The Best Strawberry Banana Smoothies
Strawberry banana smoothies are great when you need breakfast in a hurry. This delicious smoothie is made with fresh strawberries, ripe banana, yogurt, and just enough ice to make it frothy.
What you’ll love about these homemade smoothies:
- They’re easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients
- They’re naturally sweetened with fruit
- You can customize them to your liking (add more or less strawberry, banana, etc.)
- They’re perfect for breakfast, snack, or as a dessert
There’s something about the combination of strawberries and bananas that just screams summertime.
Maybe it’s the fact that both fruits are perfectly ripened and sweet, or maybe it’s the vivid colors that bring to mind lazy days spent lounging in the sun.
Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that strawberry banana smoothies are the quintessential summer drink.
And while store-bought versions can be tempting (I’m personally a huge fan of the Stonyfield bottled smoothies!), nothing beats a homemade smoothie packed with fresh fruit.
Healthy Strawberry Banana Smoothie Ingredients
This simple recipe features just five basic ingredients, so it really lets the natural flavor of the fruit shine through. The key is to use ripe, seasonal fruit for the best results.
Strawberries. Look for juicy strawberries that are bright red and have a fresh, fragrant smell. You know when you walk past the strawberry display at the grocery store and get walloped by their delicious scent? Those are perfect. Avoid berries that are dull in color, have green patches, or that smell bitter.
Banana. The best banana for this smoothie is one that is ripe but not overripe. You want a banana with some give when you squeeze it, but without too many brown spots. You can also use frozen banana for this recipe for a thick, creamy texture that’s more like a milkshake. If you’re looking for another delicious way to use bananas, you need to give this recipes for 3-ingredient banana pancakes a try! Banana muffins are always a classic as well.
Yogurt. I like to use plain yogurt in this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite flavor. Vanilla is always a great option! Greek yogurt will make the smoothie thicker and extra creamy, while regular yogurt will make it thinner. Go ahead and experiment to find what you like best.
Almond Milk. Almond milk helps thin this smoothie out and make it creamy and delicious. Coconut milk and oat milk are also delicious!
Ice. This is optional, but I like to add a few ice cubes to my smoothie for a frosty texture.
Tips for making the best smoothies
There are a few simple tips to follow when making smoothies at home:
- Start with fresh, ripe fruit. As I mentioned above, using seasonal fruit will give you the best results.
- Add liquid first. This will help your blender run more smoothly.
- If you don’t have fresh fruit on hand, frozen fruit will work just as well but will result in a thicker smoothie. Add a little more liquid to your blender to help balance everything out.
- Don’t overdo it on the sweeteners. Fruit is naturally sweet, so you probably won’t need to add any additional sugar or honey. If you find that your smoothie is too tart, add a little bit at a time until it reaches the desired sweetness.
- To make a thinner smoothie: For a thinner, sippable smoothie, add your favorite milk (regular milk or non-dairy milk works – I love oat milk!)
Strawberry smoothie Substitution And Variation Ideas:
Use any type of milk you like: whole milk, almond milk, and oat milk are some of my favorites.
For a vegan strawberry banana smoothie, substitute the yogurt for a dairy-free option like coconut yogurt.
Add a handful of spinach or kale to the blender to make a strawberry banana green smoothie.
Add peanut butter (or peanut butter powder) for a fun take on a PB+J.
Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds for an extra boost of fiber.
Add a scoop of protein powder or collagen.
For a sweeter smoothie add a little bit of honey or maple syrup
Mix things up by using different types of fruit. Try adding mango, pineapple, or raspberries to the mix.
FAQS
Do You Have A Favorite Blender?
Any high-powered blender is good. I particularly like my miniature vitamix a lot, but for day-to-day smoothie making I also really love my nutribullet! It’s a compact but powerful appliance that doesn’t take up too much counter space.
Can You Make Smoothies Ahead Of Time?
Yes, go ahead and mix up some smoothies and pop them in the refrigerator to enjoy later in the week as a refreshing snack or healthy breakfast on those busy mornings. They’ll keep well for about 3 days. You can also measure out the ingredients and use them to make smoothie freezer packs that are ready to blend whenever you have a craving.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Drinking Smoothies?
Smoothies are a great way to get lots of nutrients into your diet in one easy step. They’re an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You’ll also get a nice dose of antioxidants!
Are smoothies good for weight loss?
A lot of people advise against drinking calories, but the fiber in smoothies can help you feel full, and keep you from overeating.
How can you tell if strawberries are ripe?
If you want to know whether the strawberries you bought at your local market are ready for eating, look at their color. Strawberries should be a bright, deep pink, almost magenta, when ripe. A good way to check for ripeness is to press them lightly with your fingers; if they give slightly, that means they’re ready to eat.
More quick smoothie recipes:
- Creamy Mango Smoothies
- Super Thick Blueberry Banana Smoothies (Dairy Free Option)
- Pineapple Ginger Immunity Smoothies
- Easy Watermelon Smoothie (Dairy Free)
- Oatmeal Smoothie
- Tropical Green Smoothies
- Healthy Gingerbread Smoothies
More healthy breakfast ideas:
- 10-Minute Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowls
- Frozen Yogurt Breakfast Pops
- 20 Make-Ahead Breakfasts
- Autumn Harvest Breakfast Cookies
- 5-minute Pumpkin Spice Latte Baked Oatmeal
- 5 Ideas for tasty Overnight Oats
The Best Strawberry Banana Smoothies
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 4 cups fresh strawberries
- 2 bananas
- 1 cup ice (optional)
Instructions
- Add the milk and yogurt to a powderful blender.
- Top with strawberries, bananas, and ice (if using).
- Place the lid on the blender and blend on medium for 20-30 seconds, using the tamper to press the fruit into the blades. Slowly increase the speed to high and blend for 60 seconds, or until smooth.
- Divide the smoothie between two glasses (or mason jars).