Creamy-Dreamy Strawberry-Banana Smoothie

Do you really need a new recipe for a strawberry-banana smoothie? Maybe not if you’re okay with the icy, bland, vaguely fruit-flavored drink currently coming out of your blender. But if you’re in the market for a fruit smoothie that’s creamy, not slushy, and actually tasty, we have some thoughts.

Instead of using frozen bananas and frozen strawberries, opt for fresh fruit for a creamier texture and better flavor (no freezer burn!). Stick with natural sweeteners like honey—or agave or maple syrup to make it vegan—and dial the amount up or down depending on your taste and how ripe your fruit is. (A ripe banana will register as much sweeter than an underripe one.) To make it dairy-free, sub whole milk for an alternative like oat milk or almond milk, and swap the plain Greek yogurt for coconut or another plant-based variety.

But don’t stop there. Now that you have your base, you can really begin your creative journey. Even simple ingredients can take an already delicious smoothie to the next level. Try adding peanut butter (and a dash of vanilla extract or paste) for PB&J vibes. Some toasted almonds for nutty flavor with an extra hit of calcium. A sprinkle of chia seeds and/or flax seeds for health. A handful of spinach that no one will notice and your favorite protein powder to turn it into lunch on the run. Or for a real twist on the classic strawberry-banana smoothie recipe, roast the strawberries, sub in buttermilk, add tahini and call it a shake.

While any machine will do for blitzing smoothie ingredients as basic as these, there’s a reason we swear by a high-powered blender like a Vitamix. (And here’s everything you need to know to make the most of yours.)

Find more easy recipes for veggie-packed green smoothies, fruit slushies, coffee smoothies, and more.