Classic Banana Strawberry Smoothie

A classic Banana-Strawberry Smoothie is a refreshing and nutritious drink that's quick to prepare. It combines the creamy sweetness of bananas with the tartness of strawberries, making it perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious Banana-Strawberry Smoothie:

Ingredients:

  • 1 large ripe banana, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (if using frozen, you may want to reduce or omit ice)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla) or regular yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond, soy, or oat milk)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • A few ice cubes (optional, especially if using fresh strawberries)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Ingredients:

    • If using fresh strawberries, hull and slice them. If using frozen strawberries, you can use them straight from the freezer.
    • Peel and slice the banana.
  2. Blend:

    • In a blender, combine the banana, strawberries, Greek yogurt, milk, and honey (if using). If you’re using vanilla extract, add that as well.
    • Blend on high until smooth. If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a colder smoothie, add a few ice cubes and blend again.
  3. Taste and Adjust:

    • Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more honey or maple syrup.
  4. Serve:

    • Pour the smoothie into glasses and serve immediately. You can garnish with a few fresh strawberries or banana slices if desired.

Tips:

  • Frozen Fruit: Using frozen strawberries will make the smoothie colder and thicker. If you use fresh strawberries, you might need more ice cubes to achieve the same consistency.
  • Texture: For a thicker smoothie, you can add more yogurt or reduce the amount of milk. For a thinner smoothie, add more milk.
  • Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients such as a handful of spinach for extra nutrients, chia seeds for added fiber, or a scoop of protein powder if you want a protein boost.

This Banana-Strawberry Smoothie is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for any time of day. Enjoy!