High-Protein Banana Smoothie with Almond Butter
Nicole Bonilla creates gluten-free, higher-protein recipes with healthier swaps that are gentle on digestion and easy for busy families. Every recipe is tested in her own home kitchen.
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.
When my digestive system is at its worst, this High-Protein Banana Smoothie is a lifesaver. After 20 years of blending, this recipe has become my absolute go-to because it’s so gentle on the stomach yet keeps me full and energized for hours. It’s a creamy, naturally sweet blend that honestly tastes like a banana milkshake, but it’s loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
The real secret to this smoothie is that it’s built on a few simple, amazing ingredients like almond butter, chia seeds, and ground flaxseed that give you a steady, happy energy that lasts. It’s the perfect yummy hug in a glass for a crazy morning, or before a workout. Trust me, finding a way to fuel your body that tastes this good and is also kind to your gut is pure magic.
Make Fresh
Almond Milk in
2 Minutes
I use my Almond Cow to make the creamiest, cleanest almond milk. No more buying and storing expensive cartons!
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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!
Simple Ways This Smoothie Supports Your Health Goals
This smoothie isn’t a diet plan, but I built it with ingredients that naturally support you when you’re focusing on feeling good and maintaining a healthy weight. Think of these as built-in helpers!
- Goodbye Crash, Hello Fullness: The secret is the fiber from chia and flax seeds combined with the protein. Fiber keeps you satisfied for hours, helping you avoid that mid-morning panic raid on the pantry.
- Muscles Love Protein: We all know protein is key! The 13g in this smoothie helps keep your muscles happy. Healthy muscles are essential for a good metabolism, and the protein ensures your body stays fueled in the kindest way possible.
- The Best Swap: Sometimes the easiest win is a simple trade. Swapping a less nutritious, sugary breakfast for this filling, balanced smoothie is a quick way to keep your eating habits aligned with your goals.
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 made with my Almond Cow Almond Milk Maker.
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.
My Expert Recipe Tips
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Making recipes that feel good and taste good, like this one, is exactly what my Free 6-Week Gentle Reset is all about! I think you will love the new ideas that will give a healthy glow up to your weekly meals. And if you’re ready for ongoing support, my Gentle Foodie Club might be exactly what you need. It helps you thrive with weekly meal plans, eBooks, and more confidence in your kitchen.
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.
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
Important Disclaimer
This recipe is created by a home cook and not a medical professional. Our ingredient philosophy is reviewed by RDNs, but this specific post is not personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for dietary concerns.
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