Blueberry Almond Butter Protein Smoothie

Mornings in my kitchen used to be chaotic until I discovered that a good smoothie could change everything. There was this one Tuesday when I threw frozen blueberries and almond butter into the blender on a whim, and the resulting purple magic made me actually excited for breakfast. Now its the only thing that gets me through those rushed weekday mornings when coffee alone just wont cut it.

I made this for my sister after her first half marathon and she literally said it was the best thing shed ever tasted. Watching her face light up at that perfect balance of sweet blueberry and nutty richness made me realize this was more than just breakfast.

Ingredients

• Frozen blueberries: These create that thick frosty texture without watering things down like fresh fruit would
• Ripe banana: The secret to natural sweetness and creaminess, so go for one with plenty of brown spots
• Vanilla protein powder: Plant based or whey both work beautifully, just pick what your stomach likes
• Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps things light while letting the other flavors shine through
• Greek yogurt: Adds protein and tang, but coconut yogurt works perfectly if you need it dairy free
• Almond butter: The star that brings everything together with that rich nutty depth
• Chia seeds: Totally optional but they add this nice little nutrition boost and texture
• Honey or maple syrup: Only if your banana isnt doing enough heavy lifting on the sweet front
• Vanilla extract: Dont skip this, it makes all the difference in pulling flavors together
• Sea salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the other ingredients and prevents that flat taste

Instructions

Start with liquids:

Pour in your almond milk, scoop in the Greek yogurt, and add that generous dollop of almond butter first

Add the fruits and powders:

Dump in those frozen blueberries, the banana broken into chunks, protein powder, chia seeds if youre using them, vanilla, and salt

Blend until magic happens:

Hit high speed and let it go for about a minute, stopping to scrape down the sides so nothing gets left behind

Taste and adjust:

Give it a quick taste test and blend in honey or maple syrup only if it needs that extra something

Serve immediately:

Pour into two glasses and enjoy while its still frosty cold

Save

This smoothie became my go to when I started training for my first 10K. Something about that creamy protein hitting my system after a morning run just felt like giving my body exactly what it was asking for.

Getting The Right Consistency

Ive learned that everyone has their own texture preference. If you like it thick enough to eat with a spoon, toss in extra frozen fruit or a handful of ice cubes before blending.

Making It Your Own

The beauty here is how forgiving this recipe is. Swap peanut butter or cashew butter if almonds arent your thing, or use chocolate protein powder for a dessert vibe.

Serving Suggestions

Sometimes I top it with extra blueberries and sliced almonds just to make it feel fancy. A sprinkle of granola on top adds this satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth creamy base.

• Pour into mason jars and refrigerate overnight for breakfast on the go
• Double the batch and keep the extra portion sealed for up to 24 hours
• Freeze any leftovers in popsicle molds for a healthy treat later

Save

Heres to mornings that start with something purple, protein packed, and totally delicious in your glass.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

Best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate up to 24 hours. Give it a quick stir or blend before drinking as separation may occur. Add ice when serving to restore thickness.

→ What protein powder works best?

Vanilla protein powder blends seamlessly. Choose plant-based for vegan options or whey for creamier texture. Unflavored works too if you prefer letting the blueberry and almond flavors shine.

→ How can I make it thicker?

Add more frozen banana, extra frozen blueberries, or a handful of ice. Greek yogurt naturally thickens—add another tablespoon if needed. Chia seeds also create more body after sitting briefly.

→ Is this smoothie vegan-friendly?

Easily made vegan by using plant-based protein powder and dairy-free yogurt alternative. The honey can be swapped for maple syrup. All other ingredients are naturally plant-based.

→ Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?

Fresh blueberries work but won't provide the same thickness or chill. Add ice cubes to compensate. You may need slightly more fresh fruit to match frozen blueberry intensity.

→ What other nut butters can I use?

Peanut butter adds robust flavor, cashew butter creates extra creaminess, or sunflower seed butter offers nut-free option. Each brings slightly different taste profile but same protein and healthy fats.