My First Time…
It was a little over 15 years ago the first time I made a strawberry banana peanut butter smoothie. Truth be told, it was the first smoothie I ever made. I had just started lifting weights, and a coworker who was into body building suggested that I needed more protein. So back then, I added vanilla protein powder (which still is a delicious add-in, but not necessary). I vividly remember standing in the gym parking lot on a dark winter night, drinking down this smoothie after a sweaty workout. Even though it was freezing outside, it was just about the best thing I’d ever tasted. I was hooked!
Almost two decades later, I still turn to this very basic recipe when I want something quick, or even nostalgic (yes, even a smoothie can be nostalgic!) So quick, so easy, so delicious, the adaptable strawberry banana peanut butter smoothie is a timeless winner. Sure, it might be a mouthful to say, but through a straw it goes down smooth.
Strawberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie Ingredients
My base is always the same: frozen strawberries, a ripe banana and a couple spoons of peanut butter with some almond milk. Add-ons are optional and pretty much any creativity can fly here. It’s good by itself, or good with cinnamon, or protein powder, or some ground flaxseeds or chia seeds. Some plain yogurt adds creaminess, but the smoothie stands by itself.
Optional add-ins:
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Vanilla extract
- Protein powder
- Ground flaxseeds
- Chia seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Yogurt (I like plain unsweetened Forager Project cashew yogurt)
- Almond Butter
- Cashew Butter
- Cocoa powder
- Cacao nibs
And the list goes on…
Pretty much anything you can dream up would work, but when you’re in a rush and want something both healthy and yummy, all you need are the 4 main ingredients: strawberries, banana, peanut butter and milk.
Health Benefits of a Strawberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie
Smoothies are an easy way to pack your meal (or snack) full of nutrients. Each ingredient in this smoothie has a role to play.
Strawberries: Polyphenols from the bursting redness of these berries are strong antioxidants which fight against age and disease. Strawberries are anti-inflammatory, low in sugar and have more vitamin C than oranges!
Bananas: This yummy fruit is known for its potassium content, but they’re also quite high in copper, magnesium and even vitamin C (if you’re beginning to suspect this smoothie is rich in vitamin C, you’re right!). The greener they are, the more resistant starch they carry, which is a fiber-rich prebiotic to feed the good guys in your gut. (Note: bananas are the sweetener in this smoothie, so the greener you go the less sweet your drink will taste.)
Peanut Butter: A great way to get in your healthy fat, peanut butter is what turns a strawberry banana smoothie into a filling meal. The fat and protein help protect your blood sugar from spiking when you eat fruit. Bonus: peanut butter offers a healthy dose of B vitamins, to keep your skin, hair and nails looking beautiful (and your mood nice, as b6 is a go-to hormone-balancer).
Almond Milk: Full of Vitamin E and Calcium, almond milk rounds out this smoothie as its low-sugar, low-calorie base (that is, if you buy unsweetened). It’s also often fortified with vitamin D.
How To Make a Strawberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie
Once you have your ingredients, this part is pretty simple. Add everything to your blender! I like to start with the strawberries and banana, then add almond milk, and last comes the peanut butter. I try to drop the peanut butter towards the middle (right in the milk) so it doesn’t stick to the side of the blender.
Blend for 15-30 seconds or until desired consistency.
If You Like This Classic S/B/PB Smoothie…
Check out the recipe for a super delicious banana date smoothie! It’s sweet, nutty, earthy and my go-to—next to my beloved strawberry banana peanut butter shake, of course.
Looking For a Sweet Smoothie Accompaniment?
This smoothie is delicious with a side of chocolate chip granola! Better yet, make a smoothie bowl! Pour your smoothie into a bowl, top it with granola and grab a spoon for the ultimate healthy, fruity and delicious breakfast.
Strawberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie
Super delicious and super fast, this adaptable fruit smoothie is a timeless winner.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Add all ingredients to blender. I like to add the peanut butter last so it drops into the milk instead of sticking to the side of the blender.
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Blend on medium for 15-30 seconds or until desired consistency. Enjoy!
I am a smoothie girl, love it.
Thanks Esme, me too! Have to have at least a couple a week!