Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie

Breakfast at a Glance

• Prep Time: Under 5 minutes
• Planning Ahead: None
• Morning Effort: Less than 5 minutes
• Protein: 28 grams
• Fiber: 12 grams

Nessy's Note

I was well into adulthood before I started liking the taste of banana in smoothies (though I would have still loved a breakfast banana split). I vividly remember ordering a "strawberry smoothie" as a teenager and being disappointed when it tasted like banana instead.

But times have changed and now, I love the creaminess and natural sweetness that bananas add (I make chocolate banana overnight oats regularly, too).

And I think the classic pairing of strawberry and banana is pure perfection, especially in this protein-packed smoothie that's as delicious as it is filling.

• Banana- You only need half of a ripe banana to add natural sweetness and creamy texture to the smoothie. You can use fresh or frozen but frozen will make it thicker (which I recommend!).
• Frozen Strawberries- You can use fresh strawberries if you prefer but frozen creates a thicker smoothie (and then you'll have some to make strawberry cheesecake overnight oats).
  • Substitution: For a slightly different variation, other frozen berries (like raspberries, blackberries or mixed berries) work too. Or try my blueberry banana smoothie.
• Greek Yogurt- This makes this smoothie high protein without the need for protein powder (as it does for 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 leave them out.
• Almond Butter- I find almond butter to be a complementary flavor to the strawberries without being over powering (the way that peanut butter can be).
  • Substitution: Any nut or seed butter that you like would work.
• Water- I chose to make this smoothie with water for extra convenience as I don't always have milk on hand.
  • Substitution: Dairy milk can be used (and further increases the protein) or your milk of choice will work.

Notes for the Best Strawberry Banana Smoothie

• Freeze your banana ahead of time. While this smoothie will work with a fresh banana, I prefer it with frozen banana as it makes it 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).
• 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 strawberries), then seeds and almond 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.

More Smoothie Recipes...

• Banana Matcha Smoothie
• Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie