Protein smoothies make a refreshing post-workout drink, but they’re equally as delicious anytime you need a little protein-boost pick-me-up. Many people turn to protein smoothies as a meal replacement, or simply to satisfy cravings without resorting to sugary, high-fat snacks. No matter what your needs, there’s a mouth-watering, healthy protein smoothie recipe you’ll love.
It’s not always easy to find the time (or the blender) to whip up your own tasty smoothie recipes, and sometimes, you just want to grab a refreshing snack and go. Stop by your local Edible Arrangements® store for a delicious, done-for-you protein smoothie anytime – on your way to the office in the morning, on your lunch break, or on a lazy weekend afternoon just because. Our Edible® Treats menu includes oh-so-delicious smoothies like Pineapple + Honeydew + Kale, sweet Mocha Almond + Banana, and so much more. You can choose any combination of ingredients for a customized flavor blend created just for you – and even better, you can turn any ingredient combo into a mouth-watering protein smoothie by adding a scoop of whey protein for just $1.
For more delicious protein smoothie recipes you should try, we put out a call for ideas and curated responses below. (Note: Edible Arrangements® is not endorsing any of the companies or ideas discussed below, but we asked for suggestions to get some different perspectives.) Keep reading to find out what the contributors who responded to our query had to say.
Franklin Antoian
Franklin Antoian is one of America’s Top 50 Trainers and founder of the online personal training website, iBodyFit.com.
“My favorite protein smoothie recipe is this delicious Chocolate Honey Peanut Butter Protein Shake.
- 1 banana
- 1 cup choc almond milk
- 1 scoop choc protein powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
“This is my go-to post workout protein shake.”
Tom Smith
Tom Smith is the Principal Consultant for Insights From Analytics.
“My favorite protein smoothie consists of the following:
- One cup of spinach or power greens
- One carrot
- Two scoops of pea protein powder
- One tablespoon of ground flaxseed
- One tablespoon of coconut oil
- One cup of frozen berries, pineapple, or cherries
- One cup of almond milk
“This usually makes about six cups. I have four cups for breakfast and two cups for dinner after working out.
“I’ve been eating this combination for about four years and it still tastes great.”
Rachel MacPherson
Rachel MacPherson is a certified personal trainer (ACE), weight loss and motivation coach, currently studying for her Precision Nutrition Certification. She is the writer and recipe creator at RadicalStrength.com where she shares workouts, mental health tips, and lots of healthy, delicious meals. She is a mother of four rowdy humans and three rowdier cats.
“Protein smoothies are something I make very often as they are a quick and healthy way to get in a pre or post-workout meal or even breakfast on the go. I love to include a variety of healthy fruit and vegetables in order to get in as many nutrients as I can and boost the flavor of the protein. Here is one of my favorites.
“Tropical Banana Cream Pie:
- 1/2 large frozen banana
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
- 1/2 cup of mango or orange juice
- 1 cup almond or coconut milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp golden flax meal
- 1/2 cup of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
“Blend all ingredients in a blender and serve topped with extra cinnamon and vanilla.”
Nick Disney
Nick Disney is the owner of Sell My San Antonio House, a home-buying company established in San Antonio, Texas in 2009. His work revolves around his passion for helping people which can be seen not only in his profession but also in his work being a mentor to other investors.
“This protein shake is my everyday go-to shake in the morning. The almonds add crunch and might just change your life…
- 1 Banana
- 2 Tbsp Peanut Butter
- A small handful of Almonds
- 1 scoop favorite protein powder (Vanilla or Chocolate is recommended)
- Ice
- Almond Milk (More or less depending on desired thickness)”
Kelly Morgan, Ph.D.
Kelly Morgan, Ph.D. is a best-selling author and health coach for busy, high-achieving women. Her motto is, “Don’t make your health so hard,” and her methods have been proven by in her near-100% success rate with hundreds of clients.
“My favorite protein smoothie is the Eggnog Power Smoothie.
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (I like whey protein, but any will work)
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Crushed ice (for consistency)
- Water
“Add the banana, protein powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon first. Add ice and water and blend. You may need more water or ice to get the consistency right, so feel free to experiment.”
Mary Eva Tredway
Mary Eva Tredway is the Publicity Director at Butin Integrated Communications.
“Fitness enthusiasts know that the best way to keep their bodies properly nourished and sustained is through a healthy diet.
“Eating foods with the right nutrients, like protein snacks, both before and after exercise will help your body perform better, recover faster and avoid injury. One of the better fuels for your workout sessions – from start to finish – is peanut butter.
“That’s right, peanut butter lovers. Eating high-protein, low-fat, peanut butter-infused snacks (like those you can make with PB2) goes great with your exercise. We’re sharing a delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake that will give you that extra energy boost you need to stay motivated.
“Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake
“Yields 2 servings
“Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Chocolate PB2
- 2 cups coconut or almond milk
- 2 ripe frozen bananas
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
“Directions:
- Place all of the ingredients into a blender and pulse to combine.
- Then blend until smooth and creamy.”
Chrissie Jones
Chrissie Jones is a mom blogger, infertility warrior, and mom to two little maniacs. She’s been featured on Scary Mommy and Motherly. She’s perpetually tired, stressed, and hungry. Hangry, if you will.
“As a mom, protein smoothies are crucial to survival – for myself, and for my kids! Without a doubt, the easiest way to get veggies, protein, and actual nutrients into my three-year-old without a fight, is to hide it all in a delicious, creamy smoothie. My personal favorite blend is a mix of frozen bananas and blueberries, spinach, almond milk, raw oats, and vegan protein powder. It’s thick, creamy, filling, and it’s really pretty, which is actually very important to a toddler.”
Stephanie Searor
Stephanie is a Registered Dietitian and Registered Yoga Teacher. In her private practice, she works to help clients fall back in love with their bodies and improve their relationship with food. She lives in Clarksville, TN.
“My favorite protein smoothie is a PBJ power smoothie! This makes a full blender, more than enough for my husband and I; we freeze the rest in small jars for the next day!
- One cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1.5 cups low-fat milk (2% or less)
- Quarter cup peanut butter
- One banana
- One cup strawberries
- One cup spinach leaves
- One ounce chia seeds
- One ounce soy protein
“Macros per serving (makes 4-16 ounce servings): 19g protein, 25g carbs, 16g fat, and
8g fiber!”
Myriam Moreno
Myriam Moreno is an artist and designer, CEO of my author jewelry brand myriammoreno.com, and has designed for Aristocrazy, an strong and healthy spanish jewelry brand.
“As an entrepreneur I need to start the day with energy and I’m confessing you what my secret concoction is!
“It’s a banana and ginger smoothie with almond milk. It’s super energetic and easy to do. For a more citrus and fresh touch add half lime and a mint leaves. And boilá! Delicious, super healthy and very very energetic smoothie recipe. My magic secret to have energy throughout the day.”
Lisa Richards
Lisa Richards is a nutritionist and gut health expert. She has
been featured on Today, Women’s Health magazine, MSN, the San Francisco Chronicle, Reader’s Digest, Insider, Well+Good, Lifehack, Elite Daily, Shape, and Bustle, among others. Through her website, thecandidadiet.com, she explains the benefits of a low-sugar, anti-inflammatory diet.
“My Very Coconut Smoothie is my go-to smoothie for summer.
“Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (canned)
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk ice cubes (about 4 cubes)
- 2 Tbsp. almond butter
- 1 tsp. chia seeds
- 1 tsp. alcohol free coconut extract
- 4 drops liquid stevia or ⅛ tsp. powdered stevia
- Flaked coconut
“Instructions
- Place coconut milk, coconut milk ice cubes, almond butter, chia seeds, alcohol free coconut extract and stevia in a blender.
- Process until smooth.
- Serve with flaked coconut garnish.
“It is low in sugar and packed with nutrition for a healthy start to the day.”
David Barbour
David Barbour is co-founder of Vivio Life Sciences, a wellness company that applies fundamental biology to help people target health, natural beauty, and well-being.
“My favorite protein smoothie is:
- 1-2 chopped organic banana
- A handful of ice
- 1 cup of organic, no-sweetener, vanilla almond milk
- 1 cup of organic blueberries
- 1 or 2 spoonfuls of organic, no-sweetener peanut butter
- 1-1.5 scoops of vanilla whey protein powder
- And if you want to make the smoothie a little more fruity, throw in 1 cup of either; blackberries, strawberries, or raspberries.”
Ashlee Van Buskirk
Ashlee Van Buskirk owns and operates her own fitness and nutrition coaching business called Whole Intent. She works to provide high-quality personal training and nutrition planning services to her Denver-based clients to help them achieve their fitness goals.
“Smoothies are the ultimate power-up drink! They’re easy to make, ideal for busy lifestyles, and can be packed with nutrients. I try to make my smoothies as all-natural and healthy as possible, so I only add protein powder if I need to.
“Try my favorite green banana smoothie! It provides you with 17 g of protein along with a bunch of essential micronutrients.
“Ingredients:
- 1 banana, peeled
- 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (coconut milk and soy milk can also work)
- 1 cup baby spinach (unfrozen)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- A handful of ice
“Combine all the ingredients in the blender. Blend until smooth and serve!
“The ingredients can be adjusted as needed. Want an extra punch of flavor? Try adding flavored yogurt instead. Want more protein? Increase the yogurt by a 1/4 cup and add another 1/2 tbsp of almond butter. You can even add your own protein powder if you want an even bigger protein blast. Feel free to experiment and adjust the recipe to your preferences.”
Katrina TaTaé
Katrina TaTaé is a Healthy Cookbook author who shares delicious + healthy recipes for those wanting to start living a healthier lifestyle. After years of sharing her unique style of healthy eating with her clients, Katrina knows how to create healthy meals that you will actually want to eat. She is also a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach + professional fitness competitor.
“This recipe is three ingredients or less and less than 10 minutes to make. Plus, it’s gluten free, dairy free + anti-inflammatory.
“Protein Smoothie Recipe – Creamy Dreamy Avocado Smoothie
- Serves 1
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Ingredients: 1/2 avocado, 1 scoop plant-based protein powder, 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
Instructions: Add all of the ingredients into a high speed blender. Blend until smooth. And, just like that, the thickest and creamiest breakfast ever!!! Great for a light breakfast, but oh so filling!”
Heather Hall
Heather is a registered dietitian and mom of 5 blogging at
RealHealthyMamas.com. She and her fitness instructor sister, Kelly, focus on empowering moms with simple, sustainable habits to feel better using food and movement as powerful medicine!
“My number one rule for my clients and readers is EAT REAL FOOD. I love recipes that are simple, rich in nutrients, easy to prepare, and kid-friendly. This Peanut Butter Banana Milkshake recipe is all of those things and a family and client favorite.
“I love that this smoothie is high in healthy fats and proteins, so it keeps you feeling full and satisfied for hours, and the ingredients are simple and versatile for my clients with food sensitivities. It also has zero added sugars! In the summer, it an be frozen into popsicles for a cool treat. You can find the recipe on our blog.
“The recipe is as follows:
“Peanut Butter Banana Milkshake
- 2-3 frozen ripe bananas (or ripe fresh bananas and lots of ice)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter, cashew butter, almond butter or sun butter
- About 2 T cocoa or cacao powder
- 2 T chia seeds or flax seed
- Milk, A2 milk, goat, almond, rice or other milk of your choice (enough to just cover the other ingredients and make it as thick or thin as you like… I like mine thick).
“Pile it all in a blender, blend well, and enjoy it cold!”
Allison Jackson
Allison Jackson is the founder of Allison Jackson Fitness. She is an NASM-certified personal trainer, Precision Nutrition-certified coach and ANBF pro masters figure competitor. She has a crystal clear picture of what it takes to get to your ideal weight and stay there.
“As an online fitness and nutrition trainer, my clients are always looking for a good pre- and post-workout smoothie. This is the recipe I always give them:
- 1 medium banana
- 1 scoop protein powder (chocolate or vanilla)
- 2 scoops powdered peanut butter
- 1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 cup of ice
- Add water based on how thick or thin you like your smoothies
- Blend it all together and enjoy!”
Renata Trebing
Renata Trebing is the founder and recipe developer of the healthy food blog, NourishwithRenata.com. This blog focuses on simple and, especially important, delicious recipes! She is also an online nutrition coach.
“My favorite is my Orange Dreamsicle Smoothie! It tastes just like an Orange Dreamsicle popsicle except that it is actually healthy! For one serving, you can make this smoothie using:
- 1 mandarin orange
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1 serving vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1-2 cups milk of choice, e.g., almond milk, coconut milk, etc.
- 1 cup ice
- 1/2 cup spinach or kale (as long as you don’t mind the smoothie being green)
“Blend all the ingredients in a high speed food processor till super smooth and creamy. Enjoy straight away!
“This smoothie is perfectly balanced to help maintain your blood sugar levels as well as keep you full and nourished. It contains protein, healthy fats, fiber and greens. The best combo for a filling and nutritious smoothie!”
Joanna Weng
Joanna Weng is the co-founder of EverLife, a healthy eating, plant-based nutritional brand based in Madison, WI. After graduating from Harvard College, she was inspired by her interest in food, nutrition, and fitness to create a line of clean, organic plant protein and fiber blends that she could share with her friends, family, and community.
“My favorite clean, lean, mean, green protein smoothie recipe is below. It is an all-in-one meal as it balances all your macros (healthy fats, protein, complex carbs and fiber) in a creamy blend, combining one of the healthiest leafy greens with natural sweetness from pineapple and mango, along with complete plant-based protein. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and paleo!
“Blend together:
- A handful of collard greens (~ 1 entire collard green leaf, without the stem)
- 1 cup of pineapples and mangoes
- A pack or scoop (25g) of vanilla plant protein (EverLife or your preferred brand)
- A tablespoon of almond butter
- A dash of cinnamon, tumeric, or ginger (for a little kick/spice!)
- 2-3 cups of water (depending on how thick you like your smoothies)”
Kellie Blake
Kellie Blake is a registered, licensed dietitian specializing in functional nutrition. She partners with clients to determine root causes of symptoms and use nutrition and lifestyle strategies to reverse symptoms, prevent disease, and improve quality of life.
“My absolute favorite protein smoothie is my Coffee Smoothie:
“Ingredients:
- 5 oz brewed decaf coffee
- 5 oz lite coconut milk
- 1 collard leaf, stem removed
- 1 handful spinach
- 1 scoop vegan protein powder (espresso or mocha flavored)
- ½ Tbsp cacao powder
- 1 Tbsp unflavored collagen peptides
- 1 Tbsp nut butter
- ¼ frozen banana
- ½ frozen avocado
“Directions:
“Add first 8 ingredients to a blender and process until smooth. Add the remaining 2 ingredients and blend on high for 2 minutes. Sit back and enjoy.”
Casey Seiden
Casey Seiden, MS RD CDN CDE is a NYC-based dietitian.
“My favorite protein smoothie recipe is a Vanilla Mango Smoothie:
- 1/2 cup mango chunks
- 1/2 medium banana
- 1/2 cup steamed, then frozen cauliflower florets (or rice)
- 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 1 tablespoon ICONIC vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
“Blend all ingredients together and add more non-dairy milk or water to reach desired texture and thickness. Enjoy!”
Jessica Cook
Jessica Cook is a Registered Dietitian.
“I love a Unicorn Smoothie Bowl to start the weekend!
“Pink smoothie:
- 1 cup frozen raspberries
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup cauliflower rice frozen
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cashew milk
- 1 tsp beet powder
- 1 scoop @drinkiconic vanilla protein powder
“Purple smoothie:
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice
- 1 tsp spirulina powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cashew milk
- 1 scoop @drinkiconic vanilla protein powder
“Blend all together and separate in a bowl… they will be supa dupa thick!! Topped with more banana and hemp seeds! Enjoy!”
Devon Golem
Dr. Devon Golem is the founder of the Institute of Continuing Education for Nutrition Professionals. She is originally from California where she became an RD in 2003. She earned her PhD in Nutritional Science with an emphasis in Exercise Science at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ.
“The PBB Protein Smoothie (PBB = Peanut Butter & Banana) is one of my favorites to replace one of my meals. It provides about 415 calories, 46 g carbohydrate, 33 g protein, and 12 g fat. It also provides 6 g of fiber and is a good source of calcium, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Above all else, it is easy to make and delicious!
- 1 cup light soy milk
- 1 medium banana
- 1 Tbsp natural peanut butter
- 1 scoop plant-based protein powder (7g CHO, 22g PRO, 2g FAT)
- Ice for desired consistency”
Tayo Oredola
Tayo Oredola is the blogger and recipe developer behind Low Carb Africa. Our blog is dedicated to creating healthy, low carb and gluten free recipes with rich, bold, African spicy flavors that taste amazingly delicious!
“There is no better way to start your morning than with this loaded vanilla chia seed protein smoothie. It is made with cacao butter, zero carb isopure protein powder, coconut milk, chia seeds, coconut oil, monkfruit low carb sweetener, ginger and vanilla extract.
In one serving, you get creamy, delicious goodness packed with vitamins, fiber and 28g of protein. Better still, it’s gluten free, diary free, low carb and vegan, making it fit perfectly with most special diets. It takes only two minutes to make, or you can put the ingredients together overnight and blend in just one minute. You just can’t go wrong with this recipe. It is so filling, you just might end up having a late lunch!”
If you’re on the go and need a tasty, refreshing protein smoothie to kick-start your day or after a vigorous workout, stop by your local Edible Arrangements® store for a delicious, done-for-you protein smoothie you can grab and go. No matter what smoothie you choose, you can add a scoop of whey protein for just $1. Choose your favorite combination of ingredients from our Edible® Treats menu for a custom blend of favors created just for you!
