Healthy Banana Protein Shake
Published 3/30/2019 • Updated 2/15/2024
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This Healthy Banana Protein Shake is packed with a short list of whole, simple ingredients and blended together to perfection! Unlike other shake recipes, we use frozen Greek yogurt to give this shake its irresistibly creamy texture.
Boasting 16 grams of protein per serving and oh-so-flavorful, this homemade protein shake recipe will fuel your body post-workout and satisfy your sweet tooth without all the added sugars.
Though a banana protein shake may sound pretty run-of-the-mill, it is one of our favorite protein shake recipes! We absolutely love making this after a hard workout because it’s packed with protein but tastes like dessert. That’s right. A healthy protein shake recipe that actually tastes creamy and delicious AND doesn’t pack any ingredients you can’t pronounce. #winning.
This perfect breakfast or snack could not be easier to make. Simply place all your ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth. In just a few minutes, you’ll be sipping on your delicious protein shake in no time.
Banana Protein Shake – What You’ll Need
- Frozen sliced bananas: Bananas are a staple when it comes to making smoothies and shakes. If this will be your first time using frozen banana slices, check out this post on how to freeze bananas!
- Vanilla protein powder: We used Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein, a plant-based protein powder that’s perfect for vegans.
- Milk: Any milk will work for this recipe! We used unsweetened almond milk because it’s creamy and adds a nice nutty flavor.
- Frozen Greek yogurt: Our secret to what gives this protein shake the consistency you typically get from adding ice cream to a shake. We like to freeze our Greek yogurt into an ice cube tray ahead of time and then keep the cubes in Stasher bags in the freezer to have on hand whenever the protein shake mood strikes.
- High-speed blender: A good blender is key for creating a smooth and creamy protein shake.
Best Protein Powders
Check out our top protein powder recommendations for baking, smoothies, and everything in between.
Garden of Life
Raw Organic Protein
Simply Tera's
Pure Whey Protein
Sun Warrior
Protein Powder
Garden of Life
Organic Whey Protein
Delicious Variations & Substitutions
The great thing about protein shakes is that you can easily swap and add ingredients to create a different flavor profile. Feel free to use your favorite type of protein powder. Both plant-based and whey protein powder will taste just as good!
Not a fan of almond milk? Oat milk or cashew milk are great alternatives. Want to boost your protein intake? Add chia seeds or nut butters like cashew butter. And to enjoy a chocolate banana protein shake, sprinkle in some cocoa powder for a decadent twist.
How do I freeze bananas for protein shakes?
Freezing bananas for smoothies is easy. Slice your bananas into thin slices and then transfer them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 2 hours. Then, transfer them into a freeze-safe gallon-size bag for storage.
Top Tips for Protein Shake Recipes
- There are some great-tasting protein powders out there, but let’s be real, you can usually tell when there is protein powder in something. Check out our favorite protein powders in this Guide to the Best Protein Powder for some recommendations.
- We love freezing bananas ahead of time so we can make this shake recipe whenever we have a craving.
- Depending on how thick you like your shakes, you have the option to add more milk by the tablespoon until the desired thickness is reached.
Banana Protein Shake Topping Ideas
You’re welcome to serve this banana protein shake with any toppings that tickle your fancy! We drizzled ours with drippy peanut butter and added a dollop of whipped coconut milk to the top, which we’d highly recommend.
All you need to do is put a whole can of coconut milk in the freezer, and once it’s chilled, remove the can and scoop out JUST the solidified coconut milk at the top of the can. Whip until smooth and airy with your hand mixer. Feel free to add a dash of maple or honey to give this whip a little sweetness if you so choose. Dollop away!
Other great ideas include:
- cinnamon
- chopped nuts
- cacao nibs/chocolate chips
Healthy Banana Protein Shake
Ingredients
- ¾ cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt, or vanilla
- 2 cups frozen, sliced bananas
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder, we used Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
- 1 – 1.5 cups milk, any kind (we used Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk)
- Optional: handful of ice
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend on high until smooth.
- Add more milk as needed and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately. We loved this with a drizzle of peanut butter on top.
Tips & Notes
- If you like a super thick smoothie, you can freeze your Greek yogurt in an ice cube tray . You may need to add a bit more liquid.
- Depending on how thick you like your shakes, option to add more milk by the tablespoon until desired thickness is reached.
- Nutrition does not include drizzled peanut butter or whipped coconut cream toppings.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Could you use normal milk if you don’t have almond milk?
I am having way too much fun going through all your recipes and picking out what I want to make! I make this smoothie most days, but add chia seeds, and switch up the nut butter each day 🙂
Chia is a great addition! I love that they expand…you get more for your moneys worth 😉
Hey stupid question im about to ask probably but do you have to use frozen banana or can you just use a fresh one.
Do you know Nutella? (I think so =) )
You can add 200ml milk, 2tbsp Nutella, and 1 banana and you have a tasty shake too =)
Thank you for your recipe!
OMG. I love Nutellaaaaaa! Doing that next time I eat a banana.
OMG I am SOOOO making that banana shake tomorrow. wowzaaaaaa
BAM! Let me know how it goes 🙂
Wow, your description to lick the screen sure made me look — and yes, it looks yummy! My favorite “indulge” dessert is apple pie and vanilla ice cream — but a healthy shake so much better for me!
LOL! Well that is good..I’m glad you stopped by 🙂
Looks amazing!!!!
I am so there with you… I crave ice cream now like woah AND I just discovered Cookies and Cream Frozen Yogurt… not sure where that has been all my life. BUT this looks like a great alternative to my ice cream craving, and I love the chocolate sauce idea.
Sara 🙂
As always, your recipes look divine!
I don’t know if I can choose a favorite dessert! I think I’d have to go with the classic dark chocolate.
Ohmygoodness, yum!! It’s always chocolate and pb for me!