Filling Green Protein Smoothie with Banana (Vegan)

This filling vegan green protein smoothie is loaded with nutrients but tastes like a peanut butter milkshake.

A moment of truth from me to you; being vegan doesn't mean that you must snack on raw beets, take ginger shots, and always eat an insane amount of greens. Some days it’s just tough to eat what we “should.”

On those days, I toss worry out the window and grab the blender. This smoothie is one of my favorite vegan smoothie recipes because of how easy it is to customize. It's super filling thanks to the combination of cauliflower, protein powder, and peanut butter making it a great post-workout smoothie.

If you love smoothies, be sure to check out these easy dairy-free smoothie recipes too:

• Blueberry Muffin Protein Smoothie
• Easy Cookie Dough Smoothie (No Banana)
• Mango Pear Smoothie
• Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie

Jump to:

• Vegan green protein smoothie ingredients
• Other healthy ingredients to add in
• How to make a dairy-free green protein smoothie
• My favorite vanilla protein powders
• Storage
• 📋 Recipe
• 💬 Feedback

Vegan green protein smoothie ingredients

• Non-dairy milk: almond milk, flax milk, and soy milk are all great options, feel free to use your favorite. Coconut milk can also be used, but will have a slight taste variation so only use if you love coconut flavor!
• Frozen banana: highly recommended, however, an overly ripe banana that has been refrigerator also works. I do not recommend using fresh bananas (with no brown spots) that have been at room temperature, as your smoothie will only taste like banana and not be as cold or satisfying. 
• Frozen cauliflower: a great addition as it helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Swap with fresh fruit such as a pear or a green apple or frozen fruit such as strawberries and blueberries for additional sweetness and vitamin C.

*Notable tip on freezing bananas: make sure the banana is overly ripe (lots of brown spots). Peel and cut into thirds, store in a covered container. If storing a lot together use parchment paper to separate some of the pieces so that they don't stick together. 

• Vegan protein powder: I love using vanilla protein powder in this, but chocolate may be a fun twist! The protein powder adds flavor and a bit of sweetness to the smoothie. However, if you don't have any on hand add in a chopped pear and a splash of maple syrup. Additional bananas and/or additional peanut butter can also be added.
• Peanut butter: use natural, drippy peanut butter without any added salt or sweeteners for best results. Substitute with almond butter, cashew butter, or a nut-free butter. 
• Hemp seeds/hemp hearts: optional, but recommended for healthy fats & additional protein. They also add to the nutty flavor of the peanut butter. Chia seeds, flax seeds, flaxseed meal or pumpkin seeds also work. 
• Fresh spinach: Light in flavor, adds vitamins and minerals, and gives the smoothie a beautiful green hue. Baby spinach or other leafy greens also work. 

Other healthy ingredients to add in

This green smoothie recipe is a great way to start the day and has a ton of potential to be customized to suit your needs. Here are some additional superfoods you can add to it:

• Chia seeds
• Orgain superfood powder (this has a distinct cinnamon flavor that also goes great in my Snickerdoodle protein smoothie)
• Maca powder
• Spirulina powder
• Lucuma powder

Add in a few pitted medjool dates, a tablespoon of maple syrup, and/or a handful of strawberries (fresh or frozen) for additional natural sweetness.

In general, smoothies are easily customizable so have fun with it! After you create your masterpiece, make sure to let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

How to make a dairy-free green protein smoothie

1. First, add all ingredients to a high-powered blender.
2. Then, blend for 20-30 seconds, or until smooth. Pour and enjoy.

The key to making the best smoothie with bananas is using extremely ripe bananas. If you don't have any frozen bananas on hand, add an additional handful of frozen cauliflower or a handful of ice. This ensures a creamy texture and avoids creating a warm smoothie.

My favorite vanilla protein powders

These vanilla protein powders are also vegan and gluten-free.

• Sunwarrior Vanilla Warrior Blend
• Kos Organic plant protein
• Orgain Organic Simple protein powder
• Plant Fusion complete protein powder

Depending on what protein powder you use, 1 scoop will give you 10-21 grams of protein. To increase protein intake, add an additional scoop along with more milk to help thin the smoothie.

Storage

I do not recommend storing this smoothie as the banana heavily affects the flavor as it sits. Blend and enjoy immediately!

📋 Recipe