This strawberry banana protein shake is thick and creamy, so easy to make and perfect for a post-workout snack or light breakfast. This vegan recipe is high in protein and loved by kids!
Protein shakes are a protein drink typically consumed after a workout in order to help with muscle recovery.
Protein shakes are usually made with frozen fruit, a protein source such as protein powder or greek yogurt, and a liquid such as almond milk.
Smoothies and protein shakes are essentially the same, but shakes can sometimes be a bit thicker than smoothies.
While you can always buy pre-made protein shakes, my personal favorite way to do them is right at home so you’re in total control of the ingredients.
All you’ll need for this recipe is banana, strawberries, cauliflower, milk, protein powder and greek yogurt. You can make this vegan or not, thick or thin, however you like it!
Ingredients & substitutions
Banana. I suggest using frozen banana because it will give this recipe a much creamier texture, but fresh will work if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to use slightly less milk.
Strawberries. Frozen strawberries work best here. Feel free to sub for any other kind of berry, but strawberry banana is a classic!
Cauliflower. I love sneaking some kind of veggie into virtually every recipe. You can omit the cauliflower, but I promise you won’t taste it and it actually helps to make this banana protein shake even creamier!
Milk. Any kind of milk will work here. I used soy milk for a little extra protein, but you can use almond, oat, or even regular cow’s milk.
Protein Powder. I love using a vanilla pea protein, but whey protein or whatever you have works. I recommend sticking to vanilla for the best flavor.
Greek Yogurt. Dairy or non-dairy greek yogurt will add extra protein and give this recipe an almost milkshake like texture.
How to make a creamy protein shake
Smoothies and protein shakes truly could not be easier to make, which is why I love them so much!
All you need to do is add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until completely smooth. I like to let the blender run for a good minute or so to ensure everything is fully broken up. No one wants a chunky shake!
A regular blender will work just fine, you might need a bit more liquid to help it blend since it’s not as powerful.
Other protein shake flavors to try
CHOCOLATE. Sub the vanilla protein for chocolate protein and add in an extra tablespoon or so of cocoa powder to really boost the chocolate flavor. SO good.
PEANUT BUTTER. Peanut butter truly makes everything better. And peanut butter with banana is one of the best combos. I suggest adding about 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter to this recipe for a variation.
BANANA. You can easily omit the berries here and just have the banana be the star of the show.
COFFEE. Sub the non-dairy milk with cold brew coffee and leave out the strawberries. This option is also so good with the extra scoop of peanut butter!
Frequently asked questions
Are protein shakes healthy?
Totally depends on what you put in them! There are definitely protein shakes that can be loaded with weird ingredients and added sugars.
I tried to be very balanced with the ingredients here and include some healthy carbs from the fruit, protein and fat from the yogurt and hemp seeds.
Can I make it in advance?
Once prepared, this banana protein shake will keep in the fridge for about 24 hours, but it is definitely best served fresh.
You can prep these in advance by adding all of the ingredients aside from the milk to a freezer safe bag, then dumping them in your blender with the milk and blend away!
Is this breakfast or a snack?
Either! This is not a very high calorie recipe, so if you want it for breakfast, I’d recommend serving it alongside a baked oatmeal cup or having some hard boiled eggs on the side.
My favorite way to have this recipe is as a post-workout snack, but breakfast, after school or mid-day are all great. There is no right time you should drink a protein shake!
Try these smoothies next!
- Avocado Mango Smoothie
- Cantaloupe Smoothie
- Everyday Green Smoothie
- Cauliflower Smoothie
- Raspberry Smoothie
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Strawberry Banana Protein Shake
by: claire cary
Ingredients
- 1 ripe frozen bananas
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 cup frozen cauliflower florets
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- ½ cup greek yogurt dairy or non-dairy
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high speed blender.
- Blend until completely smooth, using the tamper tool as needed or adding more liquid if it's too thick.
- Taste and adjust flavors as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Annie says
Made this for a quick on the go breakfast this morning and it’s a 10/10! Soo yummy and creamy. Reminds me of a strawberry shortcake!
Claire Cary says
Perfect! Agreed, such a good & easy spring breakfast!