Healthy Protein Smoothies
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Healthy Protein Smoothies are a breakfast that tastes like dessert — I’ll take one of each flavor, please! These Protein Smoothies are rich, creamy, and perfectly filling. I’ve shared my go-to recipes for a Blueberry Banana Smoothie and a Pina Colada Smoothie.
Easy Protein Smoothies
I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it before, but I always like to have a healthy, low-calorie breakfast and lunch, then at dinner I splurge a little and always have dessert. I exercise 6 days a week because I think it’s a good balance for me. I watch Food Network while I run on the treadmill, it always keeps me going =).
For breakfast, I try to keep it around 300-400 calories 6 days a week (every Sunday I make a big brunch and splurge), so I like to have banana oatmeal, whole grain cream of wheat, whole grain cereal with almond milk, or these healthy smoothies with almond milk.
If you’re an athlete or love to lift weights, it’s important to repair those muscles after a workout and properly fuel them with protein. Mix up a tasty smoothie to enjoy after a tough session, and it will become a reward!
Why Almond Milk Smoothies?
Yes, I’ve made the change over to almond milk. I didn’t believe it when I heard some random fact about how many people prefer the taste of almond milk to dairy milk until I tried it myself. I always buy the Vanilla or Original flavor that’s 60-70 calories per serving (I always check the label because some have tons of added sugar, therefore a lot more calories. I never buy unsweetened.
Don’t get me wrong, though, I still love milk, I just prefer almond milk a little more, and the fact that it has fewer calories than milk is a definite bonus. The almond milk goes great in these healthy protein smoothies!
I love how these are delicious AND healthy smoothies! They pack in the protein and antioxidants, and they are a good source of fiber. Thanks to that protein and fiber, these smoothies will fill you up and keep you going. Pictured is 1/2 serving sizes, so yes, you get two of those glasses per serving listed!
Enjoy these fruit smoothies and share! Pass along a nutritious treat.
Healthy Protein Smoothie Ingredients
No protein powders full of mystery ingredients here! For the blueberry banana smoothie recipe, you’ll need:
- Almond milk
- Quick oats
- Strawberry or Blueberry non-fat Greek yogurt
- Banana
- Blueberries
- Ice cubes
And for the pina colada smoothie, you’ll need:
- Almond milk
- Quick oats
- Strawberry or Vanilla non-fat Greek yogurt
- Banana
- Fresh pineapple
- Coconut extract
- Ice cubes
How to Make Protein Smoothies
- Combine the oats and almond milk and cook in the microwave.
- Add cooked oats and the rest of the healthy smoothie ingredients (minus the ice) into a blender. Pulse until combined.
- Add the ice cubes and pulse until the smoothie is your desired consistency.
Smoothie Substitutions
Smoothies are endlessly remixable, so don’t be afraid to mix up your recipes and ingredients to find the perfect mixture for you. The easiest substitution is to swap similar fruits and veggies. For example, swap the blueberries for another type of berries (I love raspberries). If you usually use spinach in your green smoothie, try kale.
The key to substitution is to make sure you’re paying attention to the texture and sweetness of your substitutions. If you’ve added too many vegetables or flavorless additions, add back in some taste with healthy fats and sweetness such as honey, almond butter, orange juice, or agave.
If you need to boost your nutrition or vitamin intake, add vitamin c with oranges or supplements. Gut health powders or yogurts can also be mixed into your smoothie for an easy way to boost your health and immune system.
How to Make a Smoothie Bowl
Any healthy smoothie recipe can be turned into a smoothie bowl with ease. It’s just about thickening up the creamy texture and topping it with fruit and crunch. I like to cut down on the liquid and use frozen fruits, a bit more whey protein, or ice to make it thicker.
Pour the mixed smoothie into a bowl, then top with sliced fruit, flaxseed, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and/or granola. I like to finish with a drizzle of honey!
Can I Use Another Type of Milk in These Smoothies?
Yes, you can use any type of milk you’d like in these protein smoothies. Just make sure your milk doesn’t contain lots of added sugars! Coconut milk or soy milk are other nondairy options.
Can I Make These Smoothies in Advance?
No, these fruit smoothies are best enjoyed right away. For some reason, smoothies don’t freeze and thaw well.
Tips for the Best Protein Smoothies
- For a colder smoothie, let the oats cool for 5 minutes before adding them to the blender.
- Feel free to use different flavors of yogurt in these healthy protein smoothies.
- Cut back on the amount of almond milk you add for an even thicker smoothie.
More Easy Smoothie Recipes You’ll Love:
- Mango, Peach, and Strawberry Smoothie
- Strawberry Colada Smoothie
- Wild Blueberry and Pomegranate Smoothie
- Mango Green Tea Smoothie
- Banana Almond Flax Smoothie
Follow Cooking Classy
Healthy Protein Smoothies
Ingredients
Blueberry Banana Smoothie
- 1 cup Almond Milk Plus Protein , divided (I used So Delicious brand with 5g added protein)
- 1/4 cup quick oats
- 1 (5.3) oz Strawberry or Blueberry Nonfat Greek Yogurt
- 1/2 overripe banana , chilled
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries , chilled
- 5-6 ice cubes
Pina Colada Smoothie
- 1 cup Almond Milk Plus Protein , divided
- 1/4 cup quick oats
- 1 (5.3) oz Vanilla or Strawberry Nonfat Greek Yogurt
- 1/2 overripe banana , chilled
- 1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple , chilled
- 1/4 tsp coconut extract
- 5-6 ice cubes
Instructions
- For the blueberry banana smoothie: In a large microwave safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup Almond Milk with 1/4 cup quick oats. Microwave on high power 2 1/2 minutes. Pour cooked oat mixture into a blender along with remaining 1/2 cup almond milk, Greek yogurt, banana and blueberries. Blend mixture on low speed for 2 minutes or high speed for 1 minute. Add in ice cubes and puree until well blended. Serve immediately.
- For the Pina Colada smoothie: In a large microwave safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup Almond Milk with 1/4 cup quick oats. Microwave on high power 2 1/2 minutes. Pour cooked oat mixture into a blender along with remaining 1/2 cup almond milk, Greek yogurt, banana, pineapple and coconut extract. Blend mixture on low speed for 2 minutes or high speed for 1 minute. Add in ice cubes and puree until well blended. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Recipe Source: Cooking Classy
- If you want an even colder smoothie, stir the oatmeal after microwaving and allow to cool at least 5 minutes before blending into smoothie.