Yup, we go bananas for banana smoothies. What’s not to love about this delicious fruit that adds a sweet, creamy texture to your drink? Try these banana smoothie recipes today!
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Jump to:
- Recommended products & ingredients
- Benefits of banana
- Are banana smoothies healthy?
- Banana smoothie ingredients
- Can you use overripe bananas in smoothies?
- How long can you keep a banana smoothie in the fridge?
- How to make a banana smoothie
- Other banana smoothie recipes
- RECIPE CARD
- Conclusion
- More Recipes to Try
Recommended products & ingredients
- Vitamix blender*, a powerhouse for dedicated smoothie-makers
- Soymilk*, our liquid base of choice for banana smoothies
- Sweet honey*, a nice topper that complements banana quite perfectly
Benefits of banana
Bananas are a popular fruit that boasts these health benefits according to Healthline:
- Has fiber to keep you regular and promote digestive health
- May aid in weight loss, as a relatively low-calorie food that helps you feel fuller longer
- Contains potassium and magnesium, which are essential to heart health
- Has antioxidants that may reduce the risk of other diseases
- Can help reduce muscle cramping
- Contains other nutrients that your body needs to function property
Are banana smoothies healthy?
An easy rule of thumb: the healthier your individual ingredients are, the healthier your smoothie recipe is overall.
Bananas themselves are sweet, so combine them with these naturally complementary ingredients to create a healthy banana smoothie that’s loaded with nutritional value:
- Greek yogurt: This tart yogurt goes well with the sweetness of bananas, and doesn’t have as much added sugar as other types of yogurt.
- Avocado: Avocados have a more subtle flavor that will let your banana’s sweetness shine through. Use this ingredient if you like extra creamy smoothies.
- Non-dairy beverages: Plain, unsweetened almond milk or soymilk are great for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or looking for an option that packs less calories and fat than regular milk. Vanilla-flavored milks pair particularly well, but they do have more added sugars.
- Nut butters: Natural butters made from peanut, almond, or other types of nuts can add more healthy fats without added sugars to your smoothie.
- Oats: This high-fiber, high-protein ingredient doesn’t clash with the flavor of banana and will help make your beverage more filling.
Banana smoothie ingredients
Banana is a versatile base for your smoothie, and can pretty much be paired with anything. This section will answer “what fruits go well with banana,” since we already covered a few non-fruit options in the section above.
Pretty much any fruit plays nicely with banana, including:
- Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries (think jellies and jams)
- Tropical fruits such as pineapple, kiwi, mango
- Citrus fruits like orange and lemon
- Apples, pears, and other fruit
Other foods you can add to your banana smoothie include chocolate, cinnamon, coffee, green tea, and more.
Can you use overripe bananas in smoothies?
Yes, you can definitely use overripe bananas in smoothies.
Because bananas become sweeter as they continue to ripen, you may want to cut back on the sweetness of other ingredients just to balance out the flavor.
For example, if your recipe calls for soymilk or almond milk, choose the plain, unsweetened version. Or, add some citrus fruits or even veggies to counter the extra sweet bananas.
How long can you keep a banana smoothie in the fridge?
Bananas do turn brown rather quickly, so the best way to enjoy a banana smoothie is right after you’ve blended it. If you do plan to make ahead or have extra that you want to save for later, it should hold up in your fridge for up to 2 days.
Note that the longer that your smoothie sits, the fewer nutrients will remain, so if you want to reap the health benefits and get the best taste, then drink up at soon as your smoothie is made.
How to make a banana smoothie
This is a classic strawberry banana smoothie that’s dairy-free and vegan. A simple 3-ingredient recipe that’s so quick and easy to make. A delicious smoothie even kids will love!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 medium banana
- ½ cup plain, unsweetened soymilk
Instructions to make this 3-ingredient strawberry banana smoothie:
- Step 1. Peel and cut banana.
- Step 2. Add ingredients to blender and blend well.
- Step 3. Enjoy!
If you choose to use fresh strawberries, using frozen banana slices will help maintain the coldness and thickness of smoothie. Otherwise, add a few ice cubes if you’re using all fresh fruit.
Other banana smoothie recipes
Looking for a specific ingredient in your smoothie? Try any of these delicious banana smoothies!
Peanut butter
A creamy, dessert-like smoothie with almond milk, yogurt and vanilla. (via Gimme Some Oven)
Blueberry
This dairy-free, vegan banana smoothie adds a bit of flax for extra nutrition too. (via Fit Foodie Finds)
Berry
If you’re a fan of all kinds of berries, try this one, topped with honey. (via Simply Recipes)
Pineapple
This smoothie packs in the pineapple by using both the fresh fruit and pineapple juice. (via Lil Luna)
Orange
That little hint of nutmeg takes this smoothie from “yes” to “yassss!” (via Mel's Kitchen Cafe)
Spinach
A perfect post-workout protein smoothie with powder, Greek yogurt, and peanut butter. (via Garnish with Lemon)
Kale
A popular green smoothie combo, but with pineapple and strawberries too. (via Simple Green Smoothies)
Chocolate
This banana smoothie without yogurt or milk gets a little kick from cayenne pepper. But don’t worry, the cashew milk helps to balance the heat. (via Cookie and Kate)
Coffee
This banana oatmeal smoothie is just what you need to wake you up in the morning. (via Live Eat Learn)
Nutella
This banana smoothie with ice cream has coconut milk for extra richness. (via Avocado Pesto)
Cinnamon
This cinnamon roll in smoothie form packs extra protein with the addition of protein powder and yogurt. (via The Almond Eater)
Date
A Persian-style majoon date includes nuts too. This recipe uses walnuts and pistachios but you can add any of your choice. (via Ahead of Thyme)
Carrot
Pack some veggies into a fruity breakfast drink. This recipe calls for baby carrots, strawberry, mango, and oats. (via Savory Tooth)
Smoothie bowl
A festive vegan smoothie bowl recipe with pumpkin puree and dates. Deck it out with cranberries and pecans as toppings. (via Hummusapien)
Ice cream
For something more decadent, try this milkshape recipe that can be topped with whipped cream and maraschino cherries. (via Foodtasia)
RECIPE CARD
Vegan Strawberry Banana Smoothie
A classic strawberry banana smoothie that’s dairy-free and vegan. A simple 3-ingredient recipe that’s so quick and easy to make. A delicious smoothie even kids will love!
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 medium banana
- ½ cup plain unsweetened soymilk
Instructions
- Peel and slice banana.
- Add ingredients to blender and blend well.
- Enjoy!
Notes
If you choose to use fresh strawberries, using frozen banana slices will help maintain the coldness and thickness of smoothie. Otherwise, add a few ice cubes if you’re using all fresh fruit.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information
Yield 1Amount Per Serving Calories 190Total Fat 1.4gSaturated Fat 0.1gCholesterol 0mgSodium 61mgCarbohydrates 44gFiber 6.6gSugar 26.4gProtein 4.3g
Conclusion
It’s hard to go wrong with a classic like banana smoothies! Try these delicious banana smoothie recipes for a nice cool treat.
More Recipes to Try
See all delicious smoothie recipes →
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