Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe

This recipe makes a delicious, refreshing, and healthy smoothie, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a light meal.

Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (about 150g) fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled
• 1 ripe banana, fresh or frozen (if using fresh, you might want to add a few ice cubes)
• 1/2 to 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, soy, or oat milk), adjust for desired consistency
• 1-2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess and protein)
• 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness, adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)
• A few ice cubes (if using fresh fruit and you want a colder, thicker smoothie)

Equipment:

• Blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving glasses

Instructions:

1. Prepare the fruit: If using fresh strawberries, hull them. If using a fresh banana, peel it and break it into a few pieces. If using frozen fruit, no need to thaw completely.
2. Combine ingredients in blender: Add the strawberries, banana, 1/2 cup of milk, and Greek yogurt (if using) to your blender.
3. Blend: Secure the lid and blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
4. Adjust consistency and sweetness: If the smoothie is too thick, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, and blend again until you reach your desired consistency. Taste the smoothie. If you prefer it sweeter, add honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon at a time, and blend until combined. Add vanilla extract if desired and blend briefly.
5. Add ice (if needed): If you used fresh fruit and want a colder, thicker smoothie, add a few ice cubes and blend until completely smooth and no ice chunks remain.
6. Serve: Pour the strawberry banana smoothie into two tall glasses.
7. Garnish (optional): Garnish with a few slices of fresh banana and a whole strawberry, as shown in the image, and a fun straw.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Banana Smoothie:

• Use frozen fruit: For an extra thick and cold smoothie without diluting the flavor, use frozen strawberries and/or a frozen banana. You might need less or no ice if using all frozen fruit.
• Adjust milk: The amount of milk you use will depend on how thick or thin you like your smoothie. Start with 1/2 cup and add more as needed.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or even a pitted date) to your preference. Ripe bananas are naturally sweet, so you might not need much added sweetener.
• Boost the nutrition:
  • Add a handful of spinach (you won’t taste it!).
  • Include a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds for omega-3s and fiber.
  • Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra protein boost.
• Make ahead: Smoothies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the fruit and store it in the freezer in individual bags for quick blending later.
• Cleanup: Rinse your blender immediately after pouring to make cleanup easier.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Strawberry Banana Smoothie!