Creamy and delicious, this Greek yogurt smoothie is ready in only 5 minutes. Learn how to make this healthy recipe with 5 ingredients.
Recipe Highlights
- A Greek yogurt smoothie is a creamy drink made in a blender.
- The combination of protein powder and Greek yogurt makes this drink filling. Enjoy it for breakfast or as a snack in between meals.
- This recipe is naturally sweet from the Medjool date and banana. Bananas are high in essential nutrients, including vitamins and fiber.
RELATED: Banana Smoothie
5 Greek Yogurt Smoothie Benefits
1. Promotes Healthy Digestion
Greek yogurt contains probiotics, also known as good bacteria. Probiotics can help manage digestive issues and support nutrient absorption. Also, banana has fiber, which is needed for healthy bowel movements.
2. Lowers High Cholesterol
High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease. However, the fiber in banana can help by reducing cholesterol levels.
3. Increase Fullness
This smoothie is high in protein, one of the most best nutrients for preventing hunger. It’s all thanks to the Greek yogurt and protein powder.
4. Maintains Bone Health
Milk and Greek yogurt are great sources of calcium. This mineral is needed for building healthy bones and teeth.
5. Offers Antioxidants
Bananas contain vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which are antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants can lower the risk of disease by protecting cells.
RELATED: Benefits of Eating Bananas
Ingredient Notes
- Milk: Every smoothie needs a liquid base. Feel free to use any milk you prefer, including plant-based options like oat milk or unsweetened almond milk.
- Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt makes the drink creamy, thick, and rich. For the healthiest choice, use plain unflavored Greek yogurt without added sweeteners.
- Medjool date: Dates are natural sweeteners that contain fiber and vitamins.
- Vanilla protein powder: Protein powder also gives thickness to this drink. The vanilla flavor tastes great with Greek yogurt and bananas. You can use whey or vegan protein powder, depending on your preference.
- Frozen bananas: For a thick and cold smoothie, be sure to frozen bananas. This will allow you to avoid ice, which will water down the recipe’s flavor.
For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Variations
Leafy greens: To turn this recipe into a green smoothie, add 1 cup of kale or spinach. Put it in the blender after the protein powder and before the bananas. This will ensure the ingredients blend properly.
Seeds: Try adding 1 tablespoon chia seeds, flax seed, or hemp seeds. These seeds will increase the protein and fiber content of the drink.
Butters: If you enjoy nutty flavors, add 1-2 tablespoons of peanut, cashew, or almond butter. For best results, add it after the Greek yogurt and before the date.
RELATED: Peanut Butter Smoothie
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Put milk and Greek yogurt into the blender.
Put the milk into the blender first to prevent air pockets.
Step 2: Add date, protein powder, and frozen bananas.
Step 3: Blend until smooth. Start on low speed, then increase to high.
Step 4: Pour smoothie into a cup. Serve immediately.
Photo Credit: amazon.com
Blender Tips
Always start with liquids.
For the best smoothie, load the ingredients in the correct order. Put in the liquids first, then follow with creamy ingredients like yogurt and nut butter. Add any fresh fruits and vegetables, then finish with heavy ingredients, such as frozen fruit and ice (if using).
Use a blender tamper.
To encourage efficient blending, move ingredients toward the blades with a tamper. Most blenders come with a tamper. If you don’t have one, be sure to use a tamper that’s made for your specific blender.
Increase speed slowly.
When using a blender, start on low before moving to high. This will protect the motor in your blender from overheating.
RELATED: Apple Smoothie
Expert Tips
- For a thinner smoothie, add a bit of milk and blend for 10 seconds.
- Medjool date may be difficult to blend smooth. Chop it into smaller pieces if you’re not using a powerful blender.
- To sweeten without using Medjool date, use 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, honey, or date syrup.
- Ripe bananas work best for this recipe. Unripe bananas, which have a green peel, are too bitter.
- Save leftover smoothie in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator. Enjoy it within 1-2 days for best results. After this time, the smoothie will start to lose its flavor and nutrients.
Questions You May Have
This Greek yogurt smoothie is rich in fiber and vitamins, making it a nutritious drink. Keep it healthy by using minimal sweetener and fresh ingredients.
No. This is not safe, because a whole frozen banana can damage your blender’s blades. It’s better to used sliced frozen banana instead.
Greek yogurt is thicker and contains more protein than regular yogurt.
Related
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Kale Pineapple Smoothie
- Blueberry Banana Smoothie
- Mango Smoothie
- How to Make a Smoothie
If you tried this Greek Yogurt Smoothie recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and let me know how you like it in the comments below.
Greek Yogurt Smoothie
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup milk (any kind)
- ¾ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 Medjool date (pitted)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 ½ frozen bananas (sliced)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Put milk, Greek yogurt, Medjool date, protein powder, and frozen bananas into a blender. Secure lid.Place ingredients into the blender in the order listed.
- Blend until smooth.Start the blender on LOW speed for 10 seconds. Increase speed to HIGH for a full minute.
- Pour smoothie into a cup. Serve immediately.
EQUIPMENT
NOTES
- For a thinner smoothie, add a bit of milk and blend for 10 seconds.
- Chop Medjool date if your blender isn’t too powerful.
- You can make this smoothie with any milk, including dairy and non-dairy alternatives. Examples include unsweetened almond milk, hemp milk, and oat milk.
- Try using 1 tablespoon maple syrup, honey, or date syrup instead of a Medjool date.
- Omit the sweetener for a less sweet smoothie.
- Ripe bananas work best for this recipe. Unripe bananas, which have a green peel, are too bitter.
- Save leftover smoothie in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator. Enjoy it within 1-2 days for best results. After this time, the smoothie will start to lose its flavor and nutrients.