Banana Matcha Smoothie

Breakfast at a Glance

• Prep Time: Less than 5 minutes
• Planning Ahead: None
• Morning Effort: Less than 5 minutes
• Protein: 23 grams
• Fiber: 12 grams

Nessy's Note

There isn't much that fits the definition of a busy morning breakfast better than a smoothie (though high protein breakfast casserole is a pretty close second!).

The key is making sure your smoothie has the same balanced elements you'd include in a sit-down meal like protein, fiber, healthy fats and veggies/fruit to keep you satisfied and energized.

This banana matcha smoothie does exactly that. Blending the earthy flavor of matcha (the star flavor in this match yogurt bowl, too) with sweet banana, creamy avocado and a few nourishing add-ins, it makes for a quick breakfast that's actually filling.

• Banana- Use a ripe banana (yellow with a few spots) for a sweeter smoothie. You can use it fresh or freeze it in chunks ahead of time if you want a thicker, frostier smoothie.
• Matcha- Adds that signature earthy flavor. Use a quality powder that you like the taste of (and keep it on hand to make this matcha protein smoothie, too!).
• Greek Yogurt- This contributes most of the protein (as it does in Greek yogurt overnight oats) to make the smoothie filling as well as helps to thicken it.
  • Substitution: Any plain yogurt should work but the protein content will vary.
• Chia Seeds- These add extra fiber and omega-3s as well as help thicken the smoothie.
  • Substitution: Flaxseeds work well in this smoothie too.
• Avocado- I love throwing a bit of avocado into a smoothie because it makes it extra creamy as well as adds some healthy fats and fiber.
• Spinach- I'm always trying to sneak some vegetables in at breakfast and spinach is perfect for this smoothie because it amplifies the green from the matcha powder. I used frozen spinach but fresh works too or you can leave it out.

My Notes for the Best Banana Matcha Smoothie

• Layer for Easier Blending. Did you know that the order that you put ingredients in a 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 spinach), then seeds and matcha 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, frozen bananas help it to be thicker and more milk-shake like.
  • I like to 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 strawberry banana protein smoothie).

More Breakfast Smoothie Recipes...

• Blueberry Banana Smoothie
• Banana Peanut Butter Pea Protein Smoothie
• Chocolate Protein Smoothie
• Strawberry Smoothie Bowl (No Banana)