Natural protein shake
Enjoy a naturally smooth and flavourful blend with our natural protein shake, combining fresh fruits and vegetables with the creamy texture of dairy. Whether you choose banana for sweetness or avocado for richness, this shake is all about balance, rounded out by or your choice of yoghurt. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customisable, and offers a refreshing way to enjoy a mix of bold and mellow flavours in every sip.
Ingredients
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200 g
Mixed fruit and vegetables (approx. 2/3 fruits and 1/3 vegetables)
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100 g
Bananas or avocado
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200 ml
Milk
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6
Ice cubes
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Instructions
Crushed ice is a simple way to improve the blending process, especially in fruit and vegetable smoothies like this one. Smaller ice pieces break down more quickly and evenly, reducing strain on your blender and helping to create a smoother texture. It also chills the smoothie without leaving large chunks behind. If you don’t have crushed ice on hand, just place regular ice cubes in a clean towel and tap them gently with a rolling pin or use your blender’s pulse function to break them down before adding the other ingredients.
FAQ: Questions about this natural protein shake
Have questions about getting the best results from your natural protein shake? Below, we cover helpful tips on everything from balancing fruit and vegetables to adjusting texture and choosing the right yoghurt. You’ll also find easy ways to keep the protein content high without changing the flavour.
How can I boost the protein content of this shake?
The easiest way to keep the protein content high is by starting with ingredients that are naturally rich in protein. For the soured dairy component, Greek yoghurt, quark, and skyr are all excellent choices. They blend smoothly, offer a creamy texture, and deliver a solid protein boost without overpowering the fresh flavours of the shake. These options also pair particularly well with both fruits and vegetables, making them ideal bases for a natural protein shake that’s creamy, balanced, and easy to enjoy.
What is the best fruit-to-veg ratio for this natural protein shake?
For a well-balanced and flavourful smoothie, a 2:1 ratio of fruit to vegetables is ideal. This means using twice as much fruit as veg, for example, two parts strawberries to one part spinach. The natural sweetness of the fruit helps smooth out any strong or earthy flavours from vegetables like kale or fennel, resulting in a shake that’s fresh, smooth, and easy to enjoy. This ratio also blends well for a pleasant texture and vibrant colour.
What should I do if my shake is too thick?
If your shake turns out too thick, simply replace some of the ice with the same amount of cold water. This helps thin the consistency while keeping the shake cool and refreshing. It’s an easy adjustment that makes the shake easier to sip without changing the flavour.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
166 Kcal
| Fibre | 1.4 gram fibers |
| Protein | 8.1 gram |
| Fat | 0.9 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 30.7 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Other recipes
Top fruit and vegetable mixes for this recipe
Balancing fruits and vegetables in your smoothie not only add variety in flavour but also improves texture and colour. Here are some of our favourite combinations:
- Pineapple and spinach: a tropical, sweet-and-fresh mix with vibrant green colour and smooth finish.
- Strawberries and kale: sweet, slightly tart berries mellow out the earthy depth of kale for a rich and satisfying blend.
- Blueberries and fennel: blueberries bring sweetness and colour, while fennel adds a subtle anise-like freshness.
- Sharon fruit and kale: the mellow sweetness of Sharon fruit softens kale’s boldness, making for a unique and smooth mix.
- Soft pear and fennel: pear adds natural sweetness and creaminess, while fennel contributes a light, fragrant edge.
- Grapes and spinach: juicy grapes pair well with tender spinach leaves, creating a smoothie that’s both sweet and clean in flavour.
Mix and match to find the blend that suits your taste best!
Shake things up with ginger, chili, vanilla, or liquorice
A small twist can completely transform your natural protein shake, and these bold add-ins do just that. Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, zesty kick that pairs well with both fruits and vegetables. For a more unexpected edge, a tiny pinch of chili can bring subtle heat that energises the blend.
If you’re after something smoother, a few drops of vanilla extract round out the flavours with gentle sweetness. And for a more adventurous touch, try a hint of liquorice powder, just a little goes a long way in creating a unique, aromatic finish. Start small and adjust to taste for a shake that’s anything but ordinary.
Creamy or sweet? Choosing between avocado and banana
Avocado and banana both bring great texture to this shake, but each adds something different to the mix. Avocado gives it a rich, creamy consistency with a mild flavour that blends especially well with vegetables and subtle fruits. It’s ideal if you’re after a smooth, velvety result without added sweetness.
Banana, on the other hand, naturally sweetens the shake while also adding body, making it perfect for balancing tart or earthy ingredients. If you're unsure, try both in separate blends, each creates a distinct flavour and texture that can completely change your sipping experience.
How to meal prep this natural protein shake
Meal prepping this shake is simple with a few small steps. Start by washing, peeling, and chopping your fruits and vegetables, then portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers, ready to blend straight from the freezer.
You can also pre-measure the remaining ingredients like Greek yoghurt, quark, or skyr and store them in the fridge for quick access. If you're using milk or buttermilk, portion it separately and add just before blending for the best texture. When it’s time to prep, simply combine everything in the blender and mix until smooth. With ingredients prepped ahead, you can enjoy a fresh shake in just minutes.
