Recipes by Brad, Simple Recipes anyone can make

Strawberry Banana Smoothie (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

Each ingredient in this strawberry banana smoothie serves a specific purpose to create the perfect texture and flavor balance. Using the right proportions and quality ingredients will make all the difference in your final result.

Fresh Strawberries (1 cup, hulled)

Fresh strawberries provide natural sweetness and vibrant color to your smoothie. Choose berries that are bright red, fragrant, and slightly soft to touch. If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen strawberries work equally well and actually help create a thicker consistency without needing extra ice.

Ripe Banana (1 large, peeled)

The banana acts as a natural sweetener and creates the signature creamy texture. Use a banana with brown spots for maximum sweetness and easier blending. Frozen banana pieces will make your smoothie extra thick and cold, similar to a milkshake consistency.

Greek Yogurt (½ cup, plain)

Greek yogurt adds protein, probiotics, and incredible creaminess to the smoothie. Plain yogurt works best as it won’t compete with the fruit flavors. The protein content helps keep you satisfied longer, making this smoothie perfect for breakfast or post-workout recovery.

Milk (½ cup)

Milk helps achieve the perfect blending consistency and adds calcium. You can use any type of milk including dairy, almond, oat, or coconut milk based on your preferences. Start with less milk and add more if needed to reach your desired thickness.

Honey (1-2 tablespoons)

Honey provides natural sweetness and helps bind the flavors together. The amount depends on the ripeness of your fruit and personal taste preferences. You can substitute with maple syrup, agave, or omit entirely if your fruit is very sweet.

Ice Cubes (½ cup)

Ice creates the perfect smoothie texture and ensures your drink is refreshingly cold. If using frozen fruit, you may need less ice. The key is finding the right balance between thickness and drinkability for your perfect smoothie consistency.

Ingredient close-up

# Instructions:

Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect strawberry banana smoothie every time. The order of ingredients and blending technique makes a significant difference in achieving that smooth, creamy texture you’re looking for.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing and hulling your fresh strawberries, removing the green tops completely. Peel your ripe banana and break it into smaller chunks for easier blending. If using frozen fruit, let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes to soften slightly. Measure out your Greek yogurt, milk, and honey. Having everything prepped and measured makes the blending process much smoother and prevents any ingredient from being forgotten.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in Blender

Add ingredients to your blender in this specific order for optimal blending: liquid first (milk), then Greek yogurt, followed by honey, fresh strawberries, banana chunks, and ice cubes last. This layering technique ensures the blades can move freely and creates better circulation for even blending. The liquid at the bottom helps create the vortex needed for smooth mixing without air pockets or chunks.

Step 3: Blend on Low Speed First

Start blending on low speed for 30 seconds to break down the larger pieces of fruit and ice. This prevents the blender from working too hard initially and helps avoid chunks in your final smoothie. You’ll hear the sound change as the ingredients begin to combine and the mixture starts moving more freely. Don’t rush this step as it sets the foundation for a perfectly smooth texture.

Step 4: Increase to High Speed

After the initial low-speed blend, increase to high speed and blend for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides if needed. The mixture should be thick but pourable, with no visible fruit chunks or ice pieces. If the smoothie seems too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Pour a small amount into a spoon to taste your smoothie. Adjust sweetness with additional honey if needed, or add more fruit for stronger flavor. If the smoothie is too thick, add more milk gradually. If it’s too thin, add more frozen fruit or ice cubes and blend again briefly. The perfect strawberry banana smoothie should coat the back of a spoon but still pour easily.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Pour your smoothie into chilled glasses for the best experience. Serve immediately while cold and at peak texture. You can garnish with fresh strawberry slices, banana rounds, or a drizzle of honey for an attractive presentation. If you’re making this for later, give it a quick stir or blend before serving as ingredients may separate when sitting.