Strawberry Banana Smoothie

The Strawberry Banana Smoothie is a universally loved beverage, celebrated for its simple yet delicious flavor profile. It blends the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the slight tartness of fresh strawberries, creating a perfectly balanced taste. The addition of yogurt and milk gives it a rich, creamy texture, making it both a refreshing treat and a satisfying light meal. It's an excellent source of vitamins and energy, perfect for starting the day or refueling after a workout.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Strawberry Banana Smoothie is a classic beverage primarily categorized as a smoothie. Due to its nutritious ingredients and satisfying texture, it is often enjoyed as a breakfast drink or a healthy snack, placing it firmly in the breakfast and wellness categories.

Serving

Serve this medium-sized drink chilled in a Highball or pint glass. It is completely alcohol-free, making it suitable for all ages.
Serving size
approximately 400 ml / 14 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While fruit purees have existed for centuries, the modern smoothie gained popularity with the invention of the electric blender in the 1920s and the rise of health food culture in the 1960s and 70s. The strawberry and banana combination quickly became a staple due to the fruits' complementary flavors, widespread availability, and nutritional benefits. It remains one of the most popular and foundational smoothie recipes worldwide.
Origin
The modern smoothie is largely an American creation, evolving throughout the mid-20th century. This specific combination doesn't have a single inventor but grew organically as a favorite in homes and early juice bars across the United States. Its popularity solidified in the latter half of the 20th century.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

This smoothie is most commonly known as the Strawberry Banana Smoothie, a name that perfectly describes its core ingredients. Alternative names like "Strawberry Banana Bliss" emphasize its delicious and satisfying nature, but the classic name remains the most recognized.
Original name
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Alternative names
  • Classic Strawberry Banana Smoothie
  • Strawberry Banana Bliss

Characteristics overview

This smoothie has a delightfully fruity aroma and a sweet, creamy flavor with a thick, smooth texture. Its light pink color is visually appealing, and its overall profile is refreshing, making it perfect for any season.
Flavor
Fruity, sweet, creamy, slightly tangy
Aroma
Fresh strawberries, sweet banana
Taste balance
Sweet, slightly sour
Aftertaste
Clean, fruity, refreshing
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Light pink, opaque, smooth
Texture
Thick, creamy, smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, all-year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by high fruitiness and sweetness from the natural sugars in the fruit, complemented by a significant creaminess. It is a completely non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, and non-spicy beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This smoothie requires frozen strawberries and a ripe banana as its fruit base. Greek yogurt and milk provide a creamy texture, while honey is an optional sweetener.
  • Frozen Strawberries1 cup / 150 grams
    Using frozen strawberries helps to make the smoothie thick and cold without needing ice.
  • Ripe Banana1 medium
    A ripe banana with some brown spots will provide the most natural sweetness. Can be frozen for extra creaminess.
  • Greek Yogurt1/2 cup or 125 ml / 4.2 oz
    Plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein. For a vegan option, use a plant-based yogurt.
  • Milk1/2 cup or 125 ml / 4.2 oz
    Use any milk of your choice, such as dairy, almond, oat, or soy milk. Add more for a thinner consistency.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup1 tablespoon(optional)
    Adjust to taste, or omit if the fruit is sweet enough. Use maple syrup for a vegan option.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

The only essential piece of equipment needed to make this smoothie is a blender, preferably a high-speed one for the smoothest consistency.
  • Blender - for combining and pureeing all ingredients until smooth.

Instructions

To prepare, simply combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass, garnish if you wish, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
1. Gather all your ingredients: frozen strawberries, ripe banana, Greek yogurt, milk, and optional sweetener.
2. Place all ingredients into the blender jar. It's often best to add the liquid (milk) first to help the blades move easily.
3. Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
4. Check the consistency. If it's too thick, add a little more milk and blend again. If it's not sweet enough, add your optional sweetener and give it a final blend.
5. Pour the smoothie into a chilled Highball glass.
6. Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice on the rim or a mint sprig, if desired, and serve immediately with a straw.

Garnishing

Garnishing is optional, but a fresh strawberry slice on the rim or a sprig of mint can add a touch of elegance and fresh aroma.
  • Fresh Strawberry Slice - place a small slice on the rim of the glass.
  • Mint Sprig - add a fresh sprig of mint on top for aroma and color.

Dietary Information

This smoothie is vegetarian, caffeine-free, and gluten-free, but it is not vegan or dairy-free due to the use of milk and yogurt; however, vegan substitutes can be easily used. It contains no eggs, soy, or nuts.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This smoothie is moderately caloric, with a significant amount of carbohydrates and natural sugars from the fruits. The exact nutritional value will vary based on the type of milk, yogurt, and sweetener used.
Calories
averagely 300 kcal / 1255 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 55 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 40 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This smoothie is incredibly versatile, ideal for a quick and nutritious breakfast on the go. It also serves as a perfect mid-day healthy snack or a recovery drink to replenish energy after a workout.
  • Breakfast
  • Healthy Snack
  • Post-workout
  • Quick Lunch

Pairing suggestions

This smoothie pairs well with light breakfast foods like toast or granola, complementing them without being overpowering. However, it is substantial enough to be enjoyed on its own as a quick, satisfying snack or light meal replacement.
  • A slice of whole-wheat toast with avocado.
  • A small bowl of granola or oatmeal.
  • Enjoyed on its own as a complete light meal.

The Classic Strawberry Banana Smoothie: A Timeless Treat

The Strawberry Banana Smoothie is a quintessential healthy beverage, celebrated for its simplicity and delicious taste. Its creamy texture and sweet, fruity flavor make it a favorite among all ages. Perfect as a quick breakfast, a post-workout recovery drink, or a refreshing snack, it's an easy and nutritious choice. This timeless classic is not only satisfying but also easily customizable to fit various dietary needs and preferences.