Easy 5 Minute Banana Smoothie

Key Ingredients

• Banana: I use one banana to make a large smoothie or two smaller, kid-friendly ones. For the best texture, choose a ripe banana. For a creamier smoothie, frozen banana slices work wonders. Below, I’ll show you how to freeze bananas for smoothies.
• Half an Orange: When available, I love adding orange to my morning smoothies. It enhances the flavor with a tropical twist and provides a boost of vitamin C. If oranges aren’t on hand, mango, pineapple, or berries are great substitutes.
• Plain or Greek Yogurt: A spoonful of yogurt adds extra creaminess and protein. If you prefer a yogurt-free smoothie, try adding more fruit or vegetables like spinach or kale instead.
• Water or Milk: A splash of liquid helps blend the ingredients smoothly. For a lighter option, use water, but for a richer, creamier texture, opt for milk (both dairy or non-dairy alternatives work well).

How to Make the Perfect Banana Smoothie

To prepare the banana smoothie, add the banana, orange, yogurt, and liquid of your choice into a blender. Blend until smooth. For an extra cold smoothie, toss in some ice or use frozen fruit.

Enjoy your smoothie immediately or store it for later. You can keep it in an airtight container (I use a mason jar) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The ingredients may separate, but a good shake will bring it back to its creamy consistency.

You can also freeze your smoothie! Simply pour it into a freezer-safe bag, remove excess air, and freeze. It will last 1 to 2 months. To enjoy it later, thaw overnight or run it under warm water for a minute, then blend again.

How to Freeze Bananas for Smoothies

For convenience, freeze bananas or other fruits in portions for easy smoothie prep. You can even prepare smoothie packs ahead of time.

Here’s how to freeze fruit for smoothies:

1. Rinse and chop fresh fruit into small pieces.
2. Pat dry and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
4. Once frozen, transfer the fruit to freezer-safe bags and store for up to 2 months.

Banana Smoothie Variations

While this basic recipe is delicious on its own, you can customize it to fit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

• More Fruit: Add fresh or frozen fruits like mango, pineapple, or berries. Try making a strawberry banana smoothie or a blueberry variation.
• Greens: Boost your smoothie with healthy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. Add 1 to 2 cups for extra nutrients. Check out this green smoothie for ideas.
• Healthy Fats: Include avocado for a creamy, healthy fat boost.
• Protein & Fiber: Add hemp, chia seeds, or your favorite protein powder to increase protein and fiber content.
• Nut Butters: A tablespoon of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter adds creaminess and a nutty flavor.
• Chocolate: A tablespoon of cocoa powder or cacao nibs will give your smoothie a chocolatey twist.
• Spices: Add a touch of fresh ginger, turmeric, or spices like cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or ground turmeric for a flavorful kick.

This banana smoothie is naturally creamy and fruity. Depending on the sweetness of your banana and orange, you may want to add a little honey to taste. Experiment with various add-ins: try ½ to 1 cup of greens like spinach or kale for a nutrient-packed green smoothie. You can also add more fruit such as strawberries, mango, frozen berries, or pineapple to create your favorite combo!