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    Home » Protein Smoothie

    Protein Smoothie

    Published: Aug 17, 2022 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    This protein smoothie recipe is made with 6 ingredients in 5 minutes! It's is an easy, delicious, and healthy way to increase your daily protein intake.

    two glasses of Protein Smoothie with raspberries and chia seeds on top

    There have been many seasons of my life (especially while I was pregnant and nursing), that my body desperately needed more protein but I didn't have the energy to cook.

    So, I created this protein smoothie recipe as an easy and nutritious way to give my body what it needed without spending hours in the kitchen.

    This protein smoothie is made with six healthy, high-protein ingredients and only takes 5 minutes to make. Enjoy it as a nutritious breakfast or snack.

    two glasses of Protein Smoothie with raspberries and chia seeds on top

    Protein Smoothie Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions

    overhead view of the ingredients in this Protein Smoothie recipe
    • Milk. Any milk variety works well. 2%, almond milk, coconut milk, etc.
    • Greek yogurt. I suggest a full-fat yogurt such as a plain or vanilla Greek yogurt, or a plain or vanilla Icelandic yogurt.
    • Frozen mixed berries. I suggest using frozen berries for a thick, creamy, cold smoothie. However, you can substitute your favorite fruit: strawberries, blueberries, cherries, etc.
    • Frozen Banana. Adding frozen banana sweetens smoothies and imparts a creamy texture. Using frozen banana means that you don't need to add ice to make it thick and cold.
    • Vanilla protein powder. Use a high-quality protein powder like this one.
    • Almond butter. cashew butter, peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, etc. are all great substitutes.
    • Honey. maple syrup is a good substitute for honey.
    two glasses full of Protein Smoothie

    How to make a Protein Smoothie

    Let's walk through how to make a protein smoothie recipe, and don't forget to watch the video.

    Use a Vitamix Blender

    For thick & creamy smoothies I recommend using a Vitamix blender. If you've been around my blog for a while then you know my love for my blender runs deep. Check out this Vitamix Buying Guide to learn why I chose Vitamix 10+ years ago and never looked back! 

    Add ingredients to blending container 

    Begin by adding all the ingredients in the order listed in the protein smoothie recipe to the container of a Vitamix blender (or another high-powered blender).

    It's important to add the milk & yogurt first, then add the frozen fruit, for easy blending. I like to add the honey on top of the frozen fruit to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the blending container.

    How to Make a Protein Smoothie - adding milk, yogurt and almond butter to the blending contianer

    Protein Smoothie Recipe: Optional Add-Ins

    If you'd like to add some nutrition boosters to this protein smoothie, here are some suggestions that you can add before you begin blending:

    • Greens. Adding 1 cup of spinach or power greens, won't effect the taste or texture of this smoothie at all. It will change the color, but it'll taste great and have a bonus serving of veggies!
    • Collagen. For even more protein without changing the flavor, add a scoop of collagen.
    • Chia seeds.  a nutritional powerhouse that can be added to this tropical smoothie. I recommend adding 1-2 TBS and drinking the smoothie immediately. 
    How to Make a Protein Smoothie - ingredients in the blending container before blending

    Blend

    Next, secure the lid and blend the protein smoothie until it's smooth and uniform throughout. Use the tamper to press the ingredients to the blades (if using a Vitamix).

    You may need to pause, scrape down the sides and continue blending to ensure your smoothie is thick and frozen and avoid over-blending. The mixture should be smooth but thick.

    How to Make a Protein Smoothie - blending the smoothie

    Serve

    Once blended, pour the protein smoothie into 2-4 glasses and serve immediately.

    Protein Smoothie being poured from the blending container into a glass

    Store/freeze

    You can store this protein smoothie recipe in a glass jar with a lid for up to 1 day in the refrigerator or 1 month in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

    two glasses of Protein Smoothie Recipe with chia seeds and raspberries on top

    Recipe FAQS

    Can I double this recipe?

    Yes! You can double the ingredients to make more smoothie! Just be sure to use a large blending container.

    Can I add spinach to this protein smoothie?

    Yes, add 1-2 cups of fresh or fresh-then-frozen spinach on top of the frozen fruit before blending. Just note that adding greens will change the color of this smoothie. Check out my Green Smoothie post for tips about freezing spinach.

    What can I add to my smoothie for protein?

    Here are some great protein boosters to add to smoothies, many of which are already included in this recipe:
    Greek yogurt
    Cottage cheese
    Chia seeds
    Collagen
    Protein powder
    Nut or seed butter
    Hemp or pumpkin seeds
    Flaxseed (whole or ground)
    Tofu (silken)

    a glass of Protein Smoothie Recipe with chia seeds and raspberries on top

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Protein Smoothie Recipe

    Laura
    This protein smoothie recipe is made with 6 ingredients in 5 minutes! It's is an easy, delicious, and healthy way to increase your daily protein intake.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 2 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 7 mins
    Course beverage, Breakfast, Drinks, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2 Servings
    Calories 322 kcal

    Equipment

    • Vitamix blender
    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ cups milk (12 g protein)
    • ½ cup Greek yogurt (12 g protein)
    • 1 ½ cup mixed berries frozen (1 g protein)
    • 1 banana frozen (2 g protein)
    • 1 TBS almond butter (4 g protein)
    • 1 scoop Vanilla protein powder (24 g protein)
    • Optional: 1 TBS honey
    • Optional: 1 cup frozen spinach
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Add ingredients to the blender in the order listed.
    • Blend, starting on low speed and increasing to high until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.
    • Pour into 2-4 glasses and serve immediately.

    Video

    Notes

    Ingredient Substitutions
    • Milk. Any milk variety works well. 2%, almond milk, coconut milk, etc. Whole milk is what we use, and it has a higher protein content than non-dairy milks. 
    • Greek yogurt. I suggest a full-fat yogurt such as a plain or vanilla Greek yogurt, or a plain or vanilla Icelandic yogurt.
    • Frozen mixed berries. I suggest using frozen berries for a thick, creamy, cold smoothie. However, you can substitute your favorite fruit: strawberries, blueberries, cherries, etc.
    • Frozen Banana. Adding frozen banana sweetens smoothies and imparts a creamy texture. Using frozen banana means that you don't need to add ice to make it thick and cold.
    • Vanilla protein powder. Use a high-quality protein powder like this one.
    • Almond butter. cashew butter, peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, etc. are all great substitutes.
    • Honey. maple syrup is a good substitute for honey.
    Optional Add-ins
    If you'd like to add some nutrition boosters to this protein smoothie, here are some suggestions that you can add before blending:
    • Greens. Adding 1 cup of spinach or power greens, won't effect the taste or texture of this smoothie at all. It will change the color, but it'll taste great and have a bonus serving of veggies!
    • Collagen. For even more protein without changing the flavor, add a scoop of collagen.
    • Chia seeds.  a nutritional powerhouse that can be added to this tropical smoothie. I recommend adding 1-2 TBS and drinking the smoothie immediately. 
    •  

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.5recipeCalories: 322kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 17gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 104mgPotassium: 701mgFiber: 6gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 390IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 349mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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