Delicious Strawberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie
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. Weird to even think about that, since I have now made probably well over a thousand smoothies since. More? No idea how to count that.
Anyway, I had just started lifting weights, and a coworker who was into bodybuilding 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.
Ingredients
My base is always the same: strawberries, banana, peanut butter and milk of choice (my choice is usually homemade 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
- 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.
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 This Smoothie Whole & Healthy
Smoothies are generally considered a health food, but there are two main things that can turn a good smoothie recipe bad: sugar and pesticides.
Sugar
Yes, smoothies like this one are sweetened naturally with fruit, but even too much fruit alone can send your blood sugar through the roof. Enter fat and fiber.
Eating fat and fiber with high carb foods slow down the slow down the rate that glucose rushes into your blood. In this recipe, the biggest source of sugar is the banana, which contains 15g of sugar and only 3g of fiber.
Strawberries have less sugar and more fiber, so they help. The fat from milk helps, too. But the biggest aid here is peanut butter, providing both fiber and plenty of fat.
Pesticides
While it’s so important to keep fruits and veggies at the forefront of your diet, consider what they might be bringing to the table. Check the dirty dozen list. And as always, buy organic when you can. Everything from produce and dairy to meat and packaged food is better off without harmful pesticides.
Not all small farmers can afford the organic label even when they are doing organic practices, so research small brands and talk to farmers at the markets.
If you can’t find your ingredient organic, soak it in water and baking soda for 30 seconds to 30 minutes before using. Use 1 tsp of baking soda per two cups of water and make sure your produce is covered. The longer you soak, the more pesticides are removed.
Remember: This is just a guide for informational advice, not to make you feel bad about your ingredients. Groceries are wildly expensive these days, so pick what you can afford and do the best you can. No guilt, no shame.
How To Make This 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.
We love smoothies around here! If you’re looking for more smoothie ideas, try these:
- Blueberry Smoothie (for scientifically proven joy!)
- Decadent Chocolate Smoothie
- Spiced Banana Date Smoothie
- Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie (tastes like ice cream!)
Looking For More Breakfast Ideas?
This chocolate chip granola with nuts and dried fruit makes a fast and delicious breakfast you can grab and go. It’s whole. crunchy, delicious and a total staple in my kitchen.
Keto Or Vegan?
Whether you’re keto or vegan, low-carb or plant-based, we’ve got you covered when it comes to breakfast! Try these low-carb almond flour pancakes or vegan pancakes for an easy, delicious breakfast that you can snack on all day.
More Breakfast Ideas…
Try these lemon almond flour muffins! Just the right amount of sweet and tart when a hint of sour citrus meets sweet dates and vanilla. A delicious (and super easy) strawberry topping sauce is optional but recommended!
Strawberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup Frozen Strawberries
- 1 Ripe Banana
- 2 tbsp Peanut Butter
- 1-1.5 cup Almond Milk
Instructions
- 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.
- 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!