Have you ever craved something that’s both refreshingly delicious and nourishing to your body? A perfect strawberry banana smoothie might be exactly what you’re looking for. This classic combination brings together the sweet tanginess of strawberries with the creamy richness of bananas for a beverage that’s both satisfying and energizing.
Our strawberry banana smoothie recipe isn’t just another blend-and-go drink. It’s a perfectly balanced, nutrient-packed creation that you can whip up in just 5 minutes. Whether you’re rushing out the door for work, need a quick post-workout refuel, or simply want a healthy snack, this easy strawberry banana smoothie will become your new go-to recipe.
The beauty of this healthy strawberry banana smoothie lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a blender, you’ll create a smooth, creamy, and luxuriously thick drink that tastes like dessert but nourishes like a well-balanced meal.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
What makes our strawberry banana smoothie recipe stand out from the countless others online? It’s all about the perfect balance. We’ve carefully tested different ratios of fruit to liquid, experimenting with various add-ins until we found the ideal combination.
Unlike many overly sweet smoothies that rely on added sugars or fruit juices, our recipe harnesses the natural sweetness of perfectly ripe bananas. This means you get all the delicious flavor without unnecessary added sugars.
The consistency is another game-changer. By using frozen strawberries but a fresh banana, we’ve created a smoothie that’s thick and satisfying without being impossible to drink through a straw. This specific combination creates that sought-after creamy texture that makes smoothies so appealing.
Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Need more protein? Want to make it dairy-free? Looking to sneak in some greens? We’ve got variations that maintain the delicious strawberry banana flavor while adapting to your specific nutritional needs.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 medium-sized ripe banana (fresh, not frozen)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on the sweetness of your fruit)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-5 ice cubes (optional, for extra chill and thickness)
Ingredient Notes:
- Strawberries: Frozen strawberries work best for texture, but fresh strawberries with additional ice can be substituted.
- Banana: The riper your banana, the sweeter your smoothie will be. Those spotty bananas are perfect for this!
- Milk: Any variety works well! Use whole milk for extra creaminess, almond milk for a nutty undertone, or oat milk for the creamiest dairy-free option.
- Greek yogurt: Adds protein and creaminess. For a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt.
- Sweetener: Usually unnecessary with ripe fruit, but add if desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients before beginning. If using fresh strawberries instead of frozen, you’ll want to add more ice to achieve the right consistency.
2. Add Liquids First
Pour the milk, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract into your blender first. Adding liquids at the bottom helps the blender create a smooth vortex for even blending.
3. Add Fruit and Remaining Ingredients
Add the frozen strawberries, sliced banana, and honey or maple syrup (if using) to the blender.
4. Blend Until Smooth
Start blending on low speed for about 10 seconds, then gradually increase to high. Blend for approximately 30-45 seconds until completely smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes.
5. Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste your smoothie and adjust if needed:
- Need more sweetness? Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Too thick? Add a splash of milk.
- Too thin? Add a few ice cubes or more frozen strawberries.
6. Serve Immediately
Pour into glasses and enjoy right away for the best taste and texture. If desired, garnish with a fresh strawberry slice or banana chip.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Use frozen fruit strategically: Having at least one frozen element creates a thick, milkshake-like consistency without watering down the flavor with ice.
- Blend in stages: Start on low speed to break down the frozen fruit, then increase to high to create a perfectly smooth texture.
- Don’t overblend: Once your smoothie is smooth (usually 30-60 seconds), stop blending. Overblending can warm up the smoothie and break down the air bubbles that give it a nice texture.
- Ripe bananas are key: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your smoothie will be.
- Invest in a good blender: While any blender can make a basic smoothie, a high-powered blender will create the silkiest texture without chunks.
- Pre-portion smoothie packs: Freeze individual portions of strawberries and sliced bananas in ziplock bags for grab-and-blend convenience.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 medium-sized ripe banana fresh, not frozen
- 1 cup milk dairy or plant-based
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt plain or vanilla
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup optional, depending on the sweetness of your fruit
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-5 ice cubes optional, for extra chill and thickness
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
- Gather all your ingredients before beginning. If using fresh strawberries instead of frozen, you’ll want to add more ice to achieve the right consistency.
Add Liquids First
- Pour the milk, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract into your blender first. Adding liquids at the bottom helps the blender create a smooth vortex for even blending.
Add Fruit and Remaining Ingredients
- Add the frozen strawberries, sliced banana, and honey or maple syrup (if using) to the blender.
Blend Until Smooth
- Start blending on low speed for about 10 seconds, then gradually increase to high. Blend for approximately 30-45 seconds until completely smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes.
Taste and Adjust
- Before serving, taste your smoothie and adjust if needed:
- Need more sweetness? Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Too thick? Add a splash of milk.
- Too thin? Add a few ice cubes or more frozen strawberries.
Serve Immediately
- Pour into glasses and enjoy right away for the best taste and texture. If desired, garnish with a fresh strawberry slice or banana chip.
Notes
- Calories: 175
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 24g
- Calcium: 20% DV
- Vitamin C: 85% DV
- Use frozen fruit strategically: Having at least one frozen element creates a thick, milkshake-like consistency without watering down the flavor with ice.
- Blend in stages: Start on low speed to break down the frozen fruit, then increase to high to create a perfectly smooth texture.
- Don’t overblend: Once your smoothie is smooth (usually 30-60 seconds), stop blending. Overblending can warm up the smoothie and break down the air bubbles that give it a nice texture.
- Ripe bananas are key: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your smoothie will be.
- Invest in a good blender: While any blender can make a basic smoothie, a high-powered blender will create the silkiest texture without chunks.
- Pre-portion smoothie packs: Freeze individual portions of strawberries and sliced bananas in ziplock bags for grab-and-blend convenience.
Delicious Variations
Protein-Packed Version
Add 1 scoop (approximately 20g) of your favorite vanilla protein powder and 1 tablespoon of nut butter for a more filling post-workout option.
Green Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Add 1 cup of fresh spinach or kale for a nutrient boost that doesn’t significantly change the flavor. The vibrant berries mask the taste of the greens!
Tropical Twist
Add ¼ cup frozen pineapple and substitute coconut milk for regular milk for a tropical vacation in a glass.
Creamy Peanut Butter Version
Add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter for a protein boost and rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the banana.
Super Seed Boost
Add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds for added fiber, omega-3s, and a slight texture enhancement.
Oatmeal Smoothie
Add ¼ cup of rolled oats for extra fiber and a more substantial breakfast smoothie that will keep you full longer.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on recipe using 2% milk and plain Greek yogurt, makes 2 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 175 |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fat | 3.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Calcium | 20% DV |
| Vitamin C | 85% DV |
Health Benefits of Strawberry Banana Smoothies
This healthy strawberry banana smoothie isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients that support your overall well-being.
Strawberry Benefits
- Rich in antioxidants: Strawberries contain powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
- Vitamin C powerhouse: Just 1 cup of strawberries provides more than 100% of your daily vitamin C needs, supporting immune function and skin health.
- Heart health: Regular strawberry consumption has been linked to improved heart health markers, including lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and reduced inflammation.
- Blood sugar management: Despite their sweetness, strawberries have a relatively low glycemic index and can help regulate blood sugar when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Banana Benefits
- Potassium source: Bananas are well-known for their potassium content, an essential mineral that helps maintain proper heart and muscle function.
- Digestive support: The fiber in bananas, particularly the prebiotic fiber known as resistant starch, supports gut health and digestive function.
- Energy booster: The natural sugars in bananas (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) paired with fiber provide sustained energy without sharp blood sugar spikes.
- Mood enhancer: Bananas contain tryptophan and vitamin B6, which help the body produce serotonin—often called the “happiness hormone.”
Combined Benefits
When paired together in a smoothie with yogurt and milk, you get:
- A balanced macronutrient profile with carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats
- A wide range of vitamins and minerals
- Hydration from the high water content of the fruits
- A satisfying, nutrient-dense meal or snack that can help maintain energy levels
Time to Blend Your Perfect Smoothie!
Now that you have all the details for making the best strawberry banana smoothie, it’s time to pull out your blender and give it a try! This versatile recipe serves as an excellent base that you can customize to match your taste preferences and nutritional needs.
Remember, the key to a truly delicious strawberry banana smoothie lies in using quality ingredients and finding the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations until you find your personal favorite.
If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below sharing your experience or any creative additions you made to make this smoothie your own. And if you’re looking for more healthy breakfast options, check out our related recipes for [overnight oats], [green smoothies], and [protein pancakes].
Happy blending!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes! If using fresh strawberries, add 5-6 ice cubes to maintain the thick, cold consistency. Fresh strawberries may also require less added sweetener, especially when they’re in season and at peak ripeness.
How can I make this strawberry banana smoothie vegan?
Simply substitute the dairy milk with any plant-based alternative (almond, oat, soy, or coconut all work well) and use plant-based yogurt or skip the yogurt entirely and add a little extra plant milk.
Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
While smoothies are best enjoyed immediately after blending, you can refrigerate this smoothie for up to 12 hours. The color may change slightly and separation might occur, but a quick stir or shake will refresh it. You can also freeze prepared smoothies in ice cube trays, then blend the cubes with a splash of milk when ready to drink.
What blender works best for making smoothies?
Any blender can make a decent smoothie, but high-powered blenders like Vitamix, Blendtec, or Ninja create the smoothest consistency without chunks of fruit or ice. If using a standard blender, you may need to blend longer or cut the fruit into smaller pieces.
How can I make my smoothie thicker or thinner?
For a thicker smoothie, use more frozen fruit, less liquid, or add ice cubes. For a thinner smoothie, add more liquid or use fresh fruit instead of frozen.
Is this strawberry banana smoothie good for weight loss?
This smoothie can be part of a weight management plan as it’s relatively low in calories while being nutrient-dense and satisfying. For an even lower-calorie version, use unsweetened almond milk and skip the additional sweetener.
What can I add to increase the protein content?
Add a scoop of protein powder (whey, pea, hemp, or any type you prefer), Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, silken tofu, or nut butter to boost the protein content of your smoothie.