Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana, preferably frozen for a colder, thicker smoothie
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (or a nut butter of your choice)
• 1 cup milk of your choice (dairy, almond, soy, oat, etc.)
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1/2 cup ice (if you’re using a fresh banana)
• Optional add-ins: a scoop of protein powder, a handful of oats, chia seeds, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: If you’re using a fresh banana, you can freeze it beforehand for a thicker smoothie. Just peel it, break it into a few pieces, and place it in a freezer-safe bag for at least 2 hours.
2. Combine ingredients: Add all the ingredients to your blender in the following order: milk, yogurt, banana, peanut butter, and then any optional add-ins or ice. Adding the liquid first helps the blades blend everything more smoothly.
3. Blend: Secure the lid on your blender and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 30-60 seconds.
4. Taste and adjust: Give the smoothie a taste. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk and blend again. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more honey or maple syrup.
5. Serve: Pour the smoothie into a glass and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Smoothie

• Frozen banana is key: Using a frozen banana is the secret to a thick, ice-cream-like texture without needing a ton of ice, which can water down the flavor.
• Start with less liquid: It’s easier to thin out a thick smoothie than it is to thicken a watery one. Start with 3/4 cup of milk and add more as needed.
• Customize it: This recipe is a great base. Feel free to experiment with different types of milk, nut butters, and add-ins to find your perfect combination.
• For a high-protein smoothie: Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder. You may need to add a little more liquid to get the right consistency.
• For a richer flavor: Use full-fat Greek yogurt. For a lighter version, use non-fat.