Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie

Name: Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup frozen strawberries; 1 ripe banana, sliced; 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or unflavored); 1 cup almond milk; 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Highlighted under: Balanced Living Kitchen

I absolutely love starting my day with this Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie! It’s a perfect blend of fresh strawberries and ripe bananas combined with my favorite protein powder. On busy mornings, this smoothie serves as a quick, nutritious breakfast that keeps me full and energized. The best part is that it's super easy to make, allowing me to whip it up in no time. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to make it a regular part of your morning routine.

Created by

Rosie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-02-15T07:53:36.343Z

In my quest for healthier breakfasts, I discovered this Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie, and it quickly became a favorite. I love blending frozen strawberries and ripe bananas, and I've found that using a bit of almond milk gives it the perfect creamy texture. The key is to make sure your fruits are frozen, which not only enhances the consistency but also keeps the smoothie chilled.

This smoothie is flexible; I sometimes add a scoop of spinach for extra nutrients without altering the taste. It's also a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas. Give it a try—you won't be disappointed!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Naturally sweet with no added sugars
Packed with protein to keep you full longer
Refreshing and energizing for any time of the day

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie serves a crucial role. Frozen strawberries provide a refreshing flavor and vibrant color, while the ripe banana contributes natural sweetness and creaminess. The protein powder not only boosts your protein intake but also adds body to the smoothie, ensuring it’s filling enough to kickstart your day. Almond milk is a fantastic base—it's dairy-free and complements the fruit flavors without overpowering them. You can opt for unsweetened almond milk for a cleaner taste, or use vanilla-flavored milk to enhance sweetness.

If you're looking to customize this smoothie, consider swapping out the almond milk for other dairy or non-dairy options like soy milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk. Each alternative will impart different flavors and textures, so feel free to experiment based on your dietary preferences and taste preferences. I love using oat milk for its creaminess, which makes the smoothie even more indulgent without compromising on health.

Techniques for the Perfect Smoothie

Blending is perhaps the most crucial step in making this smoothie. To achieve a smooth and creamy consistency, start by adding the liquid (almond milk) first. This helps the blender's blades move more freely, ensuring that the frozen strawberries and banana are blended evenly. Blend on high speed for about 30-45 seconds, or until you achieve a velvety texture. If your smoothie seems too thick, a splash more almond milk can help loosen it without sacrificing flavor.

If you're making this smoothie for meal prep, you can freeze individual portions. Simply place the chopped banana and strawberries into freezer bags, and when you're ready for a smoothie, just add the frozen fruit, protein powder, and almond milk into the blender. This method saves time and ensures you always have healthy ingredients ready to go. Just remember to let the mixture sit at room temperature for a few minutes if the fruit is frozen solid to help break it down more easily.

Ingredients

Smoothie Ingredients

1 cup frozen strawberries
1 ripe banana, sliced
1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
1 cup almond milk
1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender, combine the frozen strawberries, sliced banana, protein powder, and almond milk. If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, you can add honey. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.

Serve and Enjoy

Pour the smoothie into two glasses. You can garnish with a few slices of banana or whole strawberries on top, if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips

For a thicker smoothie, use less almond milk or add more frozen fruits. You can also experiment with different protein powders or add-ins like chia seeds or flaxseeds for additional health benefits.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you have leftover smoothie, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh since the texture may change slightly upon refrigeration. In case you want to prepare it ahead of time, consider separating the dry and wet ingredients. You can mix the protein powder with the frozen strawberries and banana in a zip-top bag and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to blend, simply add the almond milk, and you're good to go.

For those who enjoy a bit of variety, try batching different flavor profiles using the same principles. Add a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter to your smoothie for a nutty twist, or include a handful of spinach for extra greens. These variations maintain the original's health benefits while diversifying your morning routine.

Serving Suggestions

This smoothie is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or paired with various breakfast items. Serve it alongside whole-grain toast with avocado for a balanced meal or with granola bars for an on-the-go option. It also pairs beautifully with a light yogurt parfait—something I often do to create a more substantial breakfast spread.

For added flair, consider blending in toppings such as chia seeds or flaxseeds right before serving. These ingredients not only enhance the nutritional profile but also add a delightful crunch to the smoothie’s creamy texture. A sprinkle of granola on top makes for a visually appealing presentation, adding an extra layer of flavor that complements the smoothness of the drink.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can, but frozen strawberries give a creamier texture and help keep the smoothie chilled.

→ Is it okay to substitute almond milk?

Absolutely! You can use any milk of your choice, including dairy, soy, or oat milk.

→ Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance and blend them when you’re ready.

→ What protein powder do you recommend?

I suggest using a vanilla or unflavored protein powder to complement the natural sweetness of the fruits.