Pin it
This light cherry banana shake brings a big protein boost and a punch of fruity sweetness. It's what I grab for breakfast after those sweaty morning workouts. The combo of juicy cherries and mellow banana wakes me up every time and keeps my stomach happy for ages.
Had to whip something up fast before running out the door. As soon as I tried this, I knew it would be my number one treat after a run every time.
Tasty Ingredients
- Frozen banana: makes it smooth and creamy, adding sweetness so you won’t even think about honey or syrup
- Fat free milk: helps the drink blend nicely and keeps it light, use super fresh milk for the best taste
- Frozen dark sweet cherries: brings that bold sweet-tart kick and gorgeous color, just check there’s no extra sugar on the label
- Plain Greek yogurt: thick and protein packed, go for the ultra creamy kind for best results
- Vanilla protein powder: kicks up the flavor even more and packs in extra nutrients, just toss in whatever quality blend you like
Simple How-To
- Serve Up:
- Right away, pour into two cups and sip for the best taste and feel
- Adjust as Needed:
- If it’s too thick, just splash in a bit more milk and give it another quick blend. Scrape the sides down if anything’s stuck.
- Crank It Up:
- Start blending on high for about sixty seconds until it’s totally smooth and you can’t spot any chunky bits
- Start Off:
- Add those frozen cherries, banana, yogurt, milk, and protein powder to your blender all together
Pin it
Frozen cherries are my first pick for any shake—they bring deep flavor and a pretty pop of pink. I always think of slow summer mornings making these with the kids before swimming days.
Storing Leftovers
Drink this smoothie as soon as you make it for best results. But if you've got some left, just pop it in a jar with the lid on and stash it in the fridge for a maximum of eight hours. It'll probably get a bit thicker as it sits, so just give it a strong shake or add a dash of milk before drinking.
Swap Options
No Greek yogurt on hand? You can swap in regular yogurt or try a non-dairy pick like coconut for something lighter. Oat or almond milk will work in place of fat free milk. No vanilla protein? Use chocolate for a twist or skip it and drop in some vanilla extract instead.
Pin it
Fun Ways to Serve
Pour it into chilled cups for a really cold treat, or make a bowl and pile on toppings—grab whatever nuts, granola, or fruit you’ve got. Kids love it after school too.
History and Tradition
Blended drinks like this are a favorite in health-aware kitchens because they mix simple dairy and fresh fruit for a filling meal. Protein powder might be new, but the base—fruit plus yogurt—goes way back to traditional breakfasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap frozen cherries for fresh ones?
Definitely! If you go with fresh cherries, just toss in some ice so your smoothie stays cold and nice and thick.
- → Any good swaps for yogurt or milk if I don’t do dairy?
For sure. You can grab any plant-based milk like oat or almond, and a non-dairy yogurt for the same creamy feel.
- → How do I make mine taste sweeter?
Pop in a bit of honey, pour some maple syrup, or drop in a couple of soft dates for a natural sweet taste.
- → Can I whip this up ahead and save it?
It’s tastiest when fresh but you can stick it in the fridge for a day. Just give it a good shake or stir before drinking.
- → What kind of protein powder should I pick?
Try vanilla protein if you want easy flavor. Pick your usual kind or skip it if you’re not big on powders.
- → Is there a swap if I don’t want banana?
If banana isn’t your thing, use mango or avocado for that rich, smooth texture in your cup.