Healthy Banana Berry Smoothie
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.I love making this 5-minute healthy Banana Berry Smoothie every morning for my kids using frozen berries, ripe bananas, and plant-based milk. It’s thick, creamy, and my favorite quick breakfast that keeps me and the family energized throughout the day. I think you’ll love it too!
As a health coach and mom of three active boys, I know the morning rush all too well. This smoothie came out of my mission to find quick and nourishing breakfasts my kids would actually enjoy without any complaints. It’s just as handy as this popular peanut butter banana overnight oats which I rely on when there’s no time to cook and everyone needs something they can grab on the way out the door.
When I started eating more plant-based, this smoothie quickly became a regular part of our breakfast routine. My boys love jumping in to help toss the ingredients into the blender, and we often serve it alongside a delicious bananas and cream oatmeal for a simple and satisfying morning meal.
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
This smoothie has become my favorite way to sneak extra nutrients into our mornings. The natural sweetness from ripe bananas means I don’t have to add any sugar, and the berries bring in a boost of antioxidants. I also love how easy it is to change up. Some mornings I’ll toss in a handful of granola or chia seeds, and my boys never even notice. It’s thick, creamy, and tastes like a treat, but I know every ingredient is doing something good for their bodies.
The simplicity of this recipe makes it practically foolproof. I always keep a stash of frozen berries in the freezer, and those overripe bananas sitting on the counter are perfect for this. The dairy-free yogurt makes it thick and creamy, and I just use whatever plant-based milk we have on hand. Almond, oat, or coconut all work great. I toss everything into the blender, let it run for a minute or two, and that’s it, we’ve got the smoothest smoothie ready to pour.
What makes this smoothie stand out is how long it keeps us full. So many breakfast drinks leave you hungry an hour later, but this one is packed with fiber and plant-based protein, so it actually holds us over until lunch. It’s become our steady morning fuel on school days, before sports practice, and anytime we need something quick that still does the job. I’m pretty sure your crew will love it just as much after the first sip.
🥘 Ingredients
Want some good news? It only takes a few simple ingredients to make this delicious and healthy banana berry smoothie. Here is what I used:
Frozen Banana: I use one ripe banana that I’ve sliced and frozen ahead of time. It makes the smoothie thick, creamy, and naturally sweet.
Frozen Berries: I grab about a cup of mixed berries from the freezer. They add a bright flavor and give the smoothie that pretty color my kids love.
Dairy-Free Plain Yogurt: I use a scoop of plain plant-based yogurt to make it extra creamy.
Dairy-Free Milk: I pour in whatever plant-based milk we have in the fridge. Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work great.
Almond Butter: I add a spoonful of almond butter for richness and a little extra protein.
🔪 How To Make
Making this healthy Banana Berry Smoothie is as easy as 1, 2….well, that’s it!
Blend the smoothie: I add the frozen banana, berries, yogurt, milk, and almond butter to the blender. Then I blend on high until it’s completely smooth and creamy.
Serve and enjoy: I pour the smoothie into glasses and serve it right away. It’s best cold and fresh, straight from the blender.
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for making this Banana Berry Smoothie is to use very ripe bananas that have been sliced and frozen ahead of time. I always wait until they’re spotty and sweet, then toss them in the freezer so they’re ready to go. It makes the smoothie extra creamy and naturally sweet without needing anything added. Trust me!
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Freeze your own berries: If I have fresh berries that are about to turn, I freeze them myself in small portions. It saves money and cuts back on waste.
- Let the banana sit for a minute before blending: If the banana is frozen solid, I let it sit on the counter for a minute or two. It helps it blend more easily, especially if you don’t have a high-speed blender.
- Adjust the thickness: If the smoothie is too thick, I add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, I toss in a few more frozen berries or a bit of ice.
- Add extras if you want to boost it: Sometimes I throw in a tablespoon of chia seeds, flaxseed, or hemp hearts for extra fiber and protein. The kids never notice, and it gives the smoothie even more staying power.
- Make smoothie packs ahead of time: I’ll prep little bags with the banana and berries already portioned out and store them in the freezer. That way, I just have to dump it all in the blender and go.
📖 Variations
I’ve tested lots of different versions over time, and they all turn out great. These are a few of my favorites that I definitely recommend trying:
Tropical Twist: I swap the berries for frozen mango and pineapple. It turns the smoothie into a bright and refreshing tropical drink that my kids love on warm mornings.
Chocolate Banana: I add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder and a few extra slices of banana. It tastes like a chocolate milkshake but still packs in the nutrients.
Greens Boost: I blend in a small handful of spinach or kale. You can’t even taste it, and it’s a simple way to sneak in some extra greens for my picky eaters. ha!
Protein Smoothie: I mix in a scoop of vanilla plant-based protein powder. It’s great for days when we need something more filling before a long morning or a workout.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
In my house, we pair smoothies with everything. From these healthy Indian breakfast recipes to wholesome toast ideas, every breakfast recipe deserves a smoothie on the side, don’t you think?
I love serving this banana berry smoothie alongside my kid’s favorite vegan breakfast parfait packed with high-protein granola and yogurt for an extra morning protein boost.
For busy mornings when I just want something to grab and go, I pair it with these energizing healthy breakfast bars or my husband’s favorite healthy flapjacks for a little extra fuel. They’re chewy, nutritious, and easy to make. No matter which one you go with, pairing it with this banana berry smoothie makes for a breakfast that’s both filling and nourishing.
🧊 Storage Directions
Refrigeration: I usually drink the smoothie fresh, but if I have any leftover, I pour it into a jar with a lid and keep it in the fridge. It stays good for about a day, just give it a quick shake before drinking.
Freezing: Sometimes I pour the smoothie into silicone molds or ice cube trays and freeze it. Then I just toss the cubes into the blender later with a splash of milk for a quick smoothie without starting from scratch.
❓Recipe FAQs
How do I make it thicker?
If the smoothie turns out too thin, I just add more frozen fruit or use less milk the next time. It’s really easy to adjust. Sometimes I even toss in a few ice cubes or a tablespoon of chia seeds to help thicken it up.
Is this smoothie good for kids?
Yes, my boys love it. It’s sweet and creamy, and they think it’s a treat. I let them help toss the fruit into the blender, which makes them even more excited to drink it.
Is it sweet enough without added sugar?
Yes, especially if the banana is really ripe. That natural sweetness is usually enough for us, but if I ever need a little more, I just add a tiny splash of maple syrup or a date.
🥤More Healthy Smoothies!
Love this plant based SMOOTHIE recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating 🌟 in the recipe below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page!
You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family-friendly food, and if you have any questions, I’m here to help!
📋 Recipe Card
Healthy Banana Berry Smoothie
I love making this 5-minute healthy Banana Berry Smoothie every morning for my kids using frozen berries, ripe bananas, and plant-based milk. It's thick, creamy, and my favorite quick breakfast that keeps me and the family energized throughout the day. I think you’ll love it too!
Servings: 1
Calories: 366kcal
Ingredients
Smoothie:
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup mixed frozen berries of choice
- 1/2 cup dairy-free plain yogurt , can sub with vanilla for a sweeter result
- 1/2 cup dairy-free milk , use coconut for the most creamy result
- 1 tablespoon almond butter , optional
Equipment
Instructions
- Place everything into a blender.
- Blend on low until thick and smooth, stop to scrape down sides along the way.
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for making this Banana Berry Smoothie is to use very ripe bananas that have been sliced and frozen ahead of time. I always wait until they’re spotty and sweet, then toss them in the freezer so they’re ready to go. It makes the smoothie extra creamy and naturally sweet without needing anything added. Trust me!
- Freeze your own berries: If I have fresh berries that are about to turn, I freeze them myself in small portions. It saves money and cuts back on waste.
- Let the banana sit for a minute before blending: If the banana is frozen solid, I let it sit on the counter for a minute or two. It helps it blend more easily, especially if you don’t have a high-speed blender.
- Adjust the thickness: If the smoothie is too thick, I add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, I toss in a few more frozen berries or a bit of ice.
- Add extras if you want to boost it: Sometimes I throw in a tablespoon of chia seeds, flaxseed, or hemp hearts for extra fiber and protein. The kids never notice, and it gives the smoothie even more staying power.
- Make smoothie packs ahead of time: I’ll prep little bags with the banana and berries already portioned out and store them in the freezer. That way, I just have to dump it all in the blender and go.
Nutrition
Calories: 366kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 626mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 147IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 293mg | Iron: 1mg
