Blueberry Banana Smoothie Recipe

BySam Ecclestone

I absolutely love to begin my day with a nutritious and revitalizing Blueberry Banana Smoothie. Antioxidant-rich blueberries offer far more than just a pretty hue; they pack powerful health benefits, like promoting heart health and boosting brain function.

When blended with a ripe banana, rich in potassium and fiber, this smoothie comes together in a satisfyingly sweet and creamy way. I always mix in Greek yogurt for a protein boost and pour either a non-dairy milk or cow’s milk, depending on my mood, for a creamy consistency.

Sometimes, I crave an even sweeter smoothie and mix in a touch of honey or maple syrup. To elevate the flavor even more, I like to add a hint of vanilla extract.

If you’re making this on a warm day, or even if you just want a thicker smoothie, feel free to toss in some ice cubes before blending. This powerhouse drink is far better than any flat-lining breakfast.

It keeps me going, and the way it fuels and fills me makes me think it was designed by some kind of health-food sorcerer.

Ingredients photo for Blueberry Banana Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Blueberry Banana Smoothie Recipe

Blueberries are filled with antioxidants, fiber, and natural sweetness.

Bananas provide a creamy texture, a good dose of potassium, and a healthy amount of natural sugars.

With a high protein content and a wealth of probiotics that promote a healthy gut, Greek yogurt is a superfood.

Calcium-rich milk results in a smooth texture.

Honey/Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that bring flavor balance.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

  • 1 ripe banana, peeled

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

  • Ice cubes (optional, for a thicker smoothie)

Instructions

1. All ingredients must be assembled: blueberries, banana, Greek yogurt, milk, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ice cubes optional.

2. Put the blueberries into a blender. There is no need to thaw them if they are frozen.

3. Add the banana, broken into smaller chunks, to ease the blending process.

4. Add creaminess and protein to the smoothie by spooning in Greek yogurt.

5. Add the milk of your choice. This will help everything mix smoothly together.

6. If you want a smoothie that is sweeter, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the other ingredients.

7. If you’re using it, add a hint of flavor with vanilla extract.

8. For a more substantial smoothie, add ice. A blender will do the job, but a North American smoothie shop is likely to use one of the following:

– A Vita-mix or a Waring blender, both of which are very powerful and have a long history in smoothies, with the Waring blender having possibly the best smoothie reputation of any blender ever made.

9. Combine all the ingredients into a blender. Set to high speed. Allow the appliance to run for a minute or two until the contents emulsify into a smooth and creamy mixture.

10. Serve the smoothie immediately by pouring it into a glass, and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Blender
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Spoon
5. Knife (for breaking the banana into smaller chunks)
6. Glass (for serving)

FAQ

  • Can I use frozen bananas instead of fresh?Indeed, using frozen bananas can yield a thicker and creamier smoothie. Just be sure to slice them before freezing—that will make blending them into the smoothie much easier.

  • What’s a good substitute for Greek yogurt?For a similar texture and taste, you can use standard yogurt, non-dairy yogurt, or even cottage cheese.

  • How can I make this smoothie vegan?Use a yogurt and milk alternative from plants, such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Instead of honey, sweeten with maple syrup.

  • Is there a way to boost the protein content?A scoop of your preferred protein powder or a tablespoon of nut butter can be added for a protein boost.

  • Can I omit the sweetener?Yes, if you prefer a smoothie that isn’t as sweet, feel free to omit the honey or maple syrup. The fruit provides more than enough in the way of natural sweetness.

  • What’s the best way to make it thicker?Ice cubes or more frozen fruit can thicken the smoothie when you add them.

  • How long will the smoothie last in the fridge?The optimal time for consuming it is immediately. However, it can be stored in the fridge for 24 hours or less, without degrading the product. When stored, shake well and drink it cold smoothies tend to be best served that way. But if you cannot handle the cold thing, serving it at room temperature is just fine.

Substitutions and Variations

1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries or strawberries instead of blueberries.
1/2 cup coconut yogurt or almond yogurt may be used in place of Greek yogurt for a dairy-free option.
1/2 cup almond milk or oat milk can be used in place of milk as a non-dairy alternative.
Agave nectar, 1 tablespoon. This is a vegan alternative to honey or maple syrup.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract in place of vanilla extract for an alternate flavor twist.