My Favorite Protein Green Smoothie

Jan 7, 2026

A plant-based high-protein green smoothie to keep you full for hours. This smoothie is packed with frozen bananas, seeds, soy milk, almond butter, spinach and optional protein powder. This smoothie contains around 35g of protein and 12g of fiber.

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Looking for a balanced high-protein green smoothie? This is my favorite and the one I make on repeat all year long.

This smoothie is packed with fiber-rich ingredients, such as dates, bananas, oats, spinach, seeds and almond butter. It can also be made high in protein thanks to soy milk, almond butter and seeds, plus the optional protein powder. This smoothie makes for a balanced, filling and nutritious breakfast.

This has been my go-to smoothie for years and I hope you will love it too!

Protein Green Smoothie FAQ:

What Can I Use Instead of Protein Powder?

If you prefer not to use protein powder, or don’t have any on hand, you can add an extra 2 tablespoons of hemp hearts. You will still get a balanced smoothie that contains about 22g of protein thanks to the soy milk, almond butter and hemp hearts. This is how I tend to enjoy this smoothie.

For more ideas on how to add protein to smoothies without protein powder, check out this post.

What Protein Powder Do You Recommend?

My answer will depend on your preference. I generally recommend an unsweetened plain or vanilla protein powder for the best results. This will avoid overpowering the smoothie and will allow the vanilla flavor to shine. While I haven’t tried every brand out there, I’ve been enjoying the Good Protein Vanilla Milkshake protein powder when I want more protein and a strong vanilla flavor. I don’t enjoy the flavor of protein powder very much, but this one has been working for me. Use a protein powder that you enjoy and that fits your budget.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?

This recipe is vegan when using plant-based protein powder.

Can I Make This Recipe Nut-Free?

Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter to make this recipe nut-free. You can also omit the nut or seed butter if preferred.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Use gluten-free certified oats as needed to make this recipe gluten-free.

More Smoothie Recipes:

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5 from 1 vote

My Favorite Protein Green Smoothie

Course Breakfast, Drinks

Cuisine vegan, vegetarian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 0

Total Time 10

Servings 1

Ingredients

1 large banana, sliced and frozen
1/2 cup baby spinach or kale
2 tablespoons rolled oats
1 Medjool date, pitted (optional)
1 tablespoon hemp hearts or chia seeds
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 scoop protein powder, plain or vanilla (unsweetened)
3/4 cup soy milk, plain, unsweetened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3-4 ice cubes, as needed (optional)

Instructions

Freeze the sliced banana overnight or for at least 12 hours.
Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth.

Notes

Nut-Free Option: You can use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter to make it nut-free.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free certified oats if needed to make this recipe gluten-free.

Soy-Free Option: Feel free to use another plant milk in this smoothie instead of soy milk. Keep in mind that this could significantly reduce the amount of protein in this recipe. I recommend choosing a plant-based milk that you enjoy and that’s plain and unsweetened.

Greens: You can try using other greens, such as kale. Spinach does have a milder taste, so if you’re new to green smoothies, you may want to stick with that.

Protein Powder: Use vegan protein if you want to keep this recipe plant-based. The amount of protein will depend on the type and amount of protein powder you use. I recommend unsweetened plain or vanilla protein powder to best compliment the flavors of this smoothie.

Prefer to skip the protein powder? Try adding an extra 2 tablespoons of hemp hearts for more protein. You will still get a balanced smoothie with some protein from soy milk, almond butter, hemp hearts and a bit in the oats. This is most often how I make this smoothie.

Ice: The ice will make the smoothie thicker. Feel free to omit if for a thinner, less icy smoothie. The frozen banana will keep this smoothie cold.

Date: You can skip the date if preferred. It just helps to add a little more sweetness (and fiber).

If you make this protein green smoothie, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! And if you try this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!

welcome!

I’m Caroline, a registered dietitian based in British Columbia. Here, you’ll find a variety of nourishing vegan recipes, without a side of diet culture

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Comments

4 responses to “My Favorite Protein Green Smoothie”

Cerena

2019-03-05

This was absolutely delicious! I got my wisdom teeth removed today, and was worried about finding foods that could be satisfying meals, as I’m currently in the “liquid food” post-op stage. This smoothie did the trick–it was tasty, not too overpowering in any of its flavors, and kept me full for hours! Love how it incorporates carbs, protein, and healthy fats.

Reply
1. Unsweetened Caroline
  
  2019-03-07
  
  Hi Cerena! I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe and that it helped while you were going through the post-op stage! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Have a great rest of your week!
  
  Reply
Zafar Yaqoob

2024-11-17

This protein green smoothie looks amazing! I love how it combines so many nutritious ingredients, and the balance of protein and fiber is perfect for a filling breakfast or post-workout snack. The tips for substitutions make it adaptable to different dietary needs, and I appreciate the flexibility in sweetness with the Medjool dates. I’m definitely going to give this a try—I love smoothies that keep me full for hours! Plus, it sounds like a great way to start the day without the sugar crash. Thanks for sharing!

Reply
1. Nourished by Caroline
  
  2024-11-20
  
  Thank you so much Zafar!
  
  Reply