Naturally sweet and rich in protein, this no-sugar-added Date and Banana Protein Smoothie makes a quick breakfast, an easy lunch on the go, or a satisfying snack to curb sweet cravings. It uses just six simple ingredients and comes together in minutes.
California Inspiration for a Date and Banana Protein Smoothie
On a recent trip to California’s Coachella Valley I discovered date shakes — a local specialty I hadn’t tried before. Friends insisted we try the famous date shake from Shields in Indio, and it lived up to the hype: creamy, flavorful, and unexpectedly delightful.
The shakes at Shields are served in one giant size, and even though I planned to share mine, it disappeared quickly. The Chairman, who had ordered a different flavor, couldn’t resist tasting mine and admitted it was “really, really good.”
That indulgent experience stuck with me, but it isn’t something I can enjoy every day. So I created a healthier, more practical version: a Date and Banana Protein Smoothie that captures that sweet date flavor without added sugar, and with a boost of protein so it works as a meal replacement or hearty snack.
Date and Banana Smoothies – Plenty of Protein and No Added Sugar!
These smoothies aren’t as sweet as a classic date shake, but they’re delicious and balanced. Naturally sweet Medjool dates and frozen banana provide sweetness without refined sugar, while nonfat Greek yogurt and an optional spoonful of peanut butter add protein and creaminess.
This recipe is family-friendly—kids and picky eaters tend to love it—and it’s flexible: swap coconut water for almond or regular milk, add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for extra protein, or omit the peanut butter for fewer calories or to avoid allergens.
What Do You Need to Make Date and Banana Protein Smoothies?
Six straightforward ingredients:
- Dates – Medjool dates are ideal for their natural sweetness and soft texture; use pitted dates and add more if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- Banana – frozen ahead of time and sliced for easy blending.
- Nonfat Greek yogurt – provides protein and tang; low-fat or full-fat yogurt can be used instead.
- Peanut butter – optional for extra flavor and protein; omit for allergies or lower calories.
- Coconut water – keeps the smoothie light; substitute almond milk, soy milk, regular milk, or plain water.
- Ice cubes – help chill and thicken the smoothie.
How To Make Date and Banana Protein Smoothies
This recipe is simple and quick. For smoother blending, layer the ingredients with the ice and liquid on the bottom, followed by the yogurt and peanut butter, and finish with the chopped dates and frozen banana on top. Use the pulse function on your blender if available to break up larger pieces, stopping to stir if ingredients get stuck, then blend again until the texture is thick and even.
Serve immediately in a glass and enjoy. The combination of naturally sweet dates and banana with creamy yogurt provides a satisfying, protein-packed drink that’s perfect any time of day.
Date and Banana Protein Smoothie
- Author: Marie Bostwick
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup ice cubes
- ½ cup coconut water (can sub almond milk, regular milk, or plain water)
- ½ cup nonfat Greek Yogurt
- 1 T peanut butter (optional)
- 3 Medjool dates, cut into small pieces (additional if you want a sweeter smoothie)
- 1 medium frozen banana, cut into slices
Instructions
- Place the ice cubes and coconut water in the bottom of the blender jar. Add the yogurt and peanut butter on top, then the date pieces and frozen banana slices.
- Pulse the ingredients in the blender (stop the blender and stir by hand if ingredients get stuck, then blend again) until the mixture is well combined into a thick smoothie.
- Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately.
