I love a good protein smoothie. I have them a handful times a week, especially when the weather gets warmer, for an easy and nutrient-packed meal. This peanut butter banana protein smoothie is one I never get tired of.
It’s thick and creamy thanks to frozen bananas and has the perfect amount of peanut butter flavor thanks to peanut butter and peanut butter powder. Plus, it has a serving of veggies in there that no one will be able to tell!
This peanut butter smoothie is packed with 44 grams of protein to help fill you up and keep you full. Perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast, post-workout, snack, or even dessert. I used whole milk and whey protein powder, but this recipe can easily be made vegan by using non-dairy milk and plant-based protein powder. Customize it to fit your needs and goals!
Why we love this banana peanut butter protein smoothie recipe
- super thick and creamy
- high protein – 44 grams of protein in one smoothie!
- packed with vitamins and minerals – it’s full of B vitamins, vitamin C, copper, potassium, manganese, and phosphorus!
- macro-balanced – it has a good ratio of carbohydrates, protein, and fat for balanced blood sugar, and to avoid those spikes and crashes that some smoothies can do.
Are protein smoothies good for you?
Protein smoothies are a great healthy addition to any diet. They can be loaded with vitamins and minerals due to adding fruits and veggies. It’s important to have balanced macronutrients with protein, fat, and fiber (along with the carbs) so they fill you up, digest slowly, and don’t spike your blood sugar. When making them at home, you have full control over the quality of the ingredients.
When should you drink a protein shake?
Protein shakes can be enjoyed any time of day, whether it be for breakfast, lunch, a snack, or pre or post-workout. To optimize muscle growth and recovery, make sure you are consuming protein throughout the day and around (before and after) your workouts. Consuming protein along with an adequate amount of carbs can be beneficial for performance and glycogen synthesis (glucose energy storage).
Peanut butter banana protein smoothie ingredients
- frozen banana – for some natural sweetness and adds a great creamy texture!
- frozen cauliflower rice – for some veggies and to bulk it up (you can’t taste it!)
- vanilla protein powder – for our protein source and adds a nice touch of vanilla flavor.
- peanut butter
- peanut butter flour – to add more peanut butter flavor but without a ton more calories.
- cinnamon
- sea salt – to help bring out the flavors.
- milk – dairy or non-dairy works.
How to make a peanut butter banana protein smoothie
- Blend your smoothie. Add all the ingredients to a high-powered blender (I used my Vitamix) and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Enjoy! Pour into a cup or a jar. Drink or top with some toppings and enjoy!
How to freeze bananas
Peel bananas and cut into 1 1/2-2 inch pieces. Place cut bananas on a parchment paper-lined dish in the freezer and let freeze overnight, or at least 4 hours.
Substitutions and additions
- frozen banana – frozen sweet potato will work instead of banana.
- frozen cauliflower rice – you can use frozen cauliflower florets instead of rice.
- protein powder – I like using vanilla, but chocolate protein powder or even peanut butter flavored would work. You can use whey protein, plant-based, or collagen.
- peanut butter – any nut butter will work, like almond butter or cashew butter, but will change the flavor. You can also use seed butter like tahini or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- peanut butter flour – if you don’t have this, you can add more peanut butter. Doing so will add more fat to the recipe.
- milk – dairy or non-dairy milk works.
Here are some additions to add:
- greens – this will change the smoothie’s color, but add some more micronutrients. I would suggest spinach for a neutral taste.
- greek yogurt – add vanilla or plain for more protein.
- rolled oats – for more carbs.
- cocoa powder – for some chocolate!
- chia or flax seeds – great for omega-3 fats and fiber.
- sweetener – if you like your smoothies sweeter, add a little honey, maple syrup, or a Medjool date.
- vanilla extract – for more vanilla flavor.
- ice cubes – if you want more of a frozen texture and volume.
More healthy smoothie recipes
- favorite chocolate protein smoothie
- orange creamsicle smoothie
- chocolate beet smoothie
- tropical green protein smoothie
- coffee protein smoothie
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Peanut Butter Banana Protein Smoothie
equipment
ingredients
- 1 medium frozen banana (100 grams)
- 1 cup frozen cauliflower rice (100 grams)
- 1 serving vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter powder (15 grams)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (16 grams)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of sea salt
- 3/4 milk milk (use more or less depending on desired consistency)
instructions
- Blend your smoothie. Add all the ingredients to a high-powered blender (I used my Vitamix) and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Enjoy! Pour into a cup or a jar. Drink or top with some toppings and enjoy!
Ramya says
Cant wait to make this soon for me i never had peanut butter banana protein smoothie before I need to try this soon for me as been super hot in Singapore everyday perfect for hot days in Singapore love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
Kelly Nardo says
You will love the combination! I hope you enjoy!