Strawberry Banana Smoothie

As a busy mom of two and a businesswoman, I always look for accessible and wholesome snacks to add to my weekly menu. This Strawberry Banana Smoothie is a staple in my house. I always have the ingredients on hand, and it takes me under five minutes to blend them, creating a creamy, naturally sweet, and vitamin-packed drink that tastes indulgent but will leave me satisfied and energized.

This refreshing smoothie tastes like a delicious shake from the ice cream store but is made with healthy ingredients. Strawberry banana smoothies are not a hit only with me. They have become a hit with all my family members, especially my kids. I usually serve these as an after-school snack with berry yogurt bark and delicious chia seed cheesecake pudding.

With just a bit of planning and the right grocery list, I organize my weekly menu with recipes that require minimal effort. I prefer my time in the kitchen to be enjoyable, not forced. I love the simplicity and versatility of a drink like this, packed with fruits, Greek yogurt, and milk. I can add honey to make it taste like a refreshing shake or protein powder for a post-workout snack. I can add a handful of spinach and some oats for a quick breakfast on the go. No matter when and how I serve it, this smoothie never disappoints.

Why you will love this recipe

• It is ready in minutes: You can make one of these smoothies in five minutes, making it the perfect snack or grab-and-go breakfast.
• They are healthy: Do not feel guilty about indulging in this delicious treat; it is wholesome and filled with good-for-you ingredients.
• It is easy to make: You need only a few ingredients and a blender. I usually add all the ingredients to the blender and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, I press pulse, and my smoothie is ready in one minute.
• They are kid-friendly: My kids love a strawberry banana smoothie for breakfast with a side of oatmeal pancakes, or they sip it in the car while I drive them to school. They also make a great and nutritious afternoon snack.

What you will need

• Strawberries: I use frozen strawberries, which are usually cheaper, and I buy in bulk.
• Banana: I prefer a fresh banana, but you can use a frozen one for thicker smoothies.
• Dairy: I usually choose unsweetened vegan milk, like hazelnut or almond, and I add Greek yogurt for creaminess and protein.
• Vanilla: This is optional, but I like the subtle flavor.
• Sweetener: I use honey or maple syrup to make it sweeter.

How to make

Gather the ingredients: First, I measure and add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender.

Pulse: Then, I pulse to blend until smooth.

Adjust and serve: I add more milk if the drink is too thick. If it is too thin, I add more fruit or ice. Then, I serve it immediately.

Expert tip

Frozen or fresh fruit

Unless the frozen fruit has added sugars, it is as good for you as the fresh stuff. Not only that, but it stays fresh longer. You can keep frozen strawberries and bananas for over a year. To ensure you get the best fruit, buy your fresh fruit and freeze it yourself. Another reason why frozen fruit is a better deal is because it is so much cheaper. Now, frozen fruit is almost a necessity for smoothies. Not only does it make the smoothies thicker, but it also prevents you from having to add ice to them. When you add ice, they get watered and are not as flavorful.

More tips to consider

• Another way to thicken your smoothie is to add chia seeds, oats, or nut butter.
• Do not use sugar, sugary yogurt, or dried fruit in your smoothie to keep it healthy.
• If you use juice, make sure it is unsweetened.

Recipe variations and add-ins:

• Other fruits: If you do not have strawberries or bananas, you can use something else or add more fruits like blueberries, raspberries, peaches, pears, and oranges.
• Add protein: To add protein to the smoothie, add a scoop of protein powder. Vanilla or strawberry flavor, I also like to add chocolate protein powder for a strawberry chocolate smoothie.
• Applesauce: Add applesauce to your smoothie for extra sweetness and thickness.
• Different yogurt flavors: Another way to change the flavors is to use a different kind of yogurt, like vanilla or lemon.
• Greens: To add more nutrients and vitamins to the smoothie, add spinach, kale, celery, or other greens. This is also an excellent way to get the kids to eat their greens.
• Nut butter: Add a tablespoon of your favorite nut butter to increase the protein and healthy fat.
• Non-dairy yogurt: There are plenty of non-dairy choices. Some of the most popular ones are soy, coconut, and almond-based yogurt and milk.
• Flaxseeds: These are great to use in this recipe as they work amazingly well to thicken the drink. They are also healthy and packed with omega-3, proteins, and antioxidants.

Serving suggestions:

Serve them for a Sunday breakfast with these strawberry pancakes with cheesecake filling or with a slice of this strawberry bread. Pour the smoothie into a bowl and top with sliced fruit, nut butter, and granola for a smoothie bowl. I also like to take this strawberry banana smoothie on the go for a quick and wholesome breakfast at the office, where I pair it with boiled eggs.

These smoothies also make an excellent post-workout snack if you add some protein powder. These would go great as a light lunch paired with my healthy but delicious strawberry spinach salad with lemon, garlic, and vinegar dressing. This is also the perfect refreshing drink for BBQing in the backyard or relaxing by the pool.

How to store leftovers:

• Refrigerate: The smoothie can be stored in a sealed mason jar for up to two days. Add ice and blend to thicken it again.   
• Freezing: You could also freeze it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Be sure to put it back in the blender to get it ready to drink or eat again.    
• Defrost: You do not have to defrost it overnight. Take it out; it will be ready to drink after you pulse it in the blender.

Frequently asked questions

Blenders to use for homemade smoothies

Plenty of blenders are out there, and all are great choices. It just depends on what additional functions you want. Some of our favorite picks broken by price are listed below:

• Under $30: Hamilton Beach – this will serve you well for this price range.
• Under $100: Ninja Blender– this is an excellent blender at the price, with great reviews and good quality. 
• Over $300: Vitamix—this is quite expensive, but it is a professional-grade blender, so it has plenty of functions and options. If you plan on making smoothies often, I suggest getting one, as it is one of the best. 

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