Skinny Cherry Banana Smoothie

This Skinny Cherry Banana Smoothie packs a punch of protein and sweet fruity flavor making it my go-to breakfast after a busy morning workout. The blend of cherries and creamy banana delivers a vibrant start to any day and keeps me satisfied for hours.

I whipped this up when I needed something fast and filling before heading out the door One taste and it instantly became my favorite post-run treat

Ingredients

• Frozen dark sweet cherries: bring a burst of tart sweet flavor and vibrant color choose ones with no added sugar
• Frozen banana: adds thick creamy texture and natural sweetness letting you skip extra sugar or honey
• Plain Greek yogurt: gives plenty of protein and rich creaminess make sure to grab the thickest style you can find for best results
• Fat free milk: lightens things up and blends the smoothie into a pourable consistency fresher milk gives a cleaner flavor
• Vanilla protein powder: amplifies the dessert-like taste while boosting nutritional value use your favorite high-quality blend for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Blend Everything:

Add frozen cherries frozen banana Greek yogurt milk and vanilla protein powder to your blender

Pulse the blender:

Pulse the blender several times to break down the frozen fruit then blend on high speed for about one minute until the mixture is completely thick and creamy and there are no chunks left

Check Consistency:

Pause to scrape down the sides of the blender if you need to If the smoothie looks too thick drizzle in a splash more milk until it pours smoothly

Serve Immediately:

Pour the smoothie evenly into two glasses and enjoy right away for best flavor and texture

Pin it

I always reach for frozen cherries in smoothies because they bring a deep juicy sweetness and a beautiful rosy color This recipe brings back memories of summer mornings when I would make smoothies with my kids before heading to the pool

Storage tips

This smoothie tastes best straight from the blender but if you have leftovers you can refrigerate them in a tightly sealed jar for up to eight hours The texture may thicken more as it sits so give it a good shake before drinking or blend in a bit more milk

Ingredient substitutions

No Greek yogurt You can use regular yogurt or a dairy free option for a lighter result Almond or oat milk also swap easily for the fat free milk If you do not have vanilla protein powder try chocolate for a twist or skip it and add a splash of vanilla extract

Pin it

Serving suggestions

Pour into chilled glasses for a frosty treat or turn it into a breakfast bowl by adding toppings like granola chopped nuts or extra fruit slices It is also a fun after school snack for kids

Cultural and historical context

Smoothies like this have become a staple in health conscious kitchens drawing on the tradition of using fresh fruit and dairy for a balanced meal While protein powder is a modern addition the base of fruit and yogurt is as old as breakfast itself

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute fresh cherries, but adding a few ice cubes will help achieve a thick, chilled texture.

→ Is there a non-dairy alternative for the yogurt and milk?

Absolutely! Use your favorite non-dairy yogurt and plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy for a creamy texture.

→ How can I make this smoothie sweeter?

Blend in a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or a couple of pitted dates for extra sweetness, if desired.

→ Can I prepare this smoothie ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can blend ingredients and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Stir or shake before serving.

→ What type of protein powder works best?

Vanilla-flavored protein powder complements the fruit, but feel free to use your favorite variety or omit it altogether.

→ Can bananas be replaced with another fruit?

Mango or avocado make creamy alternatives to banana while maintaining the smooth consistency of the drink.