Best Banana Smoothies (+ Easy Recipe)

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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)

Mango

A tropical, creamy delight. (via Jar of Lemons)

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)

Apple

A smoothie with cinnamon that tastes just like apple pie. (via Caroline's Cooking)

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)

Avocado

A creamy avocado smoothie topped with seeds and cucumbers. (via Minimalist Baker)

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)

Smoothie bowl

A festive vegan smoothie bowl recipe with pumpkin puree and dates. Deck it out with cranberries and pecans as toppings. (via Hummusapien)