This high-protein cherry vanilla smoothie is a creamy, sweet-tart blend made for busy breakfasts, snack time, or a quick post-workout sip. Frozen cherries bring bright flavor and a gorgeous pink color, while Greek yogurt and vanilla protein powder make it thick, filling, and dessert-like without being fussy. Banana adds natural sweetness and body, and a splash of milk helps everything blend smooth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen pitted cherries
- 1/2 medium banana, fresh or frozen
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 3/4 cup milk of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, optional
- 1/2 cup ice, optional for a frostier smoothie
How To Make It
Add the milk to the blender first so the blades can move easily. Add the Greek yogurt, banana, frozen cherries, vanilla protein powder, vanilla extract, and honey or maple syrup if you want extra sweetness.
Blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds, or until the smoothie looks creamy and evenly pink. If it is too thick, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time and blend again. If it is thinner than you like, add a few ice cubes or a little more frozen banana.
Pour into a tall glass and enjoy right away. For a smoothie bowl, use only 1/2 cup milk, blend until thick, then top with granola, sliced banana, chopped almonds, or a few extra cherries.
Tips
Use frozen cherries for the best thick texture and bold cherry flavor. Sweet dark cherries make the smoothie taste more like dessert, while tart cherries create a brighter, tangier sip.
Choose a protein powder you already enjoy, because the vanilla flavor comes through. If your protein powder is very sweet, skip the honey. If it is mild or unsweetened, the optional honey or maple syrup rounds out the fruit.
For extra creaminess, use whole milk Greek yogurt or add 1 tablespoon almond butter. For a lighter texture, use nonfat Greek yogurt and a little more milk. To prep ahead, portion the cherries and banana into a freezer bag, then blend with yogurt, milk, protein powder, and vanilla when ready.
Blend it up and enjoy a cheerful cherry-vanilla boost!