Banana Almond Protein Smoothie Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 medium ripe bananas, frozen and chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml unsweetened almond milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp almond butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Small handful of ice cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g sliced almonds, for garnish</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">High-speed blender</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Place the frozen banana chunks in your blender. Using frozen bananas creates a creamier, thicker smoothie texture without needing to add ice that could water down the flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the almond milk, Greek yogurt, and almond butter to the blender. The combination of these ingredients provides a wonderful balance of protein sources while the almond butter adds richness and healthy fats that will help keep you fuller longer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Measure and add your protein powder, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. If your bananas aren't very ripe or you prefer a sweeter smoothie, this is when you'd add the optional honey or maple syrup.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add a small handful of ice cubes to the blender. This will help chill the smoothie and add additional thickness without diluting the flavors too much, as most of your creaminess comes from the frozen bananas.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds, or until completely smooth. Start at a lower speed and gradually increase to prevent air pockets from forming around the blades. You're looking for a thick, creamy texture with no visible chunks.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Stop and scrape down the sides if needed, then blend for another 15-30 seconds until velvety smooth. The smoothie should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable – if it's too thick, add a splash more almond milk; if too thin, add more frozen banana or ice.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Pour immediately into two tall glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of sliced almonds for added crunch and visual appeal. Serve right away to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature. The smoothie will separate slightly if left standing, so give it a quick stir before drinking if needed.</li></ol>