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Healthy Post-Workout Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie

post-workout strawberry banana protein smoothie - featured image

A quick and delicious smoothie designed for fast muscle recovery, combining fresh strawberries, banana, cottage cheese, and protein powder for a creamy, nutrient-packed post-workout treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled (or frozen if out of season)
  • 1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
  • Β½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 1 scoop vanilla whey or plant-based protein powder
  • Β½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pure honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Β½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseeds (optional)
  • A handful of spinach (optional)

Instructions

  1. Hull and wash the strawberries. Slice the banana into chunks. If using frozen strawberries, let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes for easier blending.
  2. Pour in 1 cup almond milk into the blender, then add the strawberries, banana, and Β½ cup cottage cheese.
  3. Add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, Β½ teaspoon cinnamon, Β½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and honey or maple syrup if using.
  4. Toss in chia seeds or spinach if desired for extra nutrition.
  5. Blend on low speed, gradually increasing to high, until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Add more almond milk if too thick.
  6. Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness by adding more honey or almond milk as needed.
  7. Serve immediately in a glass or portable cup for best freshness and texture.

Notes

Use ripe fruit for best flavor. Layer ingredients with liquids first to avoid blender jams. Blend at least 60 seconds on high for smooth texture. Drink within 30 minutes for optimal nutrient absorption. For dairy-free, substitute cottage cheese with silken tofu or dairy-free yogurt and use plant-based protein powder.

Nutrition

Keywords: post-workout smoothie, protein smoothie, strawberry banana smoothie, muscle recovery, healthy smoothie, quick smoothie, protein shake