Protein Power Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie
If you’re looking for an easy breakfast, or post-workout treat that’s packed with protein then this blueberry banana protein smoothie is the way to go!
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Fresh fruit smoothies are a great way to get some healthy eating into your diet – I’m certainly very guilty of not eating anywhere near enough fruit!
So this lovely recipe goes someway to remedying that – and it’s a winner, as it tastes like cheesecake!
And this blueberry banana smoothie is also an absolute protein beast.
One serving already boasts well over 27g of the stuff – and with added powder (depending on the variety) will take you closer to the 45g mark, it’s the perfect way to hit your goals.
Those are the kind of numbers that would make Arnie blush.
And if you’re looking to find more vegetarian recipes then check these out!
So let’s take a look at what makes this smoothie so epic!
Low fat snacks with minimal ingredients are definitely my jam. What’s in this one you wonder?
Ingredients
This protein smoothie recipe is so beginner-friendly!
Fruit
Fresh blueberries are a key ingredient as their slight tartness balances out the sweetness of the banana in this banana blueberry smoothie.
The banana goes so well with the blueberries. I chose to use a frozen banana as it helps to chill the smoothie and creates a delicious smoothie.
You could also use a fresh banana too though if you don’t have a frozen one. Make sure it is a ripe banana either way so its natural sweetness is at its best.
Liquids
I added water to thin down the fruit mixture and also add vanilla extract. Vanilla is a great base for the other fruity flavors to combine with.
You can also add more or less water depending on how thick you want the consistency.
Protein
An easy way to increase protein in a healthy smoothie like this one is to use simple ingredients that are naturally high in protein. I chose to add cottage cheese to this recipe.
Its bland flavor means that it doesn’t detract from the other flavors, and you won’t notice its texture once it’s gone through a high-speed blender.
Extras
I’m also adding lemon zest for extra zing and chia seeds for a nutritional bonus.
How many calories are in this protein smoothie recipe?
There are 506 calories, and 27 grams of protein in this flavourful favorite.
And here’s a quick look at the other nutritional facts,
Health benefits
There are some awesome benefits to drinking this smoothie. Let’s take a look at why cottage cheese snacks make a healthy breakfast.
Not only are blueberries a great superfood full of nutrients that help support immune function, but they have 10 proven health benefits including improving memory and protecting DNA from damage.
Bananas are high in potassium which makes them a great food to have when working out. The potassium helps to prevent muscle cramping!
The chia seeds are a powerful little source of antioxidents as well as lots of essential vitamins and minerals.
But the powerhouse in this banana berry smoothie is definitely the cottage cheese which is going to give us plenty of protein.
In fact, it makes it one of the best smoothies for weight loss!
Protein is the best way to help boost your weight loss and muscle gain goals. In fact it’s really easy to gain muscle on a vegetarian diet especially with the right plan.
Weight loss smoothies are also really effective as the protein helps to reduce cravings.
To get protein into your diet at every meal why not download your free 7-day high-protein meal plan? And if that’s not enough inspiration there is also a great weekly meal plan too!
How to make a smoothie?
If you don’t have a blender, this might be the time to order one. They don’t need to be expensive, though they can be.<br><br>Once it’s arrived, follow the instructions above. Then push the button and let the machine do everything for you. It can mix quicker than you can.<br><br>It really is as simple as 1, 2, 3!
Total Time: 5 minutes
Assemble
Add the blueberries, and banana to the blender. Then add in water, vanilla extract, cottage cheese, chia seeds, and grated lemon zest to the blender.
Blend
Put the lid on! And blend!
Blueberry smoothie FAQs
If you’re bursting like an overheated blueberry to find out the answers to your smoothie questions, then take a look below,
You can store your smoothie in an airtight container for a few days in the fridge.
This smoothie is just great on its own but if you want to have it with something why not try some nut butter on toast, a bowl of even more fruit, or how a protein bar?
You could make your smoothie ahead of time but there isn’t much need to as you can have it all ready to go in just 5 minutes!
If your banana smoothie contains protein sources like ours does then banana smoothies are great to help boost your daily protein intake.
Blueberries are helpful in building muscle mass and their antioxidents help support the body’s repair phase post workout. So if working out is your jam don’t forget to cram in those super blueberries!
Yes it’s OK to drink protein smoothies every day as long as they’re part of a balanced diet and they aren’t your only source of protein.
Recipe variations
You could try this smoothie in different ways but it probably wouldn’t still taste like cheesecake (just to warn you!)
- Different fruit – Why not try some different combinations, or see what goes well and add it to the banana and blueberries?
- Different protein – You could swap the cottage cheese for greek yogurt. Or if you aren’t into dairy you could add a smooth nut butter or even some protein powder (vegan if you like) instead of using cottage cheese.
- Different toppings – Why not add some low-fat squirty cream and a few dark chocolate chips if you want to make it extra indulgent? (obviously this will alter the calorie count)
More recipes like this
If you like this recipe I think you’ll also love these:
- Our collection of Healthy Protein-Packed Super Smoothies For Weight-Loss
- Or our collection of 15 Yummy Vegetable Smoothies
Ingredients
- 1 cup blueberries, frozen (fresh is fine too)
- 1 ripe banana (make sure they’re soft and sweet! Keep some in the freezer like we do here)
- 1 cup milk of choice (we use soy milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz low fat cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a blender, and grate in the lemon zest.1 cup blueberries, frozen, 1 ripe banana, 1 cup milk of choice, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 4 oz low fat cottage cheese, 2 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tsp lemon zest
- Blend. Done!
NOTES
Nutrition
I love protein shakes but you can’t beat a fruity protein smoothie! They’re the perfect healthy way to start your day or end a workout session and I just love how quickly you can whip one up.
Which one will you try next? If you need some ideas check out the other smoothies I’ve recommended in the More Recipes section above.
This is a really good smoothie!!! Ive never had cottage cheese and definitely never had cottage cheese in smoothies but I had a tub of it in my fridge and wasnt sure how to use it (was avoiding it tbh lol). Glad I can use it for something! I also added one scoop vanilla protein powder to up the protein even more. I think I’ll add some spinach too next time. Thanks!
Haha I’m glad you managed to find a way to use it, Saadiyah! I hate throwing away good food as well. Nice idea on the vanilla powder. Spinach can definitely work well in smoothies, especially when pared with other ingredients that can ‘take over’ the flavour. This spinach banana smoothie is a good example! https://hurrythefoodup.com/spinach-banana-smoothie/
Normally I don’t like banana in my smoothies but this was really good! I substituted plain Greek yogurt for the cottage cheese and added a smidge of honey. Great smoothie!
Cottage cheese sounds like a good substitute! Thank you Diana! Now I want to try it! 🙂