A protein smoothie recipe provides a great way for vegans and vegetarians to get some extra protein in their diets. Try these recipes as a jumping off point to creating your own delicious protein-filled drinks.
Strawberry Almond Smoothie
This smoothie blends the sweet and tart tastes of fresh strawberries with the nutty taste of almonds. It packs a protein punch from the almond milk, nut butter and egg whites, while also providing some omega 3s from the flax seeds. Makes one 14-ounce smoothie.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces unsweetened almond milk
- 2 scoops egg white powder
- 8 frozen strawberries
- 1 tablespoon raw almond butter
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender.
- Pulse until the strawberries are broken into smaller pieces.
- Blend for 30 seconds until smooth.
To get the most out of your flaxseeds, grind them just before you add them to the smoothie.
Peanut Butter Smoothie
The peanut butter in this smoothie adds some extra protein, while the banana lends some sweetness. Makes one 14-ounce smoothie.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces unsweetened almond milk
- 2 scoops chocolate flavored whey protein
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
Instructions
- Cut the banana into one-inch chunks.
- Place the ingredients in a blender.
- Pulse to break up the bananas further, and then blend for 30 seconds until smooth.
Orange Breakfast Smoothie
This sweet and satisfying shake will help get your day started off right with the flavors of orange juice and banana mixed with creamy Greek yogurt. Makes one 16-ounce smoothie.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh squeezed orange juice
- 2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder
- 1 banana
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons organic vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
- 1 tablespoon soy lecithin
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend on high for 30 seconds until smooth.
Tropical Protein Smoothie
This fresh, raw smoothie uses hemp protein powder, which gives the tropical fruit a slight nutty background taste. This makes about 2 cups, or one very generous serving.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons raw hemp seed protein powder
- 1 cup fresh, raw coconut water
- 2 bananas
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- Raw honey or agave as desired
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend on high for 45 to 60 seconds or until smooth.
For a thicker texture, cut the banana and pineapple in chunks and freeze before blending.
Mango Smoothie
This fresh and tangy smoothie gets its kick from cold green tea. Makes about two cups.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons raw hemp seed protein powder
- 1/2 cup frozen mango cut in chunks
- 1/2 cup peach chunks
- 1/2 cup cold green tea
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger if desired
- Raw honey or agave as desired
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in blender.
- Blend for 30 seconds until smooth.
Berry Protein Smoothie
This sweet smoothie is packed with berries rich in antioxidants. Makes about 2-1/2 cups.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons raw hemp seed protein powder
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup blackberries
- 1/4 cup spinach
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup crushed ice
- 1 tablespoons raw agave, or to taste
Instructions
- Place ingredients in order in a blender.
- Blend for 45 - 60 seconds until thick and smooth.
Carrot Cake Protein Smoothie
This thick, creamy smoothie will make you think you're having dessert. Makes about 2-1/2 cups.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup raw milk (cow or goat or raw almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons raw hemp seed protein powder
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
- 1/4 cup raw coconut
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1/4 cup raw walnuts
- 1/2 cup crushed ice
Instructions
- Place ingredients in a blender.
- Blend on high for 45 - 60 seconds until smooth.
Green Smoothie
A green smoothie is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals in an easy to drink form. Makes about 2-1/2 cups
Instructions
- 1/2 cup spinach
- 1/4 cup parsley
- 1 banana
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 cup berries of choice
- 2 tablespoons hemp seed protein powder
- 1 tablespoon agave if desired
Instructions
- Place ingredients in a blender
- Blend on high for 30 seconds until smooth.
Banana Nut Protein Smoothie
This sweet smoothie has a rich, hearty taste that makes it feel substantial. Makes about 2-1/2 cups.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh coconut water
- 1 tablespoon raw, hulled hemp seed
- 1 tablespoon raw almonds
- 2 bananas
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 cup cracked ice
Instructions
- Place ingredients in a blender.
- Blend for 45 - 60 seconds until smooth.
You may add raw hemp seed protein powder for an extra boost of protein.
Additions and Modifications
You can add nearly anything to a protein smoothie. If you want to branch out and try a few more flavors, consider adding any of these to your smoothies:
- Tahini: Tahini is a paste made of sesame seeds, and can be found in most supermarkets these days. Use just a spoonful of tahini in your smoothie to bump up the protein count and add a rich, nutty flavor.
- Quinoa: Quinoa is regarded as a grain, but it's actually a relative of the spinach plant. It's full of protein, however, and is perfect when added to smoothies that also contain soy to create a more complete protein source.
- Cocoa powder: How about a little chocolate in your smoothie? Cocoa powder is very tasty mixed with fruit and soy milk.
- Silken tofu: Replace yogurt or even egg or whey protein with silken tofu to get a smooth, creamy smoothie that is also vegan friendly.
- Almond or cashew butter: While peanut butter frequently gets all the glory, almond and cashew butters are also excellent sources of protein that can add a new depth of flavor to your smoothie.
Treat Yourself
Smoothies are not only a great way to make sure you get the protein you need each day, they can also be a great treat. Try these smoothie recipes and see how easy and delicious it is to start adding some extra protein to your diet.
