Description
This healthy strawberry smoothie recipe is thick, creamy, and naturally sweet! Made with just 5 simple ingredients including strawberries, banana, and yogurt, it’s ready in 5 minutes and perfect for busy mornings, post-workout refreshment, or a healthy snack anytime. Naturally gluten-free and easily made vegan!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (about 10–12 oz, hulled if fresh)
- 1 large ripe banana, peeled and sliced (fresh or frozen)
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt or regular yogurt (use dairy-free yogurt for vegan)
- ½ cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, coconut, or soy)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, add to taste)
- 4–6 ice cubes (only if using fresh fruit; skip if using frozen)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- Handful of fresh spinach (for extra nutrients without affecting taste)
- ¼ avocado (for extra creaminess)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
If using fresh strawberries, remove the stems and hulls, then rinse and pat dry. Peel and slice the banana. Measure out your yogurt and milk. If you’re using frozen fruit, you can skip the ice cubes as the frozen fruit will provide the chill factor.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Blender in Order
This order helps blend smoothly! First add the liquid (milk) to the blender. Next add the yogurt. Then add the banana slices. Finally, add the strawberries on top. If using ice, add it last. This layering technique ensures the blades can move freely and everything blends evenly.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds until completely smooth and creamy with no chunks remaining. Start at a lower speed if your blender has variable settings, then increase to high. If the mixture isn’t blending well, stop and use a spatula to scrape down the sides, then blend again. If it’s too thick, add more milk 1-2 tablespoons at a time. If it’s too thin, add a few more frozen strawberries or ice cubes.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Stop the blender and taste your smoothie. If it’s not sweet enough, add honey or maple syrup 1 teaspoon at a time and blend again briefly. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, add more frozen fruit or ice.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Pour the strawberry smoothie into tall glasses. For extra pretty presentation, you can garnish with a fresh strawberry on the rim, a sprinkle of chia seeds, or a mint leaf. Serve immediately with a straw for the best texture and flavor!
Notes
- Frozen vs. Fresh Fruit: Frozen strawberries create a thicker, icier smoothie. Fresh strawberries make a lighter smoothie but require ice to get cold.
- Consistency Control: The key to perfect thickness is the ratio of frozen ingredients to liquid. Start with less liquid and add more as needed.
- Sweetness Level: Ripe bananas and strawberries usually provide enough sweetness. Taste before adding honey!
- Make It Vegan: Use dairy-free yogurt (coconut, almond, or soy) and plant-based milk.
- Boost Protein: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or a tablespoon of nut butter.
- Storage: Best consumed immediately, but you can refrigerate for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. Shake or stir before drinking as separation is natural.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie (approximately 16 oz, ½ of recipe)
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 8mg