22 High Protein Smoothie Recipes from Diet and Fitness Experts

Sure it’s nice to try out wonderful combinations of the nutrient-packed ingredients that you love. However, if you have particular goals in mind—lose weight, pack on a little muscle, or boost your metabolism—it’s a good idea to be a little less ad hoc with your protein smoothie recipes and see how diet and fitness experts do it.

We asked registered dietitians and fitness experts to share their go-to high protein smoothie recipes they use to lean down, strengthen muscles, recover after workouts, maintain weight loss, and boost protein intake.

Each smoothie recipe gets a protein boost from one of many protein sources:

• Protein powders for smoothies
• Greek yogurt
• Tofu
• Milk
• Quinoa
• Nut butters

These expert-recommended 22 high protein smoothie recipes will come in handy next time you need a satisfying breakfast or a post-workout recovery snack.

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by Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN

“This smoothie contains no added sugar, only natural sugar from fruit which comes along with many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. I use a combination of milk and Greek yogurt to get 20 grams of protein per 12-fluid ounce drink.”

Ingredients:

• ½ cup fresh or unsweetened frozen strawberries
• ½ cup fresh or unsweetened frozen mango
• ½ cup fresh or unsweetened frozen pineapple
• ½ cup nonfat milk or almond milk
• ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons oat bran
• 2 pitted dried dates

Nutrition: 373 calories, 2 g fat, 82 g carbs, 2 mg cholesterol, 113 mg sodium, 9 g fiber, 65 g sugars, 20 g protein

From The Greek Yogurt Kitchen: More Than 130 Delicious, Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Day by Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN

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by Jennifer McDaniel, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD

“This is an excellent post-workout recovery drink. Beets contain nitrate, which increases blood flow to muscles and acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which hold on to water, prolonging hydration and retention of electrolytes, and slowly release carbs for better endurance. Ginger can help relieve muscle soreness and reduce oxidative stress.”

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
• ½ cup skim milk
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1 carrot
• 1 beet or ¼ cup pickled beets
• 1 small frozen banana
• 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
• 1 slice fresh ginger or 1 tsp dried ginger

Nutrition: 466 calories, 6.5 g fat (1.3 g saturated), 10 mg cholesterol, 316 mg sodium, 677 mg calcium, 73 g carbs, 14 g fiber, 35 g sugars, 35 g protein

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by Jennifer McDaniel, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD

“This drink’s base is almond butter, which is rich in satiating protein to power muscles. Mango is packed with vitamins C and A, which promotes immunity and cell growth. Flax seeds’ omega-3 fatty acids improve insulin and glucose metabolism, and some research suggests in can increase blood flow and muscle growth. Turmeric is a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that’s even been linked to increasing neuroplasticity, which can improve our memory and cognition. Turmeric can be especially be helpful if you’re learning how to master a new skill in your sport; it’s also been proven to reduce recovery time and increase endurance and performance.”

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup skim milk
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1 Tbsp almond butter
• 1 frozen banana
• ½ cup frozen mango
• 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed
• ½ tsp turmeric, ground

Nutrition: 365 calories, 38 g fat (1 g saturated), 7 mg cholesterol, 197 mg sodium, 62 g carbs, 7 g fiber, 37 g sugars, 25 g protein

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by Leah Kaufman, MS, RD, CDN

“I really like GNC Total Lean Protein shakes as they have 25 grams of protein with only 6 grams of carbohydrates. I like to add one scoop to a smoothie made with one cup berries for added fiber, mixed in with unsweetened almond milk to keep carbohydrates low.”

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop GNC total lean protein
• 1 cup berries
• Unsweetened almond milk to keep carbohydrates low

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by Libby Mills, MS, RDN, LDN

“With protein and the comforting, naturally sweet flavor of morning oatmeal, this smoothie has everything you need for a quick hit of energy, and you probably have everything you need in your kitchen. The 12 grams of protein in the milk promise to keep you full, the soluble fiber in the dates and oats slow digestion and absorption of carbs (which control blood sugar) while helping lower cholesterol. It’s a satisfying breakfast that will last until lunch. Got a Charlie horse? Don’t go bananas looking for a good source of potassium — Medjool dates have more.”

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chilled coffee
• 1 packet nonfat powdered milk
• ½ cup skim milk
• 4 pitted Medjool dates
• ½ cup ice cubes
• ¼ cup oats
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla

Nutrition: 221 calories, 1.5 g fat, 2 mg cholesterol, 72 mg sodium, 45 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 27 g sugars, 8 g protein

Love oats in the morning? Try one of these overnight oats recipes!

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by Libby Mills, MS, RDN, LDN

“Whole foods provide 8 grams of protein in this berry smoothie. Tofu is one of the least processed soy products, and it lends a creaminess that seems almost too decadent to be breakfast. For vegetarians and the lactose intolerant, this is rich in calcium and iron, two nutrients they might have low levels of.”

Ingredients:

• 1 medium sized beet, cooked and peeled
• 3/4-inch cube of fresh ginger, peeled
• ½ cup raspberries
• ½ cup apple juice
• 1 medium carrot
• 7 oz silken tofu, about 2/5 of a 16 oz package

Nutrition: 298 calories, 9 g fat (2 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 147 mg sodium, 41 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 28 g sugars, 19 g protein

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by Gina Hassick, MA, RD, LDN, CDE, NCC, eatwellwithgina.com

“I’m not the biggest fan of protein powders. Many protein drinks are loaded with artificial ingredients, sweeteners and fillers, so I prefer to get my protein for whole food sources. One of my favorite protein shakes is this choco-peanut butter-banana smoothie. It’s great for weight loss and muscle building because it’s loaded with natural sources of protein.

The #1 protein drink I recommend is chocolate milk, which has the ideal ratio of carbohydrates to protein (3:1) to help refuel and build muscle after a workout. Many studies have shown that individuals who drank chocolate milk within an hour after working out had higher muscle fuel stores, less body fat and a greater overall physiological response to exercise than those who recovered with water or a sports drink. Some other benefits of chocolate milk: It contains high-quality protein to help build and repair muscles, calcium to strengthen bones, vitamin D to enhance calcium absorption, plus sodium and potassium to help replace lost electrolytes and B vitamins.”

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 2 Tbsp peanut butter
• 1 cup chocolate milk (if you’re lactose intolerant, you can use chocolate almond milk;
• however, it will only provide 1 g protein)
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
• 6 oz Chobani fat-free Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• 1 handful spinach (optional)

Nutrition: 577 calories, 22 g fat (5 g saturated), 8 mg cholesterol, 364 mg sodium, 69 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 36 g protein

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by Gina Hassick, MA, RD, LDN, CDE, NCC, eatwellwithgina.com

“Oats and quinoa are excellent for a meal replacement smoothie. This blueberry banana quinoa version is packed with fiber, whole grains, protein and antioxidants.”

Ingredients:

• 1 large ripe banana
• 6 oz Chobani fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1 Tbsp wheat germ
• 2 cups frozen blueberries
• 1 cup vanilla almond milk

Nutrition: 752 calories, 12 g fat (3 g saturated), 9 mg cholesterol, 209 mg sodium, 149 g carbs, 17 g fiber, 98 g sugars, 28 g protein

For more quinoa meal ideas, check out these 10 Quinoa Recipes for Weight Loss!

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by Gina Hassick, MA, RD, LDN, CDE, NCC, eatwellwithgina.com

Ingredients:

• ½ cup blueberries
• ½ cup oatmeal, cooked
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• Water to thin consistency as desired

Nutrition: 271 calories, 4 g fat (.5 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 45 mg sodium, 44 g carbs, 7 g fiber, 12 sugars, 18 g protein

Jason Donnelly

by Lisa Jubilee MS, CDN, livingproofnyc.com

“This smoothie is rich, filling and delicious, and an excellent pre-workout meal if you’re planning on an intense strength training or endurance workout. The coconut supplies sustained, low glycemic energy in the form of MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides). Pair that with protein, fiber and good fats from the almonds and chia seeds, and your energy reserves will be locked and loaded for hours.”

Ingredients:

• 15 almonds
• 1 cup chilled water
• 1-2 Tbsp coconut manna (butter)
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4-5 ice cubes (optional)

Nutrition: 237 calories, 20 g fat (9 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 6 mg sodium, 10 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 2 g sugars, 6 g protein

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by Lisa Jubilee MS, CDN, livingproofnyc.com

“Instead of just reaching for your typical cup of java in the morning, boost your energy and metabolism with this high-octane smoothie. Not only does it contain a cup of organic, low-acid coffee, but it has lots of easily digestible protein and energy-sustaining fats to keep you mentally and physically revved until lunch.”

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chilled low-acid, organic coffee (example: Longevity Coffee)
• 1 tsp Equal Exchange baking cocoa
• 1/2 cup crushed ice (or 3-4 ice cubes)
• 3 Tbsp Hemp protein powder
• 1/2 cup organic coconut milk
• 1 tsp vanilla paste

Nutrition: 282 calories, 29 g fat (26 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 23 mg sodium, 8 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 3 g sugars, 4 g protein

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by Lisa Jubilee MS, CDN, livingproofnyc.com

“This is the most nutrient-dense meal you’ll ever have in a glass. With 70 nutrients including probiotics, digestive enzymes, hormonal adaptagens such as maca, and immune-boosting compounds such as ashwaghanda and cordyceps, any smoothie made with Shakeology powder functions as both a balanced meal and a multi-vitamin. It’s also a phenomenal post-workout muscle recovery drink. It’s my daily dose of dense nutrition.”

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups chilled water
• 10 hazelnuts
• 1 scoop vanilla Shakeology superfood powder
• 2 tsp maple extract
• 1 Tbsp peanut butter powder

by Amy Shapiro MS, RD, CDN, realnutritionnyc.com

“I love this protein smoothie recipe for lean-muscle-mass building yet also for fat loss. Calories and sugar are very low here, but fiber and protein are high. I also love adding chia seeds for satiety, energy, and omega-3s, and the added spices are great for inflammation and blood sugar regulation.”

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 3/4 cup frozen berries (your choice)
• large handful of fresh/frozen spinach or kale
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1 serving vanilla protein powder (I use Raw by Garden of Life)
• Dash of turmeric
• Dash of cinnamon

Nutrition: 249 calories, 8 g fat (1 g saturated), 65 mg cholesterol, 235 mg sodium, 21 g carbs, 7 g fiber, 8 g sugars, 25 g protein

Berries are just one of the Best Fruits for Fat Loss!

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by Amy Shapiro MS, RD, CDN, realnutritionnyc.com

Ingredients:

• 8-10 oz almond milk (depending on consistency desired)
• 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
• 1 serving vanilla protein powder (or chai spiced flavor)
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 3 ice cubes
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds

Nutrition: 309 calories, 12 g fat (5 g saturated), 65 mg cholesterol, 249 mg sodium, 26 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 13 g sugars, 26 g protein

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from Amy Shapiro MS, RD, CDN, realnutritionnyc.com

Ingredients:

• 8-10 oz unsweetened almond milk
• 1 serving chocolate protein powder
• a few drops mint extract
• 1 Tbsp cacao nibs
• 1/4 avocado
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1-2 handfuls frozen spinach or kale

Nutrition: 239 calories, 17 g fat (3 g saturated), 20 mg cholesterol, 311 mg sodium, 13 g carbs, 8 g fiber, 1 g sugars, 14 g protein

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from Dana James MS, CNS, CDN, BANT, AADP, foodcoachnyc.com

“At less than 200 calories, this is a super nutrient-charged smoothie designed to facilitate weight loss. The matcha green tea and cinnamon stimulate the catabolism of fat while decreasing the appetite. The avocado helps increase cellular metabolism, while the Beauti-fuel is a raw vegan protein powder with cordyceps and camu camu, which both increase stamina and support adrenal function. A very effective protein smoothie for fat loss.”

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp Beauti-fuel (raw vegan protein powder)
• 10 oz almond milk
• 1 tsp matcha green tea
• Handful of spinach
• 1/4 avocado
• Pinch of cinnamon

Nutrition: 180 calories, 13 g fat (2 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 216 mg sodium, 15 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 9 g sugars, 3 g protein

Tea is so powerful for weight loss that we’ve made it the centerpiece of our best-selling 7-Day Flat-Belly Tea Cleanse! Test panelists lost up to 4 inches from their waists!

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by Dana James MS, CNS, CDN, BANT, AADP, foodcoachnyc.com

“This is the man’s smoothie! It builds muscle fast. It’s loaded with amino acids to help repair muscle damage after an intense workout. The almond butter decreases inflammation from explosive exercises, and the banana increases insulin, which enables those amino acids to be transported into muscle cells to develop bigger and stronger muscles.”

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Power-fuel (raw vegan protein powder)
• 10 oz almond milk
• 1 Tbsp almond butter
• 1 banana
• 1/4 cup Isopure BCAA
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

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from Jim White, RD, ACSM Owner, Jim White Fitness & Nutrition Studios

“As a self-identified coffee addict, I loved finding a way to add coffee into my protein shake. This gives you a dose of protein that your muscles need, and caffeine to help give you an extra energy boost in the morning.”

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coffee (Black) ** bring to room temperature or pre-brew and keep in the fridge.
• 1/2 cup low fat milk/unsweetened almond milk/coconut milk, or for fewer calories and fat, add 1/2 cup water
• 1 serving protein powder (vanilla, chocolate, or mocha flavor)
• 1/4-1/2 cup Greek vanilla yogurt
• 5 dark chocolate chips
• 6-8 ice cubes
• Optional: Add spices (pinch or to taste) such as vanilla bean, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or peppermint extract.

Nutrition: 357 calories, 5 g fat (3 g saturated), 135 mg cholesterol, 209 mg sodium, 18 g carbs, 13 g sugars, 60 g protein

If you’re a fan of yogurt-based smoothies, check out these 20 Amazing Yogurt Smoothie Recipes!

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by Jim White, RD, ACSM, Owner, Jim White Fitness & Nutrition Studios

“A great source of protein and omegas, this shake will have you going bananas over how delicious it is. If you’re trying to gain weight, try adding in plain oatmeal.”

Ingredients:

• 1-2 Tbsp peanut butter or almond butter (use the latter for more omega-3s and omega-6s)
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk/unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 banana (frozen or fresh)
• ¼-1/2 cup Greek vanilla yogurt
• 1 serving protein powder (chocolate)
• 6-8 ice cubes
• Optional: ¼-⅓ cup oatmeal for more carbs

Nutrition: 378 calories, 11 g fat (4 g saturated), 78 mg cholesterol, 227 mg sodium, 31 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 21 g sugars, 42 g protein

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by Jim White, RD, ACSM, Owner, Jim White Fitness & Nutrition Studios

“One of my favorite flavors of ice cream has always been orange creamsicle. This recipe is sweet and packs a protein punch. Keep the sugars low in this drink but omitting the fresh or frozen fruit and keep the orange juice as pure as possible. It’s a great vitamin C boost!'”

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk/unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 serving protein powder (vanilla)
• 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1/2 banana
• 6-8 ice cubes
• Optional: frozen fruit such as mangos or pineapples, and oatmeal

Nutrition: 282 calories, 3 g fat (2 g saturated), 74 mg cholesterol, 130 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 22 sugars, 33 g protein

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from Libby Mills, MS, RDN, LDN

“Rising early to hit the gym? Refuel with this breakfast recovery smoothie. Skim milk and Greek yogurt pack 20 grams of protein, the building blocks necessary to repair muscle. Don’t think that the orange peel is just for a burst of flavor: One orange peel has 1.5 grams of protein. While you’d never add the whole peel, a 1 ½ inch square (approximately one tablespoon) will provide some, plus 8.2 more mg of antioxidant vitamin C.”

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1 cup nonfat Greek chocolate yogurt
• 1 orange, peeled
• 1 1/2″ square piece of organic orange peel
• ½ cup ice cubes
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla

Nutrition: 275 calories, 1 g fat, 2 mg cholesterol, 151 mg sodium, 40 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 32 g sugar, 30 g protein

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by Leah Kaufman, MS, RD, CDN

“I’m a huge fan of pumpkin around this time of year, not only because it’s seasonal, but also because it has about 3 g of fiber in one 50 calorie serving. I like to add 1/2 cup pumpkin, 1 cup vanilla greek yogurt with 1 cup almond milk. To make this shake thicker, I suggest adding one-half of a banana for an increase in potassium.”

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pumpkin
• 1 cup vanilla greek yogurt
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/2 banana for also an increase in potassium

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