Healthy Vanilla Bean Protein Smoothie
🥤 Ingredients
| Category | Item | Amount |
| Liquid Base | Unsweetened Almond or Oat Milk | 1 ½ cups |
| Protein | Vanilla Bean Protein Powder (Whey or Pea) | 1 scoop |
| Healthy Fats | Almond Butter or Cashew Butter | 1 tbsp |
| Fiber/Thickener | Frozen Banana (sliced) | 1 large |
| Flavor | Vanilla Bean Paste (or extract) | ½ tsp |
| Optional | Chia Seeds or Ground Flax | 1 tsp |
Toppings (as seen in the photo)
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Granola: A sprinkle of low-sugar clusters.
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Drizzle: A touch of melted dark chocolate or sugar-free chocolate syrup.
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Cream: A dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut whipped cream.
🥣 Instructions
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Freeze Your Fruit: For that thick, “milkshake” consistency seen in the photo, ensure your banana is completely frozen before blending.
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Layer the Blender: Add the milk first, followed by the protein powder, nut butter, and vanilla. Add the frozen banana last.
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Blend: Start on a low speed and gradually increase to high until the texture is silky smooth.
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The “Swirl”: Before pouring, take your chocolate drizzle and run it along the inside of the glass.
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Assembly: Pour the smoothie into the glass. Top with a spoonful of yogurt/cream, then finish with the granola clusters and an extra slice of fresh banana if you have one left over.
💡 Pro-Tip for Texture
If you want it even thicker (spoonable like the image suggests), add 3-4 ice cubes or reduce the milk by ¼ cup. This turns it from a drink into a “smoothie bowl” in a mug!