Strawberry Smoothie
This strawberry smoothie is thick, creamy, and naturally sweet, made with frozen strawberries, a ripe banana, and plain Greek yogurt for a frosty, satisfying blend that comes together in just five minutes.It requires no cooking, no added sugar, and works beautifully as a quick breakfast, post-workout refuel, or refreshing afternoon snack.
Equipment
- High-speed blender - Such as a Vitamix or NutriBullet; a standard blender also works with slightly more liquid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tall smoothie glasses - Wide-mouth glasses recommended for thick smoothies
- Reusable smoothie straws - Wide silicone or stainless steel straws work best for thick smoothies
- Rubber spatula - For scraping down the blender sides between pulses if needed
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen strawberries - 300g; do not thaw before blending
- 1 ripe banana - medium, about 120g; brown-spotted bananas are ideal for maximum sweetness
- 1 cup whole milk - 240ml; or substitute almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt - 120g; full-fat for creamiest result
- 1 tsp vanilla extract - pure vanilla extract recommended
- 1 tbsp honey - optional; only add if strawberries are tart, taste first before adding
- salt - pinch; enhances overall flavor and brings out natural sweetness
For Garnish (Optional)
- fresh strawberry slices - 1-2 slices per glass or a whole strawberry on the rim
Instructions
- Measure out 2 cups (300g) of frozen strawberries directly from the freezer without thawing, peel and halve the ripe banana, and measure the milk, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract so everything is ready before blending.
- Pour the milk into the blender jar first, then add the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and the pinch of salt directly on top of the liquid to ensure even distribution.
- Drop the banana pieces into the blender followed by the frozen strawberries on top; layering frozen ingredients last helps the blades pull everything down more efficiently. Secure the lid firmly before proceeding.
- Start on low speed and gradually increase to high, blending for 45 to 60 seconds until completely smooth with no visible fruit chunks. If the blender stalls, add 2 to 3 tablespoons more milk and resume blending.
- Taste the smoothie and add honey one teaspoon at a time if the strawberries taste tart, blending briefly after each addition. Add more frozen strawberries for a thicker consistency or a splash of milk for a thinner one.
- Pour the smoothie into two tall glasses, garnish each with fresh strawberry slices on top or on the rim, add wide straws, and serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
- Use frozen, not fresh strawberries: Frozen strawberries create a thick, frosty texture without ice, which dilutes flavor as it melts. If using fresh strawberries, add 1 to 1.5 cups (about 150g) of ice to compensate.
- Ripe bananas make a big difference: Choose a banana with brown spots on the skin for maximum natural sweetness and the smoothest blend. Peeled ripe bananas can be frozen in zip-lock bags so you always have one ready.
- Layer correctly every time: Always add liquid ingredients first and frozen ingredients last. This protects the blender motor and guarantees a smooth blend from the start.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute whole milk with oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk, and replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based coconut yogurt for a completely vegan smoothie.
- Boost the protein: Add one scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder and reduce the milk slightly to keep the smoothie thick. This adds 20 to 25 grams of protein per serving.
- Add greens without changing the flavor: A small handful of fresh baby spinach blends in completely and adds iron and folate without affecting the taste or sweetness.
- Storage: Leftover smoothie keeps in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; shake or stir well before drinking as it will separate. For longer storage, pour into ice cube trays and freeze for up to 3 months, then reblend cubes with a splash of milk.
- Smoothie prep packs: Portion the frozen strawberries and banana pieces into individual zip-lock bags and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Dump one pack straight into the blender with milk and yogurt for a 2-minute morning smoothie.
- Clean your blender immediately: Fill the jar halfway with warm water, add one drop of dish soap, and run for 15 seconds to rinse clean before residue has time to stick.
- Sweetness varies by season: Organic frozen strawberries picked at peak ripeness typically need no added honey at all. Always taste before sweetening to avoid making the smoothie too sweet.
Nutrition
Serving: 1SmoothieCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 9gFat: 3.5gSaturated Fat: 1.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.9gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 70mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 4gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 94mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 4mg
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