Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (or milk of choice): This forms the liquid base of our shake. Unsweetened almond milk is low in calories and has a neutral flavor, allowing the fruits to shine. You can easily substitute it with dairy milk, soy milk, oat milk, or even coconut water.
- 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder: The powerhouse of the shake. A quality vanilla protein powder adds a substantial protein boost, essential for muscle repair and satiety, while its subtle flavor complements the fruits beautifully. Whey, casein, or plant-based protein powders all work well.
- 1 medium Frozen Banana: This is the secret to a thick, creamy, ice-cream-like texture without needing to add any ice, which can water down the flavor. Using a frozen, ripe banana also adds natural sweetness.
- ¾ cup Frozen Blueberries: These little gems provide the beautiful purple hue, a delicious tartness, and a powerful dose of antioxidants. Using them frozen helps keep the shake perfectly chilled and thick.
- ½ cup Plain Greek Yogurt: This ingredient is a double-whammy, adding an extra layer of creaminess and another significant source of protein. It also introduces beneficial probiotics for gut health.
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds (optional): For an extra boost of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. They also help to thicken the shake slightly.
- 1 teaspoon Honey or Maple Syrup (optional): If you prefer a sweeter shake, a small drizzle of a natural sweetener can be added. This is often unnecessary if you use a very ripe banana.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Blender: Place your blender jar onto its base and ensure it is clean and ready for the ingredients.
- Add Liquids First: Pour the 1 cup of almond milk (or your chosen liquid) and the ½ cup of Greek yogurt into the blender. Adding the liquids first helps the blender blades move more freely and prevents the thicker ingredients from getting stuck at the bottom.
- Add Powders and Seeds: Add the scoop of vanilla protein powder and the optional tablespoon of chia seeds. Placing powders in after the liquid but before the frozen fruit helps them dissolve properly without clumping.
- Add the Frozen Fruit: Add the frozen banana and the ¾ cup of frozen blueberries to the blender.
- Blend to Perfection: Secure the lid on the blender. Start blending on a low speed for about 10-15 seconds to break up the larger pieces of fruit. Then, gradually increase the speed to high and blend for 45-60 seconds, or until the shake is completely smooth and creamy with no remaining chunks.
- Check Consistency: Pause the blender and check the shake’s consistency. If it’s too thick for your liking, add a splash more milk and blend for a few more seconds. If it’s too thin, you can add a few more frozen blueberries or a couple of ice cubes to thicken it up.
- Taste and Adjust: Give it a quick taste. If you desire more sweetness, now is the time to add the optional teaspoon of honey or maple syrup and give it a final, quick blend to incorporate.
- Serve Immediately: Pour your vibrant, creamy protein shake into a tall glass and enjoy it right away for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 500
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 35g