Strawberry Banana High-Protein Smoothie

Name: Strawberry Banana High-Protein Smoothie
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 1 cup frozen strawberries; 1 ripe banana; 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or unflavored); 1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice); 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

Highlighted under: Fit & Flavorful Recipes

I've always loved a good smoothie, and the Strawberry Banana High-Protein Smoothie has become my go-to morning pick-me-up. It’s not just refreshing but also packed with protein, making it perfect for post-workout recovery or a nutritious breakfast. Using frozen strawberries and ripe bananas, the blend is incredibly smooth and creamy. I often sprinkle some chia seeds on top for added crunch and nutrients. It's simple, satisfying, and I can whip it up in minutes, which is a major win for my busy mornings!

Created by

Mario

Last updated on 2026-02-09T17:09:27.410Z

Creating the perfect smoothie can sometimes be a bit of an art. I’ve tried various combinations, but the Strawberry Banana High-Protein Smoothie stands out for its balance. The flavors naturally complement each other, and the protein powder adds a nice thickness without overpowering the fruit. I love how using frozen strawberries keeps it extra cold and refreshing.

One of my tips is to always use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness. I've found that a half ripe banana adds just the right amount of creaminess without needing extra sugars. This smoothie is not only delicious but also energizing—perfect to start my day!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich strawberry flavor combined with the creaminess of banana
Packed with protein for a nourishing start to your day
Quick and easy to make with minimal cleanup

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Using frozen strawberries is essential for achieving that thick, creamy texture in your smoothie. They not only chill your drink but also blend more smoothly than fresh strawberries. If fresh strawberries are all you have, add a few ice cubes to maintain the desired consistency.

The ripeness of your banana impacts the flavor and sweetness of the smoothie. A perfectly ripe banana has more natural sugars, giving your smoothie a balanced sweetness without needing added sugar. Also, if you have overly ripe bananas, this is a great way to use them up!

Selecting the right protein powder can elevate your smoothie both in flavor and nutritional benefit. Vanilla protein powder enhances the overall taste, but if you prefer a different flavor or to avoid added sugars, an unflavored version works just as well. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the final taste.

Perfecting Your Blend

When blending the smoothie, start at a lower speed to break up the larger ingredients before ramping up to high. This helps prevent any chunks remaining, which can detract from the smooth texture. Blend for about 30 to 45 seconds or until you see a glossy, homogeneous mixture.

If you prefer a thicker smoothie, reduce the almond milk slightly to just 3/4 cup. Conversely, for a thinner drink, gradually add more almond milk until you reach your preferred consistency. I love a thick smoothie that I can eat with a spoon, so I often err on the side of less liquid!

Consider blending in a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrients without significantly impacting flavor. The vibrant fruit flavors dominate, while the greens contribute fiber and vitamins, making this smoothie an even healthier option.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious smoothie:

Ingredients

1 cup frozen strawberries
1 ripe banana
1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s make the smoothie!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your smoothie:

Blend the Ingredients

In your blender, combine the frozen strawberries, ripe banana, protein powder, and almond milk. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, adding more almond milk if needed for your desired consistency.

Serve and Enjoy

Pour the smoothie into a glass and sprinkle with chia seeds if using. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture!

And that’s it! Enjoy your nutritious Strawberry Banana High-Protein Smoothie.

Pro Tips

For a thicker smoothie, use less almond milk. You can also add spinach or kale for extra nutrients without altering the flavor significantly!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to prepare ahead of time, you can pre-portion the ingredients into freezer bags. Just combine the frozen strawberries, banana chunks, and protein powder in a bag and freeze. When you're ready to make your smoothie, simply add your almond milk and blend!

If you have leftover smoothie, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, keep in mind that it may separate slightly; just give it a good shake or stir before enjoying. For longer storage, consider freezing the smoothie in ice cube trays to use later in smoothies or as a chilly treat.

To refresh blended smoothies that might thicken in the fridge, add a splash of almond milk and stir to regain that creamy texture. This works well for those busy mornings when you have just a bit left for a quick breakfast.

Flavor Variations

One of the joys of this strawberry banana high-protein smoothie is the ease with which you can customize it. Want a richer flavor? Add a spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter to bring in healthy fats and a bit of nuttiness. You might even experiment with different nut milks like hazelnut milk for an exciting twist.

For chocolate lovers, consider adding a tablespoon of cacao powder or chocolate-flavored protein powder for a decadent treat. This combination not only satisfies chocolate cravings but layers the smoothie with additional nutrients.

You can also switch up the fruit based on the season. Try swapping strawberries for blueberries in the fall or raspberries in the summer to add different flavors while maintaining a similar nutritional profile. Mixing berries can produce delightful flavor combinations that keep your smoothies fresh.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes, but you might want to add some ice cubes to achieve a similar cold and thick consistency.

→ Is there a substitute for protein powder?

You can use Greek yogurt or silken tofu for a creamy protein boost.

→ How can I make this smoothie vegan?

Just make sure to use a plant-based protein powder and almond milk or any non-dairy milk.

→ Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge for convenience.