Looking for a protein-packed snack to sip? Look no further than this Vanilla Protein Smoothie! It’s full of creamy, lightly fruity flavor and 25% of your daily protein! Even better: there’s no protein powder: just all natural, delicious ingredients! It tastes more like a vanilla milkshake than a protein drink, which made it a hit in our house (it’s a favorite of our 3 year old). Drink the large size and you’ve just downed half of your protein for the day! It’s the perfect energy smoothie, breakfast smoothie or post-workout snack.
Why it’s the best protein smoothie
Sometimes protein smoothies have an artificial protein-powder aftertaste, or taste like health food. This one turns that on its head. Why make this protein smoothie?
It’s got pure, sweet flavor. It’s like a vanilla milkshake meets tropical fruit. It’s got a silky smooth, creamy texture. Just the right thickness for sipping!It’s full of healthy ingredients. There’s no added sweetener: just fruit and yogurt.It’s protein packed without protein powder. It’s full of all natural protein sources like Greek yogurt and peanut butter.
Ingredients for a protein smoothie
This relatively short ingredient list makes a protein smoothie with 13 grams of protein. That’s 25% of your daily protein needs! Here’s what you’ll need:
Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt brings lots of high quality protein to the table! It’s also got probiotics to enhance gut health. Peanut butter: The other protein source? Good old peanut butter! It brings big flavor to this smoothie without overpowering. Frozen pineapple: Pineapple forms the body of this smoothie, lending just the right sweetness.Banana: Banana brings creaminess to the texture and another hit of sweet. Milk: Blend it all together with a little milk as the liquid component: use any variety you have on hand. Vanilla: Vanilla extract brings the final flavor!
Makes 2 smoothies or 1 very large one!
This recipe makes enough for 2 small smoothies, which each have 25% of your daily protein. Or if you prefer, you can load up the protein even more and drink the entire smoothie as one serving! Eating the smoothie as one serving makes a whopping 26 grams of protein. That’s 50% of your daily needs.
Great for breakfast or post workout recovery
This vanilla protein smoothie is great for breakfast to power your day with protein. Or, use it for post workout recovery! Per the Mayo Clinic, to help your muscles and energy recover, you should eat foods that contain both carbohydrates and protein within two hours of your exercise session. This smoothie is a nice choice for both.
Mix ins and variations:
Want to add your own spin to this protein smoothie? Here’s how to vary up the flavor based on the ingredients you have on hand:
Vary the nut butter. Try using almond butter or cashew butter in place of peanut. For nut free, try sunflower butter. Increase the Greek yogurt. If you’d like, you can get away with a little more Greek yogurt to make an even creamier smoothie, Use frozen mango or peaches. Don’t like pineapple, or have an allergy? Try frozen mango or peaches as a substitute. Add coconut. Throw in a handful of coconut for a more tropical vibe! Here we garnished with toasted coconut.
Smoothie storage
Smoothies are best eaten immediately. But this protein smoothie actually lasts 1 to 2 days refrigerated, stored in a sealed container or a mason jar with the lid on. It may separate, which is perfectly natural. Just shake it up and you’re good to go! It’s nice to make ahead the night before to have a breakfast ready in the morning.
This protein smoothie recipe is…
Vegetarian and gluten-free.
More smoothie recipes
Here are a few of our favorite smoothie recipes, including green, yogurt-based, and more: 4.5 from 2 reviews
Greens: Kale, Avocado, Green, Celery, or Spinach Smoothie The flavor is so irresistible, you’ll forget you’re eating all those healthy ingredients.Berries: Mixed Berry, Strawberry, Fruit, Blueberry, Blueberry Banana, Strawberry Mango, Strawberry Banana or Berry Almond Milk Smoothie Tart and full of sweet fruity flavor!Fruits: Banana, Pineapple, Peach, Mango, Orange, or Watermelon Smoothie Juicy and lightly sweet: perfectly refreshing.Creamy: Vanilla Protein, Yogurt, or Peanut Butter Smoothie Creamy, sweet and full of flavor.
Another healthy drink? Try our homemade kombucha!
