Pin it
This amazing purple banana blueberry protein shake works great as a fast morning meal when you want lasting power without kitchen hassle. The deep blue-purple color and smooth texture turn simple stuff into something yummy that feels like you're treating yourself while getting tons of nutrients.
I stumbled on this smoothie mix one day while trying to use up my freezer fruit before traveling. These days it's my go-to Monday ritual that gets my week off to a good start and keeps me feeling great.
Ingredients
- Frozen blueberries: Give you antioxidants and that beautiful blue color. Freezing them helps make your drink thick without making it watery.
- Frozen banana slices: Bring natural sweetness and smooth texture. Freezing them before makes your smoothie way better.
- Plain nonfat Greek yogurt: Packs a ton of protein and tangy taste. Go for a good brand with active cultures to help your digestion.
- Unsweetened vanilla almond milk: Gives mild flavor without adding sugar. It's thin enough to help everything mix well.
- Ice cubes: Make your drink nice and cold. Add more or less depending on how thick you like it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Getting Your Stuff Ready:
- Make sure your berries and banana pieces are totally frozen for the right texture. I like to cut bananas and freeze them on a paper-lined sheet so they don't stick together. Measure everything carefully so the taste turns out right.
- Filling Your Blender:
- Put everything in your blender exactly as shown below. This way helps create a good mixing pattern, stops stuff from sticking to the sides, and makes everything super smooth.
- Mixing It Right:
- Hit pulse a few times to break up the frozen bits, then blend until smooth. This usually takes about 30-45 seconds based on your blender. You might need to stop and push stuff down from the sides.
- Drink It Now:
- Put it in a cold glass for the best taste. This smoothie starts to separate if it sits around, so it's best when fresh.
Pin it
The Greek yogurt really makes this drink special. I tried it once with regular yogurt and couldn't believe how different it was. Greek yogurt doesn't just add way more protein, it gives that perfect thickness that makes this feel like an actual meal instead of just a drink.
Make-Ahead Options
Getting smoothie stuff ready early can really save your mornings. I often put single servings of frozen items into little freezer bags or containers. When I wake up, I just dump a pack in the blender with yogurt, milk and ice. This trick has saved me so many times when I'm rushing out the door.
Dietary Adaptations
This smoothie works for many different diets. If you can't do dairy, swap the Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt and use whatever plant milk you like. It tastes great with coconut, oat or soy milk too. Want extra protein? Throw in some plain or vanilla protein powder—it mixes in perfectly without hiding the fruit flavors.
Nutritional Boosters
Turn this basic smoothie into a health bomb by adding some subtle power foods. A spoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds adds omega-3s without changing how it tastes. A bit of spinach packs in vitamins while the berries hide its color and flavor completely. For healthy fats, try half an avocado—it makes everything super creamy while keeping sugar levels in check.
Serving Suggestions
This smoothie works as a full breakfast by itself, but goes really well with simple sides too. I enjoy having it with whole grain toast and almond butter or a small bowl of granola for extra crunch and fullness. For fancy brunches, serve in cold glasses with fresh blueberries and mint on top to make it look amazing.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay to use fresh blueberries?
Absolutely! Fresh blueberries work fine, but frozen ones give the smoothie a chilled, thicker texture.
- → Can almond milk be replaced with another kind?
Sure, you can go for options like soy milk, regular milk, or even coconut milk based on your taste.
- → What’s the trick to change the thickness?
Just add more or less ice cubes until you get the perfect consistency you’re after.
- → Can I make enough for more people?
Of course! Just double up all the ingredients, and you’ll have enough to share without losing flavor.
- → How long will it last after blending?
It’s best enjoyed right away, but you can keep it in the fridge in a sealed container for about a day.