This banana nut smoothie is one of those quick, reliable recipes I come back to when I want something creamy, filling, and balanced without overthinking it. It blends frozen banana, walnuts, protein, and fiber-rich seeds into a naturally sweet, high-protein smoothie that works just as well for a busy morning as it does for an afternoon snack.
So, if you’re looking for a healthy banana smoothie recipe that actually keeps you satisfied, this is it! And the best part? It comes together in just five minutes.
Banana Nut Smoothie Benefits
I developed this smoothie recipe to intentionally support steady energy and blood sugar balance. But as a registered dietitian and smoothie lover, the taste is just as important as the nutritional value. So, I’m also here to tell you this is one of those smoothies that is totally giving milkshake vibes.
Banana and medjool date add natural sweetness plus potassium and quick fuel, while walnuts, flaxseed, and hemp seeds provide healthy fats and fiber to help slow digestion and keep you full longer.
Adding protein powder and yogurt turns it into a more balanced breakfast smoothie, helping support muscle recovery, brain function, and overall satiety. Not to mention the perfectly creamy texture you’ll get from the yogurt, and banana .. it’s too good!
Even the frozen cauliflower blends in seamlessly, adding volume, fiber, and extra nutrients without changing the classic banana walnut smoothie flavor. But feel free to use ice instead if that’s what you prefer. You can’t go wrong either way.
A Creamy, High-Protein Smoothie for Busy Mornings
Because this dairy-free banana smoothie uses simple freezer and pantry staples, it’s an easy smoothie recipe to keep on repeat. The combination of vanilla, warm pumpkin pie spice, and nutty walnuts gives it that cozy banana bread-inspired flavor, while the almond milk keeps the texture smooth and drinkable.
Whether you need a quick breakfast smoothie, a post-workout protein smoothie recipe, or a simple healthy smoothie for mornings on the go, this one is designed to be practical, satisfying, and family-friendly. Hope you love it! Let me know what you think in the comment section below.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Frozen banana
- Frozen riced cauliflower (or sub with ice)
- Sprouted walnuts (or sub walnut or nut butter)
- Medjool date
- Vanilla protein (I like Ritual Protein)
- Ground flaxseed
- Hemp seeds
- Vanilla extract
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Unsweetened coconut yogurt (I like Cocojune; or sub whole milk Greek yogurt)
- Unsweetened almond milk (I like Malk)
- Flaky salt
How To Make Banana Nut Smoothie
Looking for the full recipe?
Scroll down to the Recipe Card below for complete instructions & measurements.
This banana nut smoothie comes together in just 5 minutes and makes a creamy, cozy, high-protein breakfast or snack.
- Add everything to the blender.
To a high-speed blender, add the frozen banana, cauliflower (or ice), walnuts, medjool date, protein powder, flaxseed, hemp seeds, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, yogurt, almond milk, and a pinch of flaky salt. - Start slow, then blend until creamy.
Blend on low for about 30 seconds to get everything incorporated, then increase the speed to medium and blend for another 30–60 seconds, until thick, smooth, and creamy. - Pour, garnish, and enjoy.
Pour into a glass and finish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice and extra hemp seeds on top. Serve immediately and enjoy your banana nut smoothie.
Recipe Substitutions & Questions
Here are a few easy substitutions and swaps to help you customize this Banana Nut Smoothie based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.
- Frozen riced cauliflower: About ½ cup ice totally works instead if you prefer or don’t have frozen cauliflower.
- Sprouted walnuts: Swap with 2 tablespoons walnut butter, or use pecans, cashews, or almond butter for a slightly different nutty flavor but similar healthy fats.
- Medjool date: Replace with 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey, or omit if your protein powder is sweetened; you can also use a small piece of ripe banana for natural sweetness.
- Vanilla protein powder: Any favorite vanilla or unflavored protein works (plant-based or whey). If skipping, add a bit more yogurt or flaxseed to help with creaminess and staying power.
- I love Ritual Protein, but have a list of My 6 Favorite Protein Powders (click here), if you’re looking for recommendations.
- Ground flaxseed: Chia seeds work well in equal amount, or omit if needed (the smoothie will be slightly less thick and fiber-rich).
- Hemp seeds: Can substitute with chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, or extra flaxseed; or leave out if you don’t have them.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Swap with a pinch of cinnamon + nutmeg, or just cinnamon alone for a similar warm flavor.
- Unsweetened coconut yogurt: Substitute whole milk Greek yogurt for extra protein, or any dairy-free yogurt you like (almond, cashew, or soy).
- Unsweetened almond milk: Any milk works here — oat, coconut, soy, or dairy milk — just adjust slightly for thickness if needed.
- Flaky salt: Optional, but recommended for flavor balance; a tiny pinch of regular sea salt works too, or you can skip it.
- Also, here are my 3 Tips for a Thicker Smoothie. 😊
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Can I make a banana nut smoothie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just add the contents to your blender with almond milk and blend until smooth. This makes it easy to have a quick, high-protein banana nut smoothie ready for busy mornings or as an afternoon snack.
How can I make my banana nut smoothie thicker or creamier?
For a thicker, creamier smoothie, try using a little more frozen banana or frozen cauliflower, swap coconut yogurt for Greek yogurt, or reduce the amount of almond milk slightly. Adding extra flaxseed or chia seeds also naturally thickens the smoothie while boosting fiber and healthy fats.
Other High-Protein Breakfast & Smoothie Ideas
- My Everyday Glow-To Smoothie
- PB & Raspberry Smoothie
- Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
- High-Protein Chocolate Chunk Almond Butter Smoothie
- High-Protein Pumpkin Overnight Oats
- Fluffy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pancakes (No Added Sugar, Kid-Friendly)
- Maple Sage Chicken & Veggie Egg Bake
Banana Nut Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ of a large ripe banana, frozen, (or 1 frozen medium banana)
- ½ cup frozen riced cauliflower, (or ~½ cup of ice)
- ¼ cup sprouted walnuts, (or sub 2 tablespoons walnut or nut butter)
- 1 large pitted medjool date
- 1 scoop vanilla protein, (I like Ritual Protein)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut yogurt, (I like Cocojune; or sub whole milk Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, (I like Malk)
- Pinch of flaky salt
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender, add the banana, cauliflower, sprouted walnuts, medjool date, vanilla protein powder, ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, coconut yogurt, almond milk, and a pinch of flaky salt.
- Blend on low for 30 seconds until the ingredients are just incorporated. Slowly bring up the speed to medium and blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until thick and smooth.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with a dash of pumpkin pie spice, and extra hemp seeds. Enjoy!
Notes
- Frozen riced cauliflower: Swap for ~½ cup ice if preferred.
- Sprouted walnuts: Use 2 tbsp walnut butter, or sub pecans, cashews, or almond butter.
- Medjool date: Replace with 1–2 tsp maple syrup or honey, or omit if protein powder is sweetened.
- Vanilla protein powder: Any vanilla or unflavored protein works; if skipping, add a little extra yogurt or flaxseed for texture.
- Ground flaxseed / hemp seeds: Chia seeds can replace either, or simply omit if needed.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Swap with cinnamon, or cinnamon plus a pinch of nutmeg.
- Coconut yogurt: Sub whole milk Greek yogurt or your favorite dairy-free yogurt.
- Almond milk: Any milk works — adjust slightly for desired thickness.
- Flaky salt: Optional, but a small pinch helps balance the flavors.
