High-Protein Vanilla Green Smoothie with Banana
I've got the perfect summer smoothie for you! It's packed with greens, healthy fats, protein, and vanilla goodness. This smoothie refreshes me after a hard workout or a nice yoga flow. It's perfect for eating (yes, with a spoon) on a hot summer’s day.
My High-Protein Vanilla Green Smoothie is the perfect way to start your day off right. This healthy summer snack is packed with protein and other essential nutrients to keep you energized and full until lunchtime. With its refreshing flavor, this smoothie will keep you feeling cool and refreshed throughout the hot summer months. Enjoy this delicious, nutritious smoothie as a breakfast or a snack any time of the day!
Why I Love This Smoothie
In this protein-packed smoothie, you’ll find a variety of full-fat ingredients that will keep you feeling satisfied until lunchtime. The combination of vanilla extract and plant-based milk provides a rich, sweet taste that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The avocado provides plenty of healthy fats for the body (and it tastes pretty good too!). You’ll also find almond butter in this recipe which adds a lot of protein and healthy fats to the mix as well as antioxidants from the dates.
A green smoothie is a great way to make sure you get a healthy and delicious snack or breakfast during the summer months. Not only is it packed with protein, but it also contains natural ingredients like spinach and avocado that are full of vitamins and minerals. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious smoothie that will keep you energized throughout the day. So if you're looking for an easy and nutritious summer snack or breakfast, then try making my High-Protein Vanilla Green Smoothie!
Side note: If you don't layer your smoothies with granola, are you really living? I love serving this recipe with my homemade granola! Check out the recipe here!
Jazz's Recommended Products
Plant-Based Protein
Nuzest Clean Lean Protein: My go-to plant-based protein powder. It's unflavored, has no added sugar, and is made from just one ingredient: pea protein. It's perfect for this recipe. Get it here and use the code JAZZ for a discount.
For more details, check out my blog review of Nuzest Pea Protein.
Whey Protein
FlavCity Protein Powder: Another excellent option is the FlavCity whey protein powder. It comes in various flavors and is a great alternative if you prefer whey over plant-based proteins. Buy it here and use the code JAZZ for a discount.
Read my blog review of FlavCity Protein Powder for more insights.
Kitchen Tools
Vitamix Blender: The Vitamix Blender is a top-of-the-line, high-powered blender known for its durability and exceptional performance. It handles everything from smoothies to soups with ease, providing a creamy texture and smooth results every time.
Nutribullet Blender: The Nutribullet Blender is compact yet powerful, ideal for quick smoothies and protein shakes. Its high-speed blending technology ensures smooth results and makes it easy to whip up nutritious drinks efficiently.
Ingredients
1 cup frozen avocado cubes — You can get these at Costco, Sprouts, and pretty much anywhere nowadays. Or you can also purchase avocados & freeze them yourself. They make a smoothie so creamy!
1 cup fresh spinach
1 frozen banana — Preferably really ripe, the riper the banana the sweeter the smoothie
2 tablespoons almond butter
1 date, pitted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla beans
1/4 teaspoon pink salt (don't skip this step)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder or Nuzest Clean Lean Protein in Smooth Vanilla
1/2 cup - 1 cup any milk/plant-based milk of choice
Instructions
Blend all of the ingredients in a high-powered blender on low, then slowly turn to high power for about 60 seconds until smooth and creamy. Be sure to add more liquid if needed. I prefer to begin with less liquid, then work my way little by little as I like my smoothies more creamy!
Serve with your favorite granola, some shredded coconut, and any other smoothie toppings of choice!
Jazz’s Tips for Making the Best Green Smoothie
Use a High-Speed Blender: To achieve that creamy texture, use a high-powered blender like a Vitamix or Nutribullet. This ensures all the ingredients blend smoothly.
Freeze Your Ingredients: Using frozen fruit and avocado cubes helps create a thick, cold smoothie. Plus, it makes meal prep easier since you can portion out your ingredients ahead of time.
Start with Less Liquid: It's easier to add more liquid if needed. Starting with less helps you control the consistency of your smoothie.
Layer Your Smoothie: For a beautiful presentation, layer your smoothie in a clear glass jar and add toppings in between layers.
What Makes This Smoothie a Great Option?
This smoothie is not just a delicious treat but also a great option for a healthy breakfast or a post-workout snack. It's a fantastic way to incorporate fresh banana, baby spinach, and almond butter into your diet, providing a balance of healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. The inclusion of a scoop of vanilla protein powder adds that extra protein boost needed for muscle recovery and sustained energy throughout the day.
Health Benefits of This High-Protein Smoothie
Healthy Fats: The avocado and almond butter provide healthy fats that are essential for brain health and maintaining healthy skin.
Protein Intake: The vanilla protein powder, combined with almond butter, ensures you're getting a good source of protein which is crucial for muscle repair and growth.
Vitamins and Minerals: Spinach and avocado are rich in vitamins K, C, and various B vitamins, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium.
Natural Sweetness: The frozen banana and date add natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar.
Fiber: Ingredients like spinach, avocado, and the optional chia seeds or flax seeds are great sources of fiber, aiding in digestion and keeping you full longer.
Other Smoothie Recipes to Try
If you're looking to explore more delicious and nutritious smoothie options, check out these favorites:
Protein Snickers Smoothie: A decadent, protein-packed treat that combines the flavors of a Snickers bar with healthy ingredients.
Healthy Chocolate Frosty Smoothie: Enjoy a rich, chocolatey smoothie that's both indulgent and nutritious.
Blueberry Cacao Zucchini Smoothie with Protein: This unique blend of blueberry, cacao, and zucchini is packed with protein and flavor.
Almond Butter Banana Smoothie for Kids: A kid-friendly smoothie that's creamy, tasty, and full of healthy ingredients.
High Protein Shamrock Shake Recipe: A protein-rich take on the classic shamrock shake, perfect for a festive treat.
FAQ
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Absolutely! While I love using Nuzest Clean Lean Protein in Smooth Vanilla for its clean ingredients and smooth taste, you can opt for a whey protein like FlavCity Protein Powder if you prefer. Both options will provide the grams of protein you need.
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No problem! You can substitute almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. Each provides a slightly different flavor but still offers those healthy fats and protein. If you prefer, you can also omit the almond butter altogether. The smoothie will still be delicious and nutritious without it!
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Yes! Feel free to throw in extra leafy greens like kale or more spinach. This will enhance the nutrient content without significantly altering the taste.
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I love topping my smoothies with homemade granola, which you can find here. It adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor. For added protein, try sprinkling hemp hearts or adding a dollop of almond butter. You can also boost the nutritional profile with fresh fruits, chia seeds, or pumpkin seeds. Shredded coconut is another great option for texture and taste.
My high-protein vanilla green smoothie with banana is more than just a delicious treat; it's a powerhouse of nutrients that can help you stay energized and full throughout your day. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up, this smoothie is a fantastic choice.
The combination of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins makes it a great addition to any diet. So blend up, enjoy, and feel great about nourishing your body with this tasty and nutritious smoothie!
High-Protein Vanilla Green Smoothie with Banana
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen avocado cubes — You can get these at Costco, Sprouts, and pretty much anywhere nowadays. Or you can also purchase avocados & freeze them yourself. They make a smoothie so creamy!
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 frozen banana — Preferably really ripe, the riper the banana the sweeter the smoothie
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 date, pitted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla beans
- 1/4 teaspoon pink salt (don't skip this step)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or Nuzest Clean Lean Protein in Smooth Vanilla
- 1/2 cup - 1 cup any milk/plant-based milk of choice
Instructions
- Blend all of the ingredients in a high-powered blender on low, then slowly turn to high power for about 60 seconds until smooth and creamy. Be sure to add more liquid if needed. I prefer to begin with less liquid, then work my way little by little as I like my smoothies more creamy!
- Serve with your favorite granola, some shredded coconut, and any other smoothie toppings of choice!
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
Watch the Recipe Tutorial
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