Berry Smoothie with Banana and Yogurt

This banana berry smoothie with yogurt has always been a favorite in my house—and I have two picky eaters (though we don’t use that term with them!). I’ve been making this banana berry smoothie for years, and every time I suggest a different smoothie, the answer is a resounding “no thank you!”

Smoothies are a quick and easy way to offer a variety of nutrients. While they’re sometimes promoted as a way to “sneak in” veggies, that approach can backfire—kids are often more perceptive than we give them credit for and may likely be able to smell or taste the hidden veggies.

Instead, we recommend offering smoothies as part of building trust and providing low-pressure food exposures for picky eaters as well as kid who aren’t selective.

Whether it’s this berry banana smoothie with yogurt or another favorite blend of fruits and veggies, smoothies make a refreshing summer snack or a simple addition to any meal. And they taste great year-round.

Why you’ll love this recipe for banana berry smoothie

• This smoothie comes together in just 5 minutes.
• The addition of yogurt makes the berry smoothie with banana nice and creamy and super satisfying.
• The smoothie mixture doesn’t usually separate, so it holds up well in a thermos and makes a great snack or addition to breakfast or a packed lunch. 
• Spoon the berry banana smoothie mixture into your favorite popsicle molds and place in the freezer to make refreshing and filling berry banana yogurt pops. 

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Greek yogurt – I like to use whole milk Greek yogurt because it gives the smoothie richness and creaminess. Also, Greek yogurt has more protein than regular yogurt, so the smoothie will stick with you longer than if you use regular yogurt. 
• Frozen mixed berries – I keep a bag of frozen mixed berries on hand year-round. For this recipe, you can use either fresh or frozen berries. Frozen berries are picked at peak ripeness and frozen immediately, so they’re just as nutritious as fresh—and often even more flavorful. (I actually prefer frozen blueberries in my Blueberry Streusel Muffins for exactly that reason!) If you’re using fresh berries, try freezing them first. It helps create that thick, creamy texture that makes smoothies so satisfying.
• Ripe banana – You can use either fresh or frozen banana. I tend to use frozen banana because I store peeled bananas that are very ripe in a ziplock back in the freezer. 
• Milk – Use any milk you like: cow’s milk, soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk. 
• Honey – Use any type of honey you like. I use clover honey that I buy from the farmers market in my neighborhood. Maple syrup makes a great substitute for honey here. 

How to make berry banana smoothie recipe

• Step 1. Place all 5 ingredients in a high-powered blender. 
• Step 2. Blend on high power for 2-3 minutes. 
• Step 3. If you want to get rid of the raspberry and black berry seeds, strain the smoothie through a fine sieve. 
• Step 4: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may want to give it a stir before pouring it in case it’s separated a bit. 

Variations

• The variations are endless for a fruit smoothie recipe are endless! It’s not hard to make a delicious smoothie with your favorite fruit combination. 
• Don’t like bananas? You can leave them out and add a different fruit.
• Think of the plain Greek yogurt as a blank slate you can add any combination of fresh or frozen fruit that sounds good to you. Try using fresh or frozen peaches and blueberries in place of the mixed berries, or use only strawberries and banana. Use frozen blueberries and banana instead of mixed berries to make a blueberry banana smoothie. 
• Switch up the flavor of yogurt and try vanilla yogurt or a favorite fruit yogurt flavor in place of plain yogurt.
• You can also add a Tablespoon of peanut butter or other nut butter, like almond butter or cashew butter to increase the protein and add a nutty flavor to the smoothie. SunButter will also work.
• If you want to increase the nutrients, 1 Tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds is a great addition. But know either addition will change the taste and texture of the smoothie. Adding chia seeds will result in a thicker smoothie 
• If I happen to have apple juice or apple cider, I like to add a few tablespoons to this banana berry smoothie recipe. 
• I have not made this with non-dairy yogurt or non-dairy milk, like unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk but I would imagine it will work well. 
• Add maple syrup in place of the honey.

Serving suggestions

• Serve the smoothie on its own in a tall glass. Or send it in a Thermos in a packed lunch. 
• This banana berry smoothie (or any smoothie) also makes a satisfying snack on its own and a welcome addition to any meal. 
• Smoothie and muffin, or pancakes, or waffles
• Smoothie and a PBJ and chips
• Serve this thick and creamy smoothie as a smoothie bowl and top it with homemade granola (store-bought is also great!), sliced banana, and fresh mixed berries.

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