Banana PB Pea Protein Smoothie

Breakfast at a Glance

• Prep Time: 5 minutes or less
• Planning Ahead: None
• Morning Effort: 5 minutes or less
• Protein: 29 grams
• Fiber: 8 grams

Nessy's Note

You may notice that I don't use a lot of protein powders around here. While I don't have a problem with them, I just try to include protein from whole food sources in my recipes when I can (like when I make high protein avocado toast).

But when I do reach for protein powder, it's usually pea protein as I personally find it the easiest to digest.

The thing is, pea protein can be a bit chalky and not exactly delicious on its own. But you can't deny the convenience for boosting smoothies (or brownie overnight oats).

So when I want to include it in a quick, high-protein smoothie, this is the best combo I've found that actually makes the pea protein taste great!

• Pea Protein- I use unflavored pea protein but any protein powder you prefer should work. If using a flavored powder, just make sure it complements the smoothie’s flavors.
• Banana- Like in banana cream oatmeal, use a ripe banana for natural sweetness. A frozen banana will make your smoothie thicker and extra creamy, but fresh works too.
• Peanut Butter- I recommend a natural-style smooth peanut butter. I personally like using salted for the extra bit of flavor.
  • Substitution: Any nut or seed butter will work, but I find the flavor of peanut butter is best with pea protein.
• Flaxseed- For a bit of fiber, healthy fats and thickening of the smoothie.
  • Substitution: Chia seeds or hemp seeds can be used instead.
• Frozen Cauliflower- I love adding this to smoothies as it thickens them and sneaks in an extra serving of vegetables at breakfast.
  • Substitution: Try zucchini or a handful of ice cubes for a similar thick texture.

My Notes for the Best Pea Protein Smoothie

• Don't Skip the Peanut Butter. While pea protein is the protein powder that I use most often (which isn't all that often..), I'll admit- it doesn't always taste great. But I find that complementing it with adequate peanut butter is a great way to mask the taste a bit.
• 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 cauliflower), then seeds and protein powder and finish with the peanut butter and liquid on top.
  • If using a standard blender with the blade on the bottom, the order is the opposite: Liquids, then seeds/powder 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 usually 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 Breakfast Smoothie Recipes...

• Mango Spinach Smoothie
• Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie
• Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie
• Matcha Protein Smoothie
• Strawberry Smoothie Bowl (No Banana)