This blueberry banana smoothie is creamy, delicious, and chock-full of nutrient-dense ingredients and filling protein. Plus it takes just five minutes to make with ingredients that are easily kept on hand.
Five minutes are all you need to whip up this thick, creamy, fruity smoothie, which also happens to be the most glorious shade of purple. The simple combination has long been one of my favorite smoothies and is a top pick with my husband and sons.
Many people I know enjoy smoothies for breakfast, although my family regularly thinks of them at lunchtime. Smoothies are quick and convenient, and because the ingredients are freezer and pantry staples, smoothies can be forever at-the-ready. (Perfect anytime you hear, “There is nothing to eat!”)
No matter the serving time, however, I prefer a smoothie that is more than simply fruit and juice or milk. Of course, a smoothie needs to be great tasting. But an exceptional smoothie is also chock-full of protein, fiber, and healthy fats – ingredients that will both nourish and keep us full.
For Oliver, a Fountain Avenue Kids alum who joined me in the kitchen for this recipe (see the video below!), smoothies are the ideal post-sports practice snack. He was looking for a protein-rich smoothie recipe that he could whip up with minimal ingredients. And one that he liked enough to make on the regular.
I sent him a variety of options to test out, and the blueberry banana smoothie was a home run. (Baseball is one of Oliver’s sports – he’s a cross country runner too – so that pun seemed fitting.)
In this smoothie recipe, frozen blueberries and bananas create a thick, creamy, shake-like consistency and are easy to store in your freezer. No need to have fresh fruit on hand. In fact, the frozen fruit is what creates that shake-like consistency.
As often is the case, I’ve also provided options based on what you may have on hand. And while we love the blueberry-banana combination, you could absolutely use mixed frozen berries or strawberries. Or give the recipe a go with frozen peaches, mango, or any other fruit that sounds good to you.
Optional “extras” like spinach and avocado are also included in the recipe. While the addition of green ingredients, like spinach, will slightly dull the purple hue, the extras I specified will imperceptibly change the flavor yet increase the fiber content and other nutrients (like vitamins A, B6, C, E, K, iron, folate, magnesium, and potassium!).
A word on protein powder…
There are countless options when it comes to protein powders, and I’m frequently asked which brand and variety I like. I most often use vanilla protein powder, although chocolate protein powder will work in this smoothie. I have tried it – the flavor will just be slightly different.
My family’s favorite brand of protein powder is Earth Fed Muscle. (This is not an ad, we just like it!) My sons love the chocolate flavor for post-workout shakes. We use the whey powder, although the company sells a plant-based alternative.
Most importantly, if you don’t have protein powder on hand, you may still enjoy this smoothie without it. When not using protein powder, I like to add a small squeeze of honey or maple syrup to enhance the natural flavor of the fruit. Alternatively, a pitted medjool date or two works well too.
Tip: Peel bananas before freezing and store in a zip-top bag or airtight container. For the most natural sweetness, overripe bananas are best. Also, when thawed, frozen bananas become mushy and unappetizing, but they are terrific in baked goods like Zucchini Banana Bread, Slow Baked Banana Bread, Banana Bread Breakfast Bars, and Oatmeal Packet Mug Muffins.
This recipe makes a thick, spoonable smoothie, which is perfect if you’d like to eat your smoothie rather than drink it. If you prefer a thinner consistency, however, you may add more milk or use some fresh fruit instead of all frozen.
I’d love to know if you try this recipe. Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @fountainavenuekitchen on Instagram and Facebook. Your feedback is always appreciated.
Blueberry Banana Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup (5oz/140g) frozen blueberries
- 1 medium to large peeled and frozen banana, overripe is best
- 1 cup (240ml) milk of choice*
- 1 tablespoon (16g) almond butter**
- 1 tablespoon flax meal, chia seeds, or hemp seeds (or ½ tablespoon of two or 1 teaspoon each)
- ½ -1 scoop protein powder or 1 teaspoon honey (or sweetener of choice, to taste)***
- Optional: 1 cup lightly packed (or 1 ounce or 1 large handful) baby spinach; ¼ of an avocado
Instructions
- If you froze your banana whole, chop it into chunks.
- Place all the ingredients, starting with the milk, in a blender and blend until completely smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- If you have a high-speed blender with a tamper, it helps to keep the mixture going. If your blender does not have a strong motor, I recommend blending the milk and the frozen berries first, and then adding the remaining ingredients. That will prevent overloading the motor.
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