If you’re looking for the perfect strawberry banana smoothie, you’ve just found it! This one is thick, creamy, naturally sweet, and blended to absolute perfection – no weird ingredients, no fancy tricks, just simple, delicious goodness.
It’s the kind of smoothie that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together… even if you’re sipping it while refereeing sibling squabbles and stepping on stray LEGO bricks 😅😉
Why you’ll love this recipe
I’ve been making strawberry banana smoothies for as long as I can remember – probably since the first time I got my hands on a blender and realized I could turn fruit into something magical. Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected my go-to recipe, and now it’s the one my kids request all the time (except for my banana-refuser, who gets a Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie). It’s simple, quick, and way better than anything you’d buy at a smoothie shop (not to mention way cheaper). Here’s why this one stands out:
- Thick and creamy perfection – No watery smoothies here! The combo of frozen strawberries, Greek yogurt, and just the right amount of milk makes this ultra-smooth, luscious, and satisfying.
- Naturally sweet and flavorful – The banana and honey give this smoothie just the right touch of sweetness – no need for added sugar or anything artificial.
- Ridiculously easy to make – One blender, six ingredients, and about two minutes of your time. That’s it! Perfect for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or anytime you need a quick and nutritious boost.
Ingredients you’ll need
Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!
Ingredient notes
- Strawberries – Frozen strawberries make the smoothie thick and creamy, but if you only have fresh ones, just toss in about ½ cup of ice to get that same frosty texture.
- Honey – This adds a mild sweetness that makes the smoothie extra kid-friendly. If you prefer a less sweet version, just leave it out – especially if your banana is extra ripe!
- Milk – Use whatever milk you love! Dairy or non-dairy both work, and if you want a fruitier taste, swap in juice instead (orange or pineapple are delicious!). Milk makes it creamy and milkshake-y, while juice gives it a refreshing, tangy twist. I personally love 2% milk for that perfect balance.
- Greek yogurt – I always go for plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt to keep the smoothie thick and tangy without extra sugar. But if you want a little more sweetness, vanilla Greek yogurt is a great swap!
- Vanilla – Most vanilla extracts contain alcohol, which doesn’t bother me in such a tiny amount, but if you’d rather skip it, no problem! You can always use vanilla Greek yogurt instead to keep that warm, cozy flavor.
How to make a Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Let’s make this super easy Strawberry Banana Smoothie together! Grab your blender and let’s do this – it only takes a couple of minutes, and you’ll have a thick, creamy, totally delicious smoothie ready to go. Here’s how:
1. Start with the liquid ingredients
Pour ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of Greek yogurt into your blender first. This might not seem like a big deal, but trust me – it makes blending so much easier.
If you toss the frozen fruit in first, your blender might struggle (especially if it’s not a high-powered one), and you’ll be stopping every five seconds to scrape things down.
2. Add the fruit
Add 2 cups of frozen strawberries – frozen fruit is the key to a thick, milkshake-like smoothie, no ice needed! If you’re working with fresh strawberries instead, just throw in about ½ cup of ice to keep things nice and frosty.
Peel one banana and break it into chunks before tossing it in. Bananas are smoothie gold because they add natural sweetness and help with that thick, creamy texture. The riper your banana, the sweeter your smoothie will be – so if you’re using one that’s more on the green side, you might want to keep that 1 tablespoon of honey in the mix.
3. Sweeten it up (if you want!)
Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of honey at this point if you like your smoothies on the sweeter side. And add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a warm, cozy flavor boost. This is totally optional, but I love the way it rounds everything out.
4. Blend it all up!
Pop the lid on your blender (because cleaning smoothie off the ceiling is not a fun time), and blend on high until everything is smooth and creamy.
This usually takes about 30-60 seconds, depending on how powerful your blender is. If things aren’t moving around well, stop and give it a stir, or add a splash more milk to help it along.
5. Adjust and serve
Before you pour, do a quick taste test! Need it sweeter? Add a little more honey. Too thick? Splash in some extra milk. Not thick enough? Toss in a few ice cubes and blend again. Smoothies are super forgiving, so tweak it to your liking!
Serve it up right away while it’s fresh and cold. If you’re feeling fancy, add a straw, top it with a few fresh strawberry slices, or even a dollop of whipped cream if your day really calls for a treat.
And that’s it! In just a couple of minutes, you’ve got a thick, creamy, naturally sweet Strawberry Banana Smoothie that tastes like a treat but is packed with wholesome ingredients.
Perfect for busy mornings, post-school snack attacks, or when you just need something quick, delicious, and refreshing!
Top tips for recipe success
- Liquids first for easy blending – I always add the milk and yogurt first because it helps the frozen fruit blend smoothly. If you toss the strawberries in first, your blender might struggle, and nobody has time for that!
- Blend in stages if needed – If you don’t have a high-powered blender, blend everything except the frozen strawberries first. Then, add them in little by little, blending between each addition. This keeps your blender from getting stuck.
- Frozen fruit = no need for ice – I skip extra ice because the frozen strawberries already make the smoothie thick, cold, and creamy. But if you really love an extra thick smoothie, go ahead and blend in a handful of ice cubes.
- Adjust the thickness to your liking – This smoothie is naturally on the thick side when it’s cold. If you prefer a thinner consistency, just add a splash more milk until it’s just right for you.
- Drink it fresh! – This smoothie is best enjoyed right away while it’s thick and creamy. If it sits for too long, it can separate—just give it a quick stir or shake to bring it back together.
Helpful recipe hints
Recipe variations
Sometimes I like to switch things up, and these are some of our favorite variations – tried and tested in my kitchen!
- Peanut Butter Power – Add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter for a boost of healthy fats and a delicious PB & J vibe. My kids love this one, and it makes the smoothie even more filling.
- Chocolate Strawberry – Add ½ tablespoon of cocoa powder (or more) for a chocolate-covered strawberry flavor. This one feels like a treat but is still packed with good-for-you ingredients. I always use vanilla Greek yogurt here for added sweetness.
- Green Protein Boost – Blend in ½ scoop of vanilla protein powder and a handful of spinach (you won’t even taste it!). Perfect for a post-workout snack.
Storage tips
Smoothies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prep ahead or save leftovers, here’s what works:
Make-ahead option – To speed things up, portion out the banana and frozen strawberries into freezer-safe bags or containers and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready, break up the fruit in the bag and add a portion into the blender with the yogurt, milk, honey, and vanilla!
Storing leftovers – If you have extra smoothie, pour it into a sealed jar or cup with a lid and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. It may separate, but just give it a good shake or stir before drinking.
Freezer option – Pour leftover smoothie into popsicle molds and freeze for a fun, kid-friendly treat! You can also freeze it in an ice cube tray, then blend the frozen cubes with a little extra milk for a quick smoothie later.
Serving ideas
Here’s how we love to enjoy this smoothie—because sometimes, just drinking it straight feels too easy, and I like an excuse to make a little extra food.
- Breakfast Pairing – This smoothie + a slice of my Banana Bread = the ultimatecozy breakfast. The warm spices, the soft banana bread, the cold, creamy smoothie? Absolute perfection.
- Snack Combo – When I need something a little more filling, I grab one of my Healthy Homemade Granola Bars to go with my smoothie. The chewy, nutty crunch next to the fruity, creamy smoothie is a match made in snack heaven.
- Brunch Spread – If I’m feeling fancy (or just trying to impress my kids), I’ll serve this smoothie alongside Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles. Waffles + smoothie = best brunch ever. Bonus points if you drizzle a little maple syrup over everything.
More easy smoothie recipes
PS If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram.
Printable recipe
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Recipe details
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup milk OR water OR fruit juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a powerful blender and blend until creamy. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ingredient notes
- Strawberries – Frozen for a thick texture; if using fresh, add ½ cup ice.
- Banana – The riper, the sweeter! If underripe, keep the honey in.
- Honey – Optional for sweetness; skip if your banana is extra ripe.
- Milk – Dairy or non-dairy both work. Or use juice!
- Greek Yogurt – Plain for a tangy, protein boost; vanilla for extra sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds flavor but optional; swap with vanilla Greek yogurt if preferred.
Recipe tips
- Liquids first! – Always add milk and yogurt first for smoother blending.
- Low-power blender? – Blend everything except strawberries first, then add them gradually.
- No need for ice – Frozen fruit keeps it thick and cold; add ice only if you want it extra thick.
- Adjust as needed – Too thick? Add more milk. Too thin? Blend in a few ice cubes.
- Drink it fresh – Best right away; it thickens as it sits.
Storage tips
- Make-ahead – Pre-portion banana + strawberries in freezer bags for quick blending.
- Leftovers – Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 hours; shake before drinking.
- Freezer-friendly – Pour into popsicle molds for a fun frozen treat or ice cube trays for easy re-blending.
Nutrition
More recipe information
Recipe first published on 01/13/2018. Republished with better text and new photos on 02/21/2021, and again on 01/27/2025.
Sally says
Delicious. Also able to get fresh spring raspberries (one of my favorites) recipe is so versatile I love that!
Thank you
Nora says
I’m glad you enjoyed the smoothie, Sally!
Le says
Wow! Best strawberry milkshake ever!!! I’ve substitued the Greek style yogurt and milk for almond milk Greek style yogurt and soy milk. Delicious! You can’t tell the difference. I’m lactose intolerant by the way…
carolyn says
All the grandkids (7) enjoyed it,
Nora says
That’s so good to hear, Carolyn!