Cool and creamy, delicious and healthy—that is what you get with this Protein Shake Recipe!
Whether as a wholesome breakfast, healthy snack, or post-workout refresher, a protein shake provides plenty of benefits for your body. Protein shakes taste great, are easily customized to your liking, and are a quick, inexpensive way to boost your daily protein intake.
Making protein shakes is as easy as putting a few ingredients into a blender and pushing a button. These frosty drinks let you feel indulgent without the extra calories and fat associated with milkshakes. While the recipe below calls for a frozen banana, you can omit the fruit and ice entirely and use a shaker bottle instead of a blender to make your beverage. It won’t have the same consistency as the protein shake shown here, but it will still be an easy way to increase your protein intake.
What Do Protein Shakes Taste Like?
The taste of a protein shake depends on the ingredients you use. The recipe listed here has a slight banana/peanut butter taste with a hint of vanilla. If you want more vanilla flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Switching protein powder flavors will alter the taste, as will using other types of fruit. Protein shakes are typically slightly sweet, not overly sweet like milkshakes.
My typical morning shake uses frozen bananas, blueberries, spinach, and vanilla protein powder. I like to add cinnamon, and I use unsweetened almond milk and plain Greek yogurt. When I use my chocolate protein powder, I often switch from frozen blueberries to strawberries. The sweet fruit helps to counter the flavor of the handful of spinach I use. You can add a little sweetener if the shake is not as sweet as you like.
Benefits of Making Protein Shakes
Protein shakes have plenty of benefits, beginning with the extra boost of protein that smoothies don’t always provide. The main difference between a protein shake and a smoothie is the inclusion of protein powder and less produce. Smoothies frequently contain more fruit and possibly vegetables than protein shakes. A protein smoothie typically has abundant fruit/vegetables along with protein powder.
A protein shake is the perfect way to get more protein into your diet. Because it helps you feel fuller and builds lean muscle, it can aid weight loss and weight management. The protein in the shake can help speed muscle recovery after a workout and may help reduce age-related muscle loss.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
- 1/2 banana, sliced and frozen
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 6 ice cubes (or more as needed)
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries (optional)
Instructions
Prep time – 5 minutes
Cooking time – 0 minutes
Yields – 2 servings
Step 1: Place the almond milk, vanilla protein powder, peanut butter, frozen banana, Greek yogurt, ice cubes, and mixed berries (if using) into a blender.
Step 2: Blend on high until smooth. If the shake is too thick, add a little more almond milk to reach the desired consistency. If too thin, add a few ice cubes.
Step 3: Pour the protein shake into a glass and serve immediately.
How to Make Ahead and Store
Protein shakes are easy to make ahead, especially if you need them for busy mornings or on-the-go times. Once blended, store your shake in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Longer storage is possible when you pour your shake into ice cube trays and freeze them solid. Once frozen, place the shake cubes in a zipper bag or other freezer-safe container and store them for up to 3 months. Blend the cubes with a little almond milk when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Protein powder shakes are an ideal meal replacement, providing the body with needed protein. Adding fruit or vegetables makes them a complete meal. If you want a delicious snack to accompany your shake, try these Orange Rolls or Gluten Free Scones. This Greek Inspired Low Carb Egg Muffin recipe will boost your morning protein intake to help keep you energized all day.
Protein Shake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
- 1/2 banana sliced and frozen
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 6 ice cubes or more as needed
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries (optional)
Instructions
- Place the almond milk, vanilla protein powder, peanut butter, frozen banana, Greek yogurt, ice cubes, and mixed berries (if using) into a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth. If the shake is too thick, add a little more almond milk to reach the desired consistency. If too thin, add a few ice cubes.
- Pour the protein shake into a glass and serve immediately.
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