I perfected an Easy Post Workout Smoothie that combines banana, spinach, oats, peanut butter and Greek yogurt into a protein-rich, naturally sweet meal replacement that supports muscle recovery, aids weight management and doubles as a kid-friendly breakfast.

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I’ve been testing protein smoothies for months and I still find combos that surprise me. Some mornings I grab a chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie, other times I need a green detox protein smoothie to wake up my brain.

Whether you’re after an Easy Post Workout Smoothie that’s quick, or a High Protein Morning Smoothie to keep you full till lunch, these recipes hit that sweet spot between real food and fast fuel. Ill show a bunch of flavors that actually taste like something, not just a health drink, and some will make you rethink what a smoothie can be.

Ingredients

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Ingredient Quantities

Chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie: 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (25 to 30 g); 1 cup unsweetened almond milk; 1 small frozen banana; 1 tbsp natural peanut butter; 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy free yogurt; 1 tsp honey or maple syrup optional; 1/2 cup ice

Mocha coffee protein smoothie: 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder; 3/4 cup cold brew coffee; 1/4 cup milk or almond milk; 1/2 frozen banana; 1 tbsp cocoa powder; 1 tbsp chia seeds; ice as needed

Strawberry banana breakfast smoothie: 1 cup frozen strawberries; 1 small ripe banana; 1 cup milk or plant milk; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup rolled oats optional; 1 tsp honey optional

Tropical mango pineapple smoothie dairy free: 1/2 cup frozen mango; 1/2 cup frozen pineapple; 1 cup coconut water or almond milk; 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder; 1 tbsp hemp seeds; 1/2 banana for creaminess optional

Green detox protein smoothie: 1 cup packed spinach; 1/2 cup chopped kale; 1/2 small ripe avocado; 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut water; 1 scoop unflavored protein powder or 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp ground flaxseed or hemp seeds; 1 small apple or 1/2 banana for sweetness

Blueberry almond oat smoothie: 1 cup frozen blueberries; 1 cup almond milk; 1/4 cup rolled oats; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1 tbsp almond butter; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

Peach vanilla protein smoothie: 1 cup frozen peaches; 1 cup milk or plant milk; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tbsp honey optional

Pumpkin spice protein smoothie: 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1 cup almond milk; 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon; 1/2 banana; 1 tbsp chia seeds

Apple cinnamon protein smoothie: 1 small apple chopped and cored; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1 cup almond milk; 1/4 cup rolled oats; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tbsp almond butter

Vegan hemp banana protein smoothie: 1 scoop plant protein powder (pea or rice) about 20 to 25 g; 1 frozen banana; 1 tbsp hemp seeds; 1 cup soy or oat milk; 1 tbsp almond butter or tahini optional

Low carb chocolate avocado smoothie: 1 scoop low carb chocolate protein powder; 1/2 ripe avocado; 1 cup unsweetened almond milk; 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tbsp coconut cream or heavy cream optional; sweetener like stevia to taste

High protein yogurt oat smoothie: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1/4 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup mixed berries frozen or fresh; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup optional; 1/2 cup milk or plant milk

How to Make this

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1. Gather everything first so you dont forget: protein powder chocolate vanilla or unflavored or plant based pea or rice, milk or plant milk like almond soy or oat, unsweetened almond milk, coconut water, cold brew coffee, frozen banana or a small frozen banana, fresh banana, frozen strawberries blueberries peaches mango pineapple, canned pumpkin puree, spinach and chopped kale, ripe avocado, small apple, plain Greek yogurt or dairy free yogurt, rolled oats, natural peanut butter almond butter or tahini, hemp seeds chia seeds ground flaxseed, unsweetened cocoa powder or cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup or stevia, pumpkin pie spice and ground cinnamon, ice, coconut cream or heavy cream if you want it richer.

2. Measure the basics: use 1 scoop protein powder about 20 to 30 grams, about 1 cup liquid for most recipes or for mocha do 3 quarters cup cold brew plus a quarter cup milk, and judge frozen fruit at about 1 cup or 1 half cup for lighter versions.

3. Add the creamy things next: spoon in 1 half to 1 cup Greek yogurt or dairy free yogurt, or 1 half banana, or 1 half ripe avocado, or 2 tablespoons coconut cream or heavy cream for low carb chocolate avocado style.

4. Add your fruit and veggies: put in the frozen berries or strawberries or peaches or 1 half cup frozen mango and 1 half cup frozen pineapple for tropical, or 1 cup packed spinach plus 1 half cup chopped kale and 1 small apple for the green detox, or 1 small chopped apple for apple cinnamon, or 1 half cup pumpkin puree for pumpkin spice.

5. Add the boosters and flavor: 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter or tahini for richness, 1 tablespoon hemp seeds or chia seeds or ground flaxseed for omega three, 1 quarter cup rolled oats if making an oat smoothie, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder for chocolate, 1 half teaspoon cinnamon or a quarter teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and sweeten with 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup or a little stevia to taste.

6. If you need more protein without dairy use a plant protein scoop and dairy free yogurt, for low carb skip oats and banana and use avocado coconut cream and low carb chocolate protein; for mocha use cocoa powder and coffee with a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein.

7. Layer the blender so it blends easy: liquids first, then powders and seeds, yogurt and nut butters next, then frozen fruit and ice on top. pulse a few times to break big chunks then blend on high for about 30 to 60 seconds until smooth.

8. Check texture and taste: if too thick add a splash of almond milk or coconut water, if too thin add more frozen fruit or a few ice cubes, if not sweet enough add honey maple or stevia, dont over sweeten.

9. Serve right away topped with extra sliced banana or berries a sprinkle of oats cinnamon pumpkin pie spice chia seeds or a dollop of nut butter for looks and extra protein.

10. Store or prep tips: drink fresh but you can refrigerate up to 24 hours and shake or reblend before drinking, freeze portions in jars or popsicle molds for meal prep, and thaw frozen fruit a little if your blender struggles with big ice chunks.

Equipment Needed

1. High-speed blender (600W or more), the workhorse that crushes frozen fruit, ice and seeds so it wont be lumpy
2. Measuring cups and measuring spoons, for liquids, oats, cocoa, seeds and sweeteners
3. Kitchen scale, handy for getting the protein scoop grams right and portioning fruit if you want consistency
4. Cutting board and a sharp knife, to chop apples, slice bananas and prep avocado
5. Rubber spatula or long spoon, to scrape down the blender and scoop out thick nut butter or yogurt
6. Tall serving glasses or mason jars with lids, for serving or make-ahead smoothies on the go
7. Ice tray or ice scoop, if you like exact ice amounts or want pre-portioned cubes
8. Fine mesh strainer or nut-milk bag (optional), if you prefer an ultra-smooth texture after blending

FAQ

Can I make these smoothies dairy free or vegan?

Yes, easily. Swap Greek yogurt for a dairy free yogurt or silken tofu, use plant milks (almond, oat, soy, coconut) and choose a plant based protein powder. If a recipe calls for honey use maple syrup instead.

How do I make a smoothie thicker or thinner?

For thicker: add less liquid, more frozen fruit, 1/4 to 1/2 cup oats, or 1/4 avocado. For thinner: add more milk, water or coconut water and blend a few seconds more. Ice will thicken but can dilute flavor if you add too much.

Want more protein or calories, what should I add?

Add an extra scoop of protein powder, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1–2 tbsp nut or seed butter, ground flax or hemp seeds, or a small handful of oats. For calories without changing texture much try coconut cream or a spoon of peanut butter.

Can I make smoothies ahead and store them?

Yes, you can store in the fridge up to 24 hours in a sealed jar. They separate, so shake or re-blend before drinking. For longer storage freeze portions in ice cube trays or freezer jars, then blend with fresh liquid when ready.

What if I have nut or soy allergies?

Use seed butters like sunflower or pumpkin seed butter instead of nut butter, choose pea or rice protein if soy is an issue, and use oat or rice milk. Always check your protein powder label for hidden allergens.

Are these smoothies good as a meal replacement or post workout snack?

Many hit 20 to 30 g protein so they work well after workouts and can replace a meal if you add carbs and healthy fats (oats, fruit, nut butter). If you're replacing meals regularly make sure total calories and nutrients match your needs, and you might want a little extra fiber or veggies.

Protein Smoothie Recipes Substitutions and Variations

Almond milk
- Soy milk, creamier and higher in protein
- Oat milk, sweeter and makes smoothies thicker
- Cow milk, if you arent dairy free, adds extra protein and creaminess
- Coconut water, for a lighter, more tropical drink with electrolytes
Frozen banana
- Avocado, for creaminess and healthy fats without extra sweetness
- Unsweetened applesauce, for moisture and mild sweetness
- Silken tofu, to keep it creamy and boost protein (great for vegan smoothies)
- Frozen mango, for sweetness and a similar thick texture
Plain Greek yogurt
- Cottage cheese, higher in protein and gives a similar tangy creaminess
- Silken tofu, dairy free, adds creaminess and protein
- Dairy free yogurt (coconut or almond), for a non dairy swap
- Kefir, thinner but adds tang and probiotics, use a bit less liquid
Protein powder
- Whey concentrate or isolate, if you want faster absorbing animal protein
- Pea or hemp protein, good vegan options though texture can be a bit gritty
- Collagen peptides, for joint support and neutral flavor, not vegan
- Extra Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, a whole food way to up protein without powder

Pro Tips

1) Layer and pulse for smoothness: put the liquid and powders in first, then yogurt or nut butter, frozen fruit and ice on top. Pulse a few times to break big chunks, then blend on high till creamy. If your blender chokes, let frozen fruit thaw a few minutes or chop it smaller.

2) Fix chalky plant protein and gritty oats: whisk the protein into a few tablespoons of liquid or coffee first, or blend it with yogurt before adding ice. If using rolled oats grind them quick in the blender or soak them 10 minutes so they dont stay grainy.

3) Boost flavor without extra sugar: a tiny pinch of salt, a drop of vanilla, or a sprinkle of cinnamon makes chocolate and fruit flavors pop. For the mocha freeze coffee into ice cubes so your drink stays strong and not watered down.

4) Make-ahead and portions that actually work: freeze single servings in jars or ice cube trays, then thaw a bit and reblend or shake before drinking. Or pack dry add-ins in snack bags so in the morning you just toss the bag, liquid and blender together.

Protein Smoothie Recipes

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

kcal

Equipment: 1. High-speed blender (600W or more), the workhorse that crushes frozen fruit, ice and seeds so it wont be lumpy
2. Measuring cups and measuring spoons, for liquids, oats, cocoa, seeds and sweeteners
3. Kitchen scale, handy for getting the protein scoop grams right and portioning fruit if you want consistency
4. Cutting board and a sharp knife, to chop apples, slice bananas and prep avocado
5. Rubber spatula or long spoon, to scrape down the blender and scoop out thick nut butter or yogurt
6. Tall serving glasses or mason jars with lids, for serving or make-ahead smoothies on the go
7. Ice tray or ice scoop, if you like exact ice amounts or want pre-portioned cubes
8. Fine mesh strainer or nut-milk bag (optional), if you prefer an ultra-smooth texture after blending

Ingredients

Chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie: 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (25 to 30 g); 1 cup unsweetened almond milk; 1 small frozen banana; 1 tbsp natural peanut butter; 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy free yogurt; 1 tsp honey or maple syrup optional; 1/2 cup ice
Mocha coffee protein smoothie: 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder; 3/4 cup cold brew coffee; 1/4 cup milk or almond milk; 1/2 frozen banana; 1 tbsp cocoa powder; 1 tbsp chia seeds; ice as needed
Strawberry banana breakfast smoothie: 1 cup frozen strawberries; 1 small ripe banana; 1 cup milk or plant milk; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup rolled oats optional; 1 tsp honey optional
Tropical mango pineapple smoothie dairy free: 1/2 cup frozen mango; 1/2 cup frozen pineapple; 1 cup coconut water or almond milk; 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder; 1 tbsp hemp seeds; 1/2 banana for creaminess optional
Green detox protein smoothie: 1 cup packed spinach; 1/2 cup chopped kale; 1/2 small ripe avocado; 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut water; 1 scoop unflavored protein powder or 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp ground flaxseed or hemp seeds; 1 small apple or 1/2 banana for sweetness
Blueberry almond oat smoothie: 1 cup frozen blueberries; 1 cup almond milk; 1/4 cup rolled oats; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1 tbsp almond butter; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
Peach vanilla protein smoothie: 1 cup frozen peaches; 1 cup milk or plant milk; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tbsp honey optional
Pumpkin spice protein smoothie: 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1 cup almond milk; 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon; 1/2 banana; 1 tbsp chia seeds
Apple cinnamon protein smoothie: 1 small apple chopped and cored; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1 cup almond milk; 1/4 cup rolled oats; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tbsp almond butter
Vegan hemp banana protein smoothie: 1 scoop plant protein powder (pea or rice) about 20 to 25 g; 1 frozen banana; 1 tbsp hemp seeds; 1 cup soy or oat milk; 1 tbsp almond butter or tahini optional
Low carb chocolate avocado smoothie: 1 scoop low carb chocolate protein powder; 1/2 ripe avocado; 1 cup unsweetened almond milk; 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tbsp coconut cream or heavy cream optional; sweetener like stevia to taste
High protein yogurt oat smoothie: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1/4 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup mixed berries frozen or fresh; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup optional; 1/2 cup milk or plant milk

Directions

Gather everything first so you dont forget: protein powder chocolate vanilla or unflavored or plant based pea or rice, milk or plant milk like almond soy or oat, unsweetened almond milk, coconut water, cold brew coffee, frozen banana or a small frozen banana, fresh banana, frozen strawberries blueberries peaches mango pineapple, canned pumpkin puree, spinach and chopped kale, ripe avocado, small apple, plain Greek yogurt or dairy free yogurt, rolled oats, natural peanut butter almond butter or tahini, hemp seeds chia seeds ground flaxseed, unsweetened cocoa powder or cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup or stevia, pumpkin pie spice and ground cinnamon, ice, coconut cream or heavy cream if you want it richer.
Measure the basics: use 1 scoop protein powder about 20 to 30 grams, about 1 cup liquid for most recipes or for mocha do 3 quarters cup cold brew plus a quarter cup milk, and judge frozen fruit at about 1 cup or 1 half cup for lighter versions.
Add the creamy things next: spoon in 1 half to 1 cup Greek yogurt or dairy free yogurt, or 1 half banana, or 1 half ripe avocado, or 2 tablespoons coconut cream or heavy cream for low carb chocolate avocado style.
Add your fruit and veggies: put in the frozen berries or strawberries or peaches or 1 half cup frozen mango and 1 half cup frozen pineapple for tropical, or 1 cup packed spinach plus 1 half cup chopped kale and 1 small apple for the green detox, or 1 small chopped apple for apple cinnamon, or 1 half cup pumpkin puree for pumpkin spice.
Add the boosters and flavor: 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter or tahini for richness, 1 tablespoon hemp seeds or chia seeds or ground flaxseed for omega three, 1 quarter cup rolled oats if making an oat smoothie, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder for chocolate, 1 half teaspoon cinnamon or a quarter teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and sweeten with 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup or a little stevia to taste.
If you need more protein without dairy use a plant protein scoop and dairy free yogurt, for low carb skip oats and banana and use avocado coconut cream and low carb chocolate protein; for mocha use cocoa powder and coffee with a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein.
Layer the blender so it blends easy: liquids first, then powders and seeds, yogurt and nut butters next, then frozen fruit and ice on top. pulse a few times to break big chunks then blend on high for about 30 to 60 seconds until smooth.
Check texture and taste: if too thick add a splash of almond milk or coconut water, if too thin add more frozen fruit or a few ice cubes, if not sweet enough add honey maple or stevia, dont over sweeten.
Serve right away topped with extra sliced banana or berries a sprinkle of oats cinnamon pumpkin pie spice chia seeds or a dollop of nut butter for looks and extra protein.
Store or prep tips: drink fresh but you can refrigerate up to 24 hours and shake or reblend before drinking, freeze portions in jars or popsicle molds for meal prep, and thaw frozen fruit a little if your blender struggles with big ice chunks.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.