High-Protein Strawberry Banana Smoothie – Creamy, Fresh, and Satisfying

This smoothie brings together classic flavors and serious staying power. It’s thick, cold, and naturally sweet from ripe fruit, with a protein boost that keeps you full for hours. Whether you’re heading out the door or finishing a workout, it blends up in minutes and tastes like a treat.

No complicated steps, no hard-to-find ingredients—just clean, simple goodness in a glass.

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High-Protein Strawberry Banana Smoothie - Creamy, Fresh, and Satisfying

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2 servings

Ingredients

• Frozen strawberries (about 1 cup)
• Banana (1 medium, fresh or frozen)
• Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla, 1/2 cup)
• Protein powder (vanilla or unflavored, 1 scoop)
• Milk of choice (dairy or unsweetened plant milk, 3/4–1 cup)
• Nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew, 1 tablespoon) – optional for extra richness
• Chia seeds or ground flaxseed (1 tablespoon) – optional for fiber and omega-3s
• Honey, maple syrup, or a pitted date – optional for extra sweetness
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon) – optional for flavor
• Ice cubes – optional if using fresh fruit and want it colder

Instructions

• Start with liquids: Add milk to the blender first. This helps the blades catch the ingredients and blend smoothly.
• Add protein and yogurt: Scoop in the protein powder and Greek yogurt so they blend evenly and don’t clump.
• Layer in fruit: Add the banana and frozen strawberries on top.Use frozen fruit for a thicker, cold smoothie.
• Boost it, if you like: Add nut butter, chia or flax, vanilla extract, and any sweetener you prefer.
• Blend until creamy: Start low, then increase speed. Blend 30–60 seconds until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed.
• Adjust thickness: For a thinner smoothie, splash in more milk. For thicker, add a few more frozen strawberries or a couple of ice cubes.
• Taste and tweak: If it needs more sweetness, add honey or a pitted date and blend again for a few seconds.
• Serve right away: Pour into a chilled glass or a to-go bottle and enjoy while cold.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Balanced and filling: Protein, fiber, and healthy fats make this smoothie satisfying without feeling heavy.
• Simple ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients on hand. Nothing fancy, nothing fussy.
• Customizable sweetness: Adjust with honey, dates, or leave it as-is if your fruit is ripe enough.
• Great texture: Frozen strawberries and banana create a milkshake-like creaminess—no ice needed.
• Perfect for mornings or post-workout: Quick prep and quality nutrition help you recover and stay energized.

Shopping List

• Frozen strawberries (about 1 cup)
• Banana (1 medium, fresh or frozen)
• Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla, 1/2 cup)
• Protein powder (vanilla or unflavored, 1 scoop)
• Milk of choice (dairy or unsweetened plant milk, 3/4–1 cup)
• Nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew, 1 tablespoon) – optional for extra richness
• Chia seeds or ground flaxseed (1 tablespoon) – optional for fiber and omega-3s
• Honey, maple syrup, or a pitted date – optional for extra sweetness
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon) – optional for flavor
• Ice cubes – optional if using fresh fruit and want it colder

How to Make It

1. Start with liquids: Add milk to the blender first. This helps the blades catch the ingredients and blend smoothly.
2. Add protein and yogurt: Scoop in the protein powder and Greek yogurt so they blend evenly and don’t clump.
3. Layer in fruit: Add the banana and frozen strawberries on top.

   Use frozen fruit for a thicker, cold smoothie.

4. Boost it, if you like: Add nut butter, chia or flax, vanilla extract, and any sweetener you prefer.
5. Blend until creamy: Start low, then increase speed. Blend 30–60 seconds until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed.
6. Adjust thickness: For a thinner smoothie, splash in more milk. For thicker, add a few more frozen strawberries or a couple of ice cubes.
7. Taste and tweak: If it needs more sweetness, add honey or a pitted date and blend again for a few seconds.
8. Serve right away: Pour into a chilled glass or a to-go bottle and enjoy while cold.

Storage Instructions

For the best texture and flavor, drink your smoothie immediately.

If you need to prepare ahead, store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake or quick blend before drinking, since separation is normal.

Another option is to freeze it in single-serve portions using silicone cups or freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, then stir.

You can also freeze pre-measured smoothie packs with fruit and seeds; just add milk, yogurt, and protein powder when you’re ready to blend.

Health Benefits

• High protein for satiety: Greek yogurt and protein powder deliver 20–35 grams of protein, depending on your scoop and brand. That helps keep hunger in check and supports muscle recovery.
• Fiber-rich fruit: Strawberries and banana bring fiber for digestion and steady energy, along with natural sweetness.
• Micronutrient power: Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants. Banana adds potassium for heart health and hydration.
• Healthy fats: A spoonful of nut butter or seeds provides fats that help absorb fat-soluble vitamins and keep you fuller longer.
• Lower added sugar: You control sweetness.

  Using ripe fruit often means no added sugar needed.

What Not to Do

• Don’t overload the blender: Too much frozen fruit at once can jam the blades. If needed, blend in two smaller batches.
• Don’t add sweetener first: Taste it after blending. Ripe fruit may be sweet enough.
• Don’t skip the liquid base: Without enough liquid, you’ll get a slushy that won’t blend smoothly.

  Start with at least 3/4 cup of milk.

• Don’t mix clashing flavors: Strongly flavored protein powders can overpower the fruit. Vanilla or unflavored works best here.
• Don’t rely on ice for thickness: Ice dilutes flavor. Use frozen strawberries and banana for a creamy texture instead.

Recipe Variations

• Dairy-free: Use almond, soy, or oat milk and swap Greek yogurt for a thick plant-based yogurt.

  Choose a vegan protein powder like pea or soy.

• Extra protein: Add an extra half scoop of protein powder or bump up the Greek yogurt to 3/4 cup.
• Low-sugar: Use half a banana and skip sweeteners. Add more strawberries for volume and brightness.
• Gut-friendly: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of chia seeds and use kefir instead of milk for probiotics.
• Green boost: Add a handful of baby spinach. It changes the color but keeps the flavor mostly the same.
• Chocolate twist: Use chocolate protein powder or add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder plus a drizzle of honey.
• PB&J vibe: Use peanut butter and a touch of vanilla.

  It tastes like a nostalgic sandwich in smoothie form.

• Nut-free: Skip nut butter and seeds. Use sunflower butter or hemp hearts if you want a similar boost.

FAQ

How much protein is in this smoothie?

It depends on your ingredients, but most versions provide around 20–35 grams of protein per serving. A standard scoop of protein powder plus 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt usually lands in that range.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes.

If you use fresh strawberries, add a handful of ice or a frozen banana to keep the smoothie cold and thick. Frozen fruit gives the best texture.

What’s the best protein powder to use?

Vanilla whey blends well and tastes great. If you’re dairy-free, choose a pea, soy, or rice protein.

Unflavored powders work too if you prefer a more natural fruit taste.

How can I make it sweeter without sugar?

Use a very ripe banana, add a pitted Medjool date, or pour in a splash of vanilla extract. These options keep the flavor balanced without added refined sugar.

Can I make this without banana?

Absolutely. Replace banana with 1/2 cup frozen mango or 1/2 avocado for creaminess.

You may want a touch of honey or a date to make up for the lost sweetness.

Is this smoothie good for weight loss?

It can be. The protein and fiber help with fullness, which may reduce snacking. Keep portions reasonable and skip extra sweeteners if that’s your goal.

Will it keep me full until lunch?

Most people find it filling for several hours, especially with yogurt, protein powder, and a bit of fat from nut butter or seeds.

Adjust the portions based on your appetite and routine.

Can kids drink this?

Yes, just skip the protein powder if you prefer and rely on yogurt and milk for protein. You can also reduce the portion size for younger kids.

Wrapping Up

This High-Protein Strawberry Banana Smoothie delivers classic flavor with real staying power. It’s easy to customize, simple to make, and perfect for busy mornings or post-workout recovery.

Keep a stash of frozen fruit on hand and you’ll always be minutes away from a cold, creamy, satisfying blend that tastes as good as it makes you feel.