Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie

Name: Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled; 1 ripe banana, sliced (preferably frozen); 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice); 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional); Ice cubes (optional for thickness)

Highlighted under: Wholesome Healthy Meals Collection

I love starting my mornings with a delicious and nutritious Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie. This smoothie is not just a treat; it's packed with vitamins and protein to keep me energized throughout the day. The sweet strawberries blend beautifully with the creamy banana, creating a refreshing drink that’s perfect for any time of the day. I often make it post-workout or as a quick breakfast on busy mornings. Trust me, this smoothie is as delicious as it is easy to prepare!

Created by

Juliet Ashford

Last updated on 2026-02-07T21:27:36.699Z

I remember the first time I made this Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie. I was looking for a quick yet healthy way to refuel after a tough workout. I decided to combine fresh strawberries and ripe bananas, and the result was a creamy, dreamy delight that exceeded my expectations. The protein powder adds a boost without overpowering the natural flavors.

One tip I found really helps is to freeze the bananas beforehand. This makes the smoothie colder and thicker, giving it that irresistible texture. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I love experimenting with different protein powders now!

Why You'll Love This Smoothie
Bursting with fruity flavors that refresh your palate
Packed with protein to fuel your day
Perfectly thick and creamy, thanks to frozen bananas

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. The fresh strawberries provide natural sweetness and a burst of vitamin C, which is great for immunity. Meanwhile, the ripe banana adds creaminess and contributes potassium, ideal for muscle function—perfect for post-workout recovery. Choosing frozen bananas not only enhances the smoothie’s thickness but also helps in maintaining the chilled temperature without needing to dilute the flavor with too much ice.

Almond milk serves as a versatile base that keeps the smoothie dairy-free, but you can easily substitute with cow's milk, soy milk, or oat milk depending on dietary preferences. If you opt for plant-based milk, choose unsweetened varieties to control the sweetness of your smoothie. Using vanilla protein powder not only boosts the protein content but also complements the fruity flavors beautifully; however, if you don’t have it on hand, a plain protein powder can work in a pinch, just be mindful of its flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Smoothie

When blending the ingredients, starting with the liquid first helps to create a vortex, ensuring that the solids combine efficiently. This method prevents the blender blades from getting stuck on frozen ingredients, which can lead to an uneven consistency. Blend on high speed for about 30-45 seconds, or until you can no longer see any lumps. If the smoothie seems too thick, adding a bit more almond milk gradually will help achieve your desired consistency without sacrificing the flavor balance.

For a boost of flavor and nutrition, consider adding a handful of spinach or kale, which can seamlessly blend into the smoothie without compromising its taste. You might also experiment with adding a tablespoon of nut butter or Greek yogurt for additional creaminess and protein. If you find yourself needing to cut down on the sugar, simply reduce or omit the optional honey or maple syrup; the natural sweetness from the fruit is typically sufficient.

Ingredients

Smoothie Ingredients

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
1 ripe banana, sliced (preferably frozen)
1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Ice cubes (optional for thickness)

Instructions

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender, combine the fresh strawberries, sliced banana, almond milk, protein powder, and honey or maple syrup if you're using it. If you prefer a colder and thicker smoothie, add a few ice cubes.

Blend Until Smooth

Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps and everything is well combined.

Serve Immediately

Pour the smoothie into two glasses and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips

For a tropical twist, you can add a handful of spinach or a few slices of mango. Using unsweetened almond milk keeps it lighter, but feel free to experiment with different nut milks. The sweetness can also be adjusted according to your taste by adding more or less honey.

Make-Ahead and Storage

If you're short on time in the mornings, this smoothie can easily be prepped ahead of time. You can freeze the strawberries and banana slices in zip-top bags—simply portion them together, and you’ll have ready-to-blend ingredients at your fingertips. This is especially useful for busy weekdays, allowing you to whip up the smoothie in under a minute by just adding your almond milk and protein powder during your morning routine.

While the smoothie is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor, you can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. To prevent browning from the banana and to keep it tasting fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir or shake before consuming, as the ingredients may separate slightly while sitting.

Variations to Try

This Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie is a fantastic base for countless variations. For a tropical twist, add some frozen mango or pineapple for an extra layer of flavor. You might also swap out the strawberries for blueberries or other berries to change the taste profile while maintaining the nutritional benefits. Each fruit brings its unique set of vitamins and antioxidants, allowing you to tailor your smoothie to your health needs and flavor preferences.

For a more filling breakfast option, consider incorporating oats or a scoop of chia seeds into the blend; this will increase the fiber content, helping you stay full longer. You could also enhance the smoothie with superfood additives like spirulina or matcha powder. Just a small amount mixed in can provide added health benefits without drastically affecting the overall taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries work great and will make your smoothie even colder and thicker.

→ What can I substitute for protein powder?

You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or silken tofu for added creaminess and protein.

→ How long can I store this smoothie?

It's best consumed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours in a sealed container.

→ Is this smoothie vegan?

Yes, if you use plant-based protein powder and almond milk, it will be vegan-friendly.