This sweet and creamy strawberry banana smoothie is easy to make with fresh or frozen fruit, almond milk, oats, and vanilla protein powder! It’s a super refreshing high-protein breakfast or post-workout snack.
This strawberry banana smoothie is one of my favorite protein smoothies. Whether it’s before an evening workout or a quick weekday breakfast, the creaminess and fresh, fruity flavor hit the spot like nothing else. It’s like sipping on a tall glass of summer that you can enjoy year-round. All I need is a blender, 5 ingredients, and minutes to make this strawberry smoothie happen! Best of all, it’s easy to adapt the recipe with different fruit, add-ins, or even make it into a smoothie bowl topped with gluten-free granola.
Why Make This Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie Recipe?
- Only 5 ingredients. It doesn’t use any refined sugars or artificial flavorings.
- Creamy without dairy. Unsweetened almond milk keeps this smoothie dairy-free and vegan.
- Beginner-friendly. This easy banana strawberry smoothie recipe is as simple as it gets, but still super tasty and satisfying.
- Improvise as you’d like. Smoothies are very adaptable! Customize this strawberry banana smoothie with extras like peanut butter or nut butter, honey, fresh or frozen fruit, and more. See the Variations section below for my suggestions.
Ingredients Needed
Here are the key ingredients needed to make this creamy strawberry banana smoothie, plus water and ice to get the texture just right. Scroll to the recipe card for the full list with amounts.
- Banana – Like banana bread, smoothies are one of the best ways to use up older bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be. I like to use a banana that has just begun to brown. You can also make your smoothie with frozen bananas.
- Strawberries – These should be frozen. Frozen berries naturally thicken the smoothie and make it creamier.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk – Or any dairy or non-dairy milk you have on hand.
- Oats – Either rolled oats or quick oats will work, though I generally prefer rolled oats. Steel-cut oats are too tough and dense.
- Vanilla Protein Powder – Use your go-to brand. Try a chocolate flavored protein powder for a chocolate strawberry smoothie.
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How to Make a Strawberry Banana Smoothie
I wasn’t lying when I said you just need a few minutes and a blender to bring this smoothie to life. Let’s blend a smoothie!
- Blend the smoothie ingredients. Add the almond milk, water, protein powder, oats, banana, strawberries and ice to your blender. Pulse until smooth.
- Enjoy! Pour the smoothie into a glass (or a bowl) and garnish it with sliced bananas, strawberries, and granola if desired.
Recipe Tips
Before you whip up this fruity protein smoothie, be sure to look over the helpful tips below.
- Sweeten the deal. If you want to make your smoothie sweeter, add a liquid sweetener such as pure maple syrup, agave nectar, or honey. Blend in a small amount at a time until you’re satisfied.
- Adjust the consistency. For thicker smoothie, use frozen banana slices and start with 1/3 cup of water rather than 1/2 cup. Once everything is blended, add additional water if necessary.
- For more strawberry flavor, add in 2-4 more strawberries for a more intense strawberry flavor. You could also pulse freeze-dried strawberries in the blender first to make a powder, before blending in the rest of your smoothie ingredients.
- Double the recipe. Making smoothies for multiple people? Simply double or triple the recipe as needed. Just ensure you’re not passing the maximum fill line on your blender. Blend in batches!
- Make it chocolatey. No shame in the chocolate game. Just sub out the vanilla protein powder for chocolate protein powder or add in a tablespoon of cocoa powder.
Variations
There are so many yummy things you can throw into this smoothie! Here are just a few ideas.
- Nut or seed butters: Peanut butter, cashew, almond, or sun butter.
- Fresh or frozen berries: Blueberries, raspberries, acai berries, or a mix.
- Greens: Add in fresh or frozen spinach or kale.
- Powders: Try adding matcha powder or cocoa powder.
- More fruit: Mango, pineapple, apples, pears, and avocado.
- Cauliflower: Plain riced cauliflower is a great way to bulk up a smoothie without adding extra sugar. You won’t even taste it!
- Brighten the flavors: Add a little apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Blend ahead of time. If you’d like, you can make your strawberry banana smoothie up to 24 hours ahead of time. Keep it in a mason jar in the fridge and shake it well before enjoying it.
- Freeze. You can also freeze your smoothie for up to 3 months. Pour your smoothie into an ice tray and freeze it until it’s frozen solid, then transfer the frozen cubes to an airtight container. You could also freeze the smoothie directly in a freezer-safe container if you leave extra space for expansion. Thaw out your smoothie in the fridge, shake it thoroughly and drink up!
More Smoothies Recipes to Try
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Smoothie
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This is a quick, easy, and satisfying strawberry banana smoothie recipe with only 5 ingredients! It makes a super filling and high-protein breakfast or post-workout snack.
Ingredients
- 1/2 banana
- 5 frozen strawberries
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup of oats
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup of ice
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
Instructions
- Add banana, strawberries, ice, almond milk, water, oats and protein powder to blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Serve. (optional: top with sliced bananas or strawberries)
Notes
- To Store: Refrigerate smoothie in a mason jar for up to 24 hours and shake well before enjoying.
- To Freeze: Pour smoothie into an ice tray and freeze until frozen solid, then transfer frozen cubes to an airtight container. Alternatively, freeze smoothie directly in container, leaving space for expansion. Thaw in the fridge and shake thoroughly before enjoying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 474
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 486 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 74 g
- Fiber: 16 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
35 comments on “Strawberry Banana Smoothie”
I’ve finally decided I want to enter into the world of smoothies. However, because lead has been found in so many protein powders, is there a decent substitute for it? I’m not looking for max protein in my smoothies as I get enough protein throughout the day. Just thought this might be a nice alternative breakfast. Thank you for any suggestions.
Hmm.. I actually haven’t researched much on lead in protein powders. But some of my favorite brands are Clean Simple Eats, Dymnatize ISO 100 (vanilla or gourmet chocolate) and VEGA (which is a pea protein based protein powder)
This looks so good and can’t wait to make but curious as to how it can be so many calories? I can only figure out about 160 calories plus a few extra for fruit but not 300 extra calories??!! What am I missing??
Did you count the protein powder and oats?
Don’t reply on these things often but thought I would post this In case anyone wants to try it.
If you do not have protein powder on hand, you can use a can of chick peas (drained) and blend until smooth. Other ingredients mask the flavor and it adds additional creaminess.
Love that tip, Nick — chickpeas are such a sneaky way to add creaminess and protein! Thanks for sharing! 🍓
Thank you for this!! I’ve been put on a very strict diet for health reasons and it’s been a major struggle to completely change my eating habits. I was having a sweet craving and took to the internet before I got myself off track and came across this page. This is easily within my diet and hits that sweet craving perfectly:)
I love smoothies for breakfast!! This one looks like a winner!! 🙂
Me too, although lately its turned into a mid-day snack or lunch. Thanks Joanna!
I may or may not have had one of these almost every day since I’ve seen this post. My husband and four year old daughter both love it too. Thanks so much for helping us try out coconut milk. It is amazing!
haha… awesome megan! I haven’t had one in a while. I’m actually going to make one tomorrow and add some kale to it. I’ll let you know how it goes. 🙂
Coconut milk is seriously amazing, right!?
Hi Krista!! My son would totally love this smoothie!! Now that we’re in the dead of winter, I’ve totally been craving fresh fruit, and smoothies have really been hitting the spot. (I had one last night for dinner.) We will definitely be trying this soon! Have pinned! Have a great week, Krista! ~Erin
Oh your son will definitely love it. Every time my son sees me bring out the blender he thinks he’s getting a smoothie and pushes his little stool over to help. So cute. 🙂 Hope you like it Erin, i’ll have to head over to your site and see some of the smoothies you’ve posted lately. I’m sure they’re awesome!
Love that toasted coconut on top – so pretty! I’m loving this flavor combination – YUM!
Thanks Trish! It was my favorite part too, gave the smoothie some “crunch” and texture. YUm! 🙂
Oh my goodness, I love smoothies! Especially those that involve strawberries and bananas! Looks fantastic!
haha.. i know I’m a sucker for the strawberry banana ones too, or the banana and peanut butter. YUM! 🙂 Thanks Christine!
This sounds awesome! I’ve been making a lot of smoothies so I’ll definitely have to try this one! Thanks for sharing on the DBB and I’m headed over to pin right now!
Awesome! Thanks so much Cara. Smoothies have been so fun to make lately and my son has been loving them! 🙂 Thanks for the pin girl!
I bet this smoothie is delicious. I love that you used coconut milk and banana. So rich and creamy I’m sure 🙂
It was definitely creamy but totally didnt feel heavy on the stomach like when I add milk or oatmeal. It was perfect! 🙂
Can you believe that I’ve never made a smoothie using coconut milk before? What a great idea – I bet it adds a nice sweetness!
Oh.. you so need to try it Louisa! Best part is, it is dairy and sugar free!
This sounds perfect. I’m a huge coconut fan and will definitely make this. I make a ‘green’ drink everyday, I’ll make this for my ‘dessert’. Pinned.
Oh… spinach in this would be perfect and make it green. I’ll need to try it that way, let me know how your “dessert” tastes.. hehe. 🙂 Thanks for the pin girl!
I loovvee using coconut milk! This sounds like a fantastic recipe and the little dude seems to be enjoying it so I guess I should probably try it. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
I just started using it since I’ve been on the paleo diet and totally love it! 🙂 Little dude is a big fan of this one, even climbed up on the chair to get some action while I was shooting. 🙂
I would like to see calorie counts etc. for your recipes.
Hey Frances, thank you so much for following me. I have actually looked into doing that, unfortunately there is no quick way to get those facts and because I do this blog during my sons naptime it is one area I have had to just surrender. However, if you would like to get the counts this website is a great tool. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator
Hope that helps Frances! Thanks so much for your readership!
This smoothie sounds so delicious! Add coconut to anything, and I’m there. 🙂
I know right! Coconut= deliciousness! 🙂 More coconut to come!
Sounds like a wonderful getaway weekend Krista 🙂 I love smoothies and this ones sounds awesome with the coconut milk and strawberries! So healthy and refreshing 🙂 Thanks for sharing girl and hope you have an amazing week!
It was a blast Kelly, can’t wait for another one. Definitely missed my little man though.
This smoothie is a definite winner, and love that it is dairy and sugar free. It feels so light on the tummy and packs some awesome flavor!
Aww. Look at that cutie!
This smoothie combines some of my favorite foods! Looks refreshing. Pinned!
Yup, thats the love of my life.. or at least one of them. 🙂
This smoothie is totally awesome, first time trying it with coconut milk and definitely doing it that way from now on! Thanks for the pin girl!