeze your banana ahead of time. While this smoothie works with a fresh banana, I prefer it with frozen banana as it helps it to be thicker and more milk-shake like.
  • I buy a bundle of bananas and let them ripen and then I peel and break them in half and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer safe container or bag and you have frozen bananas at the ready for all types of smoothies (like this banana matcha smoothie).

More Smoothie Recipes...

• Banana Matcha Smoothie
• Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie