Even if you’re not a bodybuilder, you might like mixing yourself up a protein smoothie. Our bodies need protein for healthy skin, hair, bones, and heart. Plus, a protein-packed breakfast can prevent overeating.
The secret to creating something delicious is striking the right balance between protein sources (such as Greek yogurt, protein powder, and peanut butter) and sweet and/or savory add-ins. The recipes below, which have 8 or more grams of protein and are derived from whole food sources, have nailed it.
A word on protein powders: There are a lot of options out there. When choosing a powder, remember that protein supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so do your research before buying.
And now, bottoms up with some protein deliciousness.
1. Strawberry-orange smoothie
Protein source: Greek yogurt
Take a (sort-of-not-really) vacation when sipping this tropical smoothie. It calls for Greek yogurt, coconut milk, strawberries, and orange juice.
2. Roasted strawberry protein smoothie
Protein source: Cottage cheese
For a serious flavor boost, roast strawberries before tossing them into this blend. The creamy cottage cheese is a tasty alternative for those not partial to Greek yogurt’s tangy flavor profile.
3. Mexican frozen hot chocolate protein smoothie
Protein source: Greek yogurt and protein powder
This recipe is served cold, but it’ll taste just as good if you heat it up. Plus, it makes a (healthy) meal out of classic hot chocolate, working in Greek yogurt, oats, protein powder, and unsweetened cocoa powder.
4. Classic green monster smoothie
Protein source: Peanut butter, chia seeds, protein powder
Holy nutrients, Batman! The spinach alone serves up fiber, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K. Allergic to peanuts? Try one of these tasty peanut butter alternatives.
5. Almond coconut mocha protein smoothie
Protein source: Almonds, protein powder
Switch up a savory breakfast by opting for this sweet yet healthy smoothie. Almonds and spices deliciously complement super-versatile coconut oil.
6. Peanut butter oatmeal smoothie
Protein source: Peanut butter, soy milk
All the fixings of a healthy breakfast — peanut butter, banana, and oats — but with the creamy taste of a milkshake. Need we say more?
7. Raspberry almond chia smoothie
Protein source: Greek yogurt, almonds, chia seeds
Raspberries, almonds, and honey make busy mornings nice (and full of antioxidants). The best part: This smoothie takes only five minutes to make.
8. Spinach, kiwi, and chia seed smoothie
Protein source: Chia seeds
A green smoothie that tastes anything but. Bananas sweeten it up, while tart kiwis keep it from seeming too much like dessert.
9. Green hemp protein smoothie
Protein source: Hemp, protein powder, wheatgrass powder
A sugar hack for smoothies? Pitted dates. They’re a natural, fiber-filled sweetener that will satisfy a sweet tooth without added sugars. Pro tip: They break down more easily in a blender when soaked beforehand.
10. Green warrior protein smoothie
Protein source: Hemp hearts
Hemp hearts (also called hemp seeds) are full of nutrients and may help prevent hypertension. Mixing them with mango and apple makes for a sweet, creamy sip.
11. Vanilla matcha avocado smoothie
Protein source: Vegan protein powder
So, those amazing benefits of green tea? Get them by sprinkling matcha powder — finely ground green tea — into this smoothie.
12. Blueberry banana protein smoothie
Protein source: Greek yogurt
Here’s a blue twist on a banana smoothie. But feel free to adjust this recipe by adding whatever fruit or greens you have on hand.
13. Strawberry-banana quinoa smoothie
Protein source: Greek yogurt, quinoa, chia seeds
Quinoa is a complete protein and a good source of fiber, iron, and magnesium. Here it’s cleverly paired with strawberries, banana, and vanilla almond milk.
14. Dark chocolate peppermint protein shake
Protein source: Protein powder
Between the dark chocolate protein powder and the cocoa powder, chocolate lovers are going to want this drink morning, noon, and night. Which is fine, since dark chocolate is high in antioxidants and can help regulate stress.
15. 3-ingredient high protein cantaloupe smoothie
Protein source: Greek yogurt
This is a classic creamy mix of cantaloupe chunks, Greek yogurt, and honey. Feel free to add your favorite protein powder.
16. Honey-banana smoothie
Protein source: Greek yogurt, almond milk
Want to get back to smoothie basics? This recipe does the trick by using only six ingredients (though there’s plenty of room to add cacao nibs).
17. Razzle dazzle pineapple smoothie
Protein source: Protein powder
If you like piña coladas… then spring for this smoothie! Pineapple, coconut milk, and raspberries mimic the signature cocktail’s taste while protein powder ramps up the nutrition. Tiny drink umbrellas optional.
18. Berry, pomegranate, and açai smoothie
Protein source: Greek yogurt
Keep recovery simple with apple juice, berries, pomegranate juice, and Greek yogurt. Pomegranate juice has high levels of folate and vitamin K.
19. Chocolate strawberry almond protein smoothie
Protein source: Almonds, maca powder, hemp, protein powder
This chocolaty smoothie is nutrient-packed. Chocolate sweetens things up while almonds bring the protein and fiber and strawberries pack in antioxidants.
20. Orange-mango recovery smoothie
Protein source: Protein powder, cashews
Super spice turmeric sets this recovery smoothie apart. The spice is anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants.
21. Spinach-banana smoothie
Protein source: Greek yogurt, almond butter, protein powder
Handfuls of pureed spinach may not sound appetizing (unless you’re Popeye), but a ripe banana sweetens the deal. Cheers to sipping down vitamin A and iron from the spinach without tasting it.
