High-Protein Banana Smoothie with Almond Butter
A creamy and delicious banana smoothie made with chia seeds, ground flax seeds, and nut butter for added flavor and texture. This gluten-free, dairy-free smoothie offers a satisfying mix of protein, fiber, potassium, and omega-3s, making it a great option for breakfast or a pre-workout snack.
This High-Protein Banana Smoothie Recipe is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that make it the perfect choice to fuel your day, especially if you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to start your morning. As someone who enjoys a smoothie every day and has been experimenting with smoothie recipes for over 20 years, I know what works. This recipe is designed to give you a creamy, satisfying blend without loading up on unnecessary sugars.
With almond butter, chia seeds, and ground flax seeds, you’ll get a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it an ideal option for sustained energy throughout the day. The banana base adds natural sweetness, giving you that comforting smoothie flavor while keeping things clean and simple. Whether you’re using it as a pre-workout boost or a nourishing breakfast, this smoothie has become a staple in my kitchen. When you make it, you’ll understand why it’s one of my all-time favorites!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Banana Smoothie Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Make: Perfect for busy mornings or a speedy post-workout snack, this smoothie blends up in just a few minutes.
- Naturally Sweet and Creamy: The ripe banana gives it a smooth, sweet base without the need for added sugars.
- Packed with Simple, Clean Ingredients: Featuring almond butter, chia seeds, and ground flaxseed, every ingredient is easy to find and wholesome.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily add extra fruits, swap your favorite milk, or adjust the thickness to suit your taste!
How to Make My High-Protein Banana Smoothie
Step 1. Milk Base
Pour 1/2 cup of your favorite milk into your blender cup. I like to use Almond Milk. I buy the unsweetened vanilla flavor.
Step 2. Ice Cubes
I add about five ice cubes to give my banana smoothie its chilled smoothie texture.
Optional: Frozen Orange Juice
As a tasty and convenient addition, I make ice cubes from freshly squeezed orange juice and add one to my smoothie. It adds a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens the whole drink. Some people find that consuming foods rich in vitamin C alongside certain nutrients can support their overall wellness.
Step 3: Chia Seeds
Add one tablespoon of chia seeds to your cup. You can purchase black or white chia seeds, depending on your preference.
Step 4: Flax Seeds
Add one tablespoon of ground flaxseed to your cup. It’s essential that you use ground flaxseed powder because the flax seeds have to be ground to be consumed. They will act as a thickener to your smoothie in add super nutrition!
Step 5: Protein Powder
The amount of protein powder to add depends on how many calories you’d like your smoothie to have. I only add one tablespoon of protein powder to keep the overall calorie count under 400.
Naturally-sweetened protein powders are my go-to because I don’t care for artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, aspartame, and other sugar alcohols. These artificial sweeteners give me uncomfortable gas pain. Protein powders sweetened with stevia are my favorite. I only add one tablespoon to this smoothie for flavor, sweetness, and nutrition.
Step 6: Almond Butter
You can use nut butter to add flavor, protein, healthy fats, and calories to your banana smoothie. I use a large dinner spoon to get a heaping scoop of almond butter. I use half the banana to scrape the almond butter off the spoon and into the blender cup.
Step 7: Bananas
Bananas are hands down my favorite natural sweetener. We buy so many bananas to feed our small army, we’re often asked if we’re feeding monkeys when we check out at the grocery store. They’re delicious, versatile, and perfect for smoothies, giving them an ice cream-like texture. Plus, they’re easy on the stomach and a go-to ingredient for a variety of dishes. I love using bananas when they’re fully ripe, with yellow skin and a few brown spots, for the best flavor.
Step 8: Blend
Turn your blender to its appropriate setting for smoothies and blend until you no longer hear chunks of ice spinning around.
Helpful Recipe Notes
Texture Adjustment: If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add 1/2 cup almond milk or a few more ice cubes. For a thinner consistency, add an extra splash of almond milk.
Sweetness: Taste your smoothie before serving. If you prefer it sweeter, add a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or a few drops of stevia.
Meal Prep: To save time, portion out the ingredients (except the liquid) into individual freezer bags. In the morning, just add the contents to your blender with almond milk.
Delicious Breakfast Smoothie Serving Suggestions
- Add Frozen Fruit: Boost the flavor by adding a handful of frozen berries or a frozen banana to your smoothie. This will not only make it colder and creamier but also add natural sweetness and extra nutrients.
- Incorporate Fresh Ginger: For a zesty kick, grate some fresh ginger into your smoothie. Ginger adds a bold flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Splash of Citrus: Enhance the bright, refreshing taste with a squeeze of lemon juice, lime juice, or orange juice. The citrus notes will elevate the tropical flavors and add a refreshing twist.
- Top with Crunchy Seeds: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds or flax seeds on top of your smoothie for added texture and nutrition. These seeds provide healthy fats, protein, and a satisfying crunch.
- Create a Tropical Green Protein Smoothie Bowl: Transform your smoothie into a nourishing bowl by thickening it with less liquid. Top with slices of frozen banana, a mix of frozen berries, a drizzle of lemon or lime juice, and a handful of seeds for a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal.
Selecting the Best Protein Powder for Smoothies
When it comes to protein powders for smoothies, I often get asked which ones I recommend. There are two primary categories: animal-based and plant-based.
Animal-based protein powders provide all essential amino acids needed for muscle repair, which is why they’re often favored for post-workout recovery. While these are a great option, I personally limit my use of them due to my existing intake of eggs and other animal proteins.
- Whey protein
- Casein protein
- Egg protein
- Beef protein
- Collagen protein
For those who prefer plant-based protein powders, they’re a great alternative, especially for vegan or vegetarian diets. While they don’t always contain all essential amino acids, combining sources can provide a balanced profile. They’re often lower in cholesterol and fat, which makes them a healthier choice for some.
- Pea protein
- Brown rice protein
- Hemp protein
- Soy protein
- Quinoa protein
- Chia protein
- Flaxseed protein
Sweeteners in Protein Powders
It’s important to think about how your protein powder is sweetened. Here are some of the common options:
- Artificial Sweeteners: These can cause digestive discomfort for some and are often best avoided.
- Sugar Alcohols: These are low in calories but can cause bloating or digestive upset.
- Natural Sweeteners: Monkfruit and stevia are calorie-free but can taste too sweet for some.
- Traditional Sweeteners: I prefer using natural options like honey and maple syrup, though I always use them in moderation.
As always, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider or dietitian if you have specific health concerns regarding sweeteners or dietary preferences.
Here are Amazon links to my favorite naturally sweetened protein powders that are very affordably priced:
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Hemp Yeah! Organic Plant Protein Powder, Vanilla
(COCONUT SUGAR)
Hemp Yeah! Plant Protein Powder, Chocolate
(COCONUT SUGAR)
Orgain Simple Plants, Nuts & Seeds Protein Powder
(COCONUT SUGAR)
Do you love smoothies? Check out more of my easy and nutritious breakfast smoothie recipes:
High-Protein Banana Smoothie with Almond Butter
Equipment
- Nutribullet
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup almond milk or milk of choice
- 4 cubes ice
- 1 cube orange juice fresh squeezed and frozen or 1/4 cup of juice
- 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
- 2 tablespoons almond butter or peanut butter
Instructions
- Add the 1/2 cup of almond milk to the blender cup.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the blender cup and blend until smooth or until you no longer hear any ice chunks swirling around in the blender.
Video
Nutrition
Responses
So delicious banana smoothie! Thank you!
Have a wonderful 4th of July 2024 .Thank you for the review, Michelle! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
2 Comments
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So delicious banana smoothie! Thank you!
Have a wonderful 4th of July 2024 .-
Thank you for the review, Michelle! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
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