Strawberry, banana and vanilla protein smoothie

Cooking time 5 min
Strawberry, banana and vanilla protein smoothie

Enjoy a refreshing blend of fruit and creaminess with this simple vanilla protein with strawberry and banana smoothie. Made with frozen strawberries, ripe banana, vanilla yoghurt, and ice, it comes together quickly and delivers a smooth, naturally sweet flavour. It’s an easy go-to recipe that’s just as pleasing to make as it is to drink.

  • Arla
  • Recipes
  • Strawberry, banana and vanilla protein smoothie

Ingredients

1 Banana
200 g Strawberries, frozen
8 Ice cubes

Instructions

  • Blend all the ingredients for the smoothie in a blender.
  • Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Enjoy!

Expert techniques for blending frozen ingredients

Blending frozen ingredients can be tricky, but a few simple techniques make it much smoother. Always start by adding the liquid – like yoghurt – first, as this helps the blades move freely and prevents jams. If you're using store-bought frozen strawberries, look for pre-diced options for easier blending, or lightly thaw whole strawberries for 2-3 minutes before blending. Use the pulse function to break up the fruit before switching to high speed for a smooth finish. A powerful blender and a bit of patience go a long way to achieving that perfect, creamy texture.

Freeze the yoghurt for an icier texture

Want your strawberry banana vanilla protein smoothie extra cold with an icier texture? Try freezing the yoghurt before blending! Just spoon it into an ice cube tray and freeze for a few hours. Then pop the yoghurt cubes into the blender with your other ingredients. This gives your smoothie a thicker, frostier texture.

Adjust the consistency of your vanilla protein with strawberry and banana smoothie

Getting the texture just right can make all the difference in your smoothie experience. If you prefer a thinner, more sippable consistency, simply replace some or all of the ice cubes with the same amount of cold water. This helps keep the smoothie cool and refreshing while reducing thickness, making it easier to drink through a straw or enjoy on the go. For an extra-smooth result, add the water gradually and blend in between until you reach your desired texture. This simple tweak lets you customise this recipe without compromising its flavour or chill.

Questions about this strawberry, banana and vanilla protein smoothie

Making this recipe is easy! Below you’ll find quick answers to common questions, like how to use leftover ingredients and prep ahead. Whether you’re just getting started or blend smoothies often, these tips will make things even simpler.

Can I use unflavoured yoghurt instead?

While you can use unflavoured yoghurt instead of vanilla in this recipe, it's worth noting that any changes to the ingredients may affect the overall nutritional values, including the protein content. If you're looking for a similar option with a naturally creamy texture and a high-protein profile, this protein smoothie with Greek yoghurt is a great alternative. It combines Greek yoghurt with frozen mango and a touch of warming spices like ginger and turmeric. The result is a rich, velvety smoothie with bold, balanced flavours and a refreshing twist, perfect if you like a bit of spice in your fruit blends.

What can I do with leftover bananas?

Leftover bananas are perfect for freezing and using later in smoothies. Simply peel and slice them, then freeze the pieces in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. This makes them easy to grab and blend, while also giving your smoothie a naturally creamy, chilled texture. Once frozen, you can use them in a variety of delicious recipes. Try this strawberry banana protein smoothie for a fruity classic, or this chocolate protein milk if you're craving something richer. For a more unique sip, this vanilla protein shake with beetroot swirls is a colourful and creative way to enjoy banana with a twist.

Can I prepare this vanilla protein with strawberry and banana smoothie in advance?

While you can prepare this recipe in advance, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you need to make it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container (like a sealed glass jar) and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Before serving, give it a good shake or stir, as some natural separation may occur.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

190 Kcal

Fibre 5.5 gram fibers
Protein 2.4 gram
Carbohydrates 43.2 gram
Fat 0.5 gram

Can I make this smoothie without a blender?

While a blender gives the smoothest result, you can still make a version of this smoothie without one. Start by mashing the banana thoroughly with a fork until smooth. Thaw and finely chop the strawberries and mix them into the banana. In a separate bowl, whisk the vanilla yoghurt until creamy, then stir everything together.

Since blending ice cubes isn’t an option, you can either pour the smoothie over the same amount of crushed ice or replace the ice cubes with the same amount of cold water to keep it chilled and easy to drink. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavours to come together before serving.

Add a few drops of vanilla for extra flavour

To enhance the natural sweetness of the strawberries and banana, try adding a few drops of vanilla extract to your smoothie. Even if you’re already using vanilla yoghurt, a little extra vanilla can deepen the flavour and bring a soft, rounded finish to the blend. Add it just before blending to ensure it’s evenly mixed throughout. It’s a simple addition that makes the smoothie feel a little more indulgent without changing the core ingredients.

Make your own frozen strawberries

Freezing your own strawberries is an easy way to always have them on hand for smoothies. Start by washing and hulling the berries, then pat them dry thoroughly. Slice them in halves or quarters for easier blending, and lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents the strawberries from clumping together, so you can grab just what you need, perfect for this simple, refreshing smoothie.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/strawberry-banana-and-vanilla-protein-smoothie/