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I whip up this strawberry banana smoothie with no yogurt whenever summer heat hits or mornings get crazy. The fruits bring just enough natural sweetness, making it thick and smooth without needing any yogurt whatsoever.
I stumbled on this blend when my yogurt ran out one busy morning. Now my children actually ask for this version specifically - they like the pure fruit taste better than the yogurt-based ones I used to make.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen strawberries: They make everything nice and cold while giving that gorgeous pink color. Pick fully ripe, deep red ones for the sweetest flavor.
- 1 large overripe banana: This makes everything creamy when there's no yogurt. Look for one with dark spots for extra sweetness.
- 1/2 cup milk or milk alternative: This gets the thickness just right. Try anything from regular milk to almond, oat or coconut options.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a nice background flavor. Go for the real stuff instead of fake vanilla for the best taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get Your Blender Ready:
- Put your blender on a flat spot where it won't move around. This keeps things safe and helps everything blend properly.
- Layer Ingredients Carefully:
- Start with half your frozen berries at the bottom, then add banana, milk and vanilla. This way your blender won't struggle and you'll get a smoother mix before adding the rest.
- Mix Until Perfectly Smooth:
- Begin on low then slowly turn it up. Run for about 30 seconds until you can't see any fruit bits anymore.
- Fix the Thickness If Needed:
- Too thick? Splash in more milk. Too runny? Toss in extra frozen berries. You want it thick enough for a straw but not so thick you need a spoon.
- Drink Right Away:
- Pour and enjoy immediately for the best taste and temperature. If you wait too long, it'll start to separate.
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Frozen bananas really do all the heavy lifting here. I found out how amazing they are years back when making dairy-free ice cream, and they work just as well in this drink to make everything creamy without any dairy products.
Storage Tips
While it tastes best fresh, you can keep leftover smoothie in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 24 hours. Don't worry if it separates - that's normal. Just shake it up or blend quickly before drinking. Want to save it longer? Pour extras into ice cube trays and freeze. You can drop these cubes into future smoothies or let them thaw a bit for a slushy snack.
Nutritional Benefits
This simple smoothie packs quite a healthy punch. The strawberries load you up with vitamin C and antioxidants, while bananas bring potassium and B6 vitamins. Your milk adds calcium and protein, making a well-rounded snack or light meal. At just 124 calories per glass, you get something sweet that actually supports your health. The 4 grams of fiber also helps you feel full longer than other sweet treats would.
Customization Options
The best thing about this drink is how easy it is to change up. Want more protein? Throw in some nut butter or protein powder. Looking to boost nutrients? Toss a handful of spinach or kale in there - the fruit sweetness hides the veggie taste completely. You can go tropical by swapping mangoes for strawberries or adding some pineapple chunks. This basic recipe works as your starting point for countless tasty combos.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh instead of frozen strawberries?
Sure! Fresh strawberries work too. But freezing them first helps you get that thick, smoothie-like consistency.
- → What are good milk substitutes?
Great options include almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk. Pick one that matches the flavors you like.
- → How can I make it sweeter naturally?
Use a very ripe banana or blend in 1–2 dates. These add sweetness without refined sugar.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
It's tastiest fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just stir or shake it before sipping.
- → What extra ingredients can I include?
Throw in chia seeds, flaxseeds, a scoop of protein powder, or some peanut butter for more flavor and nutrition.