Strawberry Banana Smoothie With Greek Yogurt & Chia

Strawberry and banana are the classic smoothie pair for a reason: sweet, creamy and loved by almost everyone. This version adds Greek yogurt and chia seeds, so it turns from a quick treat into a breakfast that actually keeps you full.

It takes five minutes, needs no protein powder and still gives you about 20 g of protein.

Recipe

Strawberry Banana Smoothie With Greek Yogurt & Chia

Prep:

5 min

Total:

5 min

Serves:

1 large glass

Ingredients

• 1 cup (150 g) strawberries, fresh or frozen
• 1 small banana, ideally frozen in slices
• 1/2 cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk of choice
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• A few ice cubes if using only fresh fruit

Instructions

1. 1Add the milk to the blender first, then the Greek yogurt, chia seeds and vanilla.
2. 2Add the strawberries and banana on top, plus a few ice cubes if your fruit is not frozen.
3. 3Blend on high for 45 to 60 seconds until completely smooth and creamy.
4. 4Taste and add a splash of milk if it is too thick. Pour into a glass and top with a few chia seeds and a sliced strawberry.

Approx. 400 kcal per glass. Nutrition values are estimates.

Why Greek yogurt and chia make the difference

Greek yogurt is strained, so it contains about twice as much protein as regular yogurt. It also makes the smoothie thick and creamy, almost like a milkshake.

Chia seeds add fiber and a little healthy fat. They slow down how fast the fruit sugars reach your bloodstream, which helps you avoid the mid-morning energy dip.

Frozen banana replaces sugar and ice at the same time. Freeze ripe bananas in slices and you always have the base for a creamy smoothie.

Tips for the creamiest smoothie

• Liquid first. Adding milk before the fruit helps the blender pull everything down and blend faster.
• Use frozen fruit. At least one frozen ingredient gives you a thick, cold smoothie without watering it down with ice.
• Blend long enough. A full minute breaks down the chia seeds and makes the texture silky.
• Adjust the thickness. Thicker for a smoothie bowl, a splash more milk for a drinkable glass.
• Check the yogurt label. Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt keeps the added sugar low. The fruit is sweet enough.

Easy variations

• Smoothie bowl: use only 1/2 cup milk and top with granola, sliced strawberries and nut butter. For more bowl ideas, see this Greek yogurt bowl.
• Extra greens: add a handful of baby spinach. You will not taste it, as in this blueberry green smoothie.
• Oat smoothie: blend in 2 tbsp rolled oats for more fiber and a breakfast that lasts even longer.
• Tropical twist: swap half the strawberries for mango, like in our peach mango smoothie.
• Dairy-free: use soy yogurt and soy milk to keep the protein high.

How to fit it into your morning

A smoothie works best as a full breakfast, not as a drink on the side. If you still feel hungry mid-morning, add a boiled egg or a handful of nuts, or rotate with the ideas in 7 filling breakfast ideas that help you stay full longer.

Want even more protein on slower mornings? Try this high-protein breakfast plate with about 35 g of protein in 10 minutes.

Looking for more protein? These 4 high-protein smoothie recipes have about 30 g per glass.

FAQ

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Questions

How much protein is in this smoothie?

With Greek yogurt and dairy milk, one large glass has roughly 20 g of protein. With unsweetened almond or oat milk it is closer to 13 to 15 g. Soy milk keeps it near 20 g.

Can I make it without banana?

Yes. Use 1/2 cup frozen mango, 1/4 avocado or a few extra frozen strawberries instead. The smoothie will be a little less sweet, so add a teaspoon of honey if needed.

Can I prep this smoothie ahead?

Put the fruit and chia seeds into freezer bags for up to a month. In the morning, add yogurt and milk and blend. A finished smoothie keeps for about 24 hours in a closed jar in the fridge, but the chia will thicken it.

Is a strawberry banana smoothie good for weight loss?

A smoothie with protein and fiber can be a filling breakfast and an easy way to eat more fruit. Portion size still matters, so treat it as a meal rather than an extra snack.

The bottom line

This strawberry banana smoothie is quick, creamy and far more filling than the usual fruit-only version. Keep frozen fruit and Greek yogurt at home and you are always five minutes away from a breakfast that tastes like dessert and keeps you going until lunch.

This article is for general information and does not replace medical or nutritional advice. If you have a health condition, allergies or special dietary needs, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.