Protein-Packed Flaxseed Smoothie

Having a go-to smoothie is a must. That's why I love this Flaxseed Smoothie, filled with protein-packed ingredients like peanut butter, ground flaxseed, and Greek yogurt. This smoothie takes just minutes to make and provides you with sustained energy throughout the day!

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This post was first published on January 14, 2022. It was updated on April 1, 2023. This post was first published on January 14, 2022. It was updated on October 14, 2024 to include new photos and helpful tips.

How do I make this flaxseed smoothie?

Follow these simple steps and you'll have a delicious and protein-packed smoothie ready in no time.

1. Gather your ingredients. This recipe calls for a banana, ground flaxseed, peanut butter, add-ins of your choice (such as Greek yogurt), and milk.
2. Add all ingredients to a blender. I tend to use a single serve bullet blender attachment. It makes it easy to blend and then drink right from the cup.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy. It will be somewhat thick but feel free to add more or less milk to reach your desired consistency.

Is this flaxseed smoothie sweet?

In this smoothie, the banana works as the primary sweetener. That's why I recommend using an overripe and frozen banana, for a sweeter taste.

If you're looking for this smoothie to be a touch sweeter, feel free to add in a Medjool date as a natural sweetener. Dates also work great in salted caramel protein bites and banana bread to add sweetness without any added sugars.

Are flaxseeds healthy?

Yes! Flaxseeds are a great source of dietary fiber, satiating protein, and heart-healthy fats. They also contain something called "lignans", which are beneficial plant compounds that can help protect against certain diseases.

I typically enjoy ground flaxseeds over whole flaxseeds for easier digestion. Try adding ground flaxseed to a variety of recipes like customizable granola, pancake bakes, and mug cakes.

How much flaxseed should I put in a smoothie?

I generally use about 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed for 1 smoothie. You can add more if you like, the texture may just become more gritty.

Which peanut butter should I choose?

I am a peanut butter fanatic and eat it on the daily! Whether it's in my morning oatmeal, homemade hummus, or cereal bars- I love how versatile and affordable this ingredient is. 

When buying peanut butter, stick away from hydrogenated oils and added sugars as much as possible. I recommend turning over to the nutrition label and look for minimal ingredients. In fact, I recommend just 2 ingredients-peanuts and sometimes a small amount of salt.

As an example, I have a peanut butter made with hydrogenated oil and added sugar shown on the left compared to a natural peanut butter with only 2 ingredients and no added sugar shown on the right.

What is the consistency of this smoothie?

This flax protein shake is somewhat thick. If you like it much thinner, feel free to double the amount of milk. So instead of adding ½ cup of milk, use 1 cup of milk.

Can you turn this into a flaxseed smoothie bowl? 

Smoothie bowls are a thicker smoothie that's transferred to a bowl and topped with ingredients. It's super easy to turn this smoothie into an flax smoothie bowl! Follow the same recipe, but use half the milk so instead of adding ½ cup of milk, use ¼ cup of milk for the smoothie bowl version. I like using my Ninja Smoothie Bowl Maker (pictured below) to get the job done!

The best part about a smoothie bowl is adding over toppings. Try topping with more ground flax seed, sliced strawberries, and quinoa crunch granola. Try these 20+ other healthy smoothie bowl recipes too.

Customize with any add-ins of your choice

Like all my other recipes, this flaxseed protein shake is completely customizable. I typically like to add about 4 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt to my smoothie but you can also swap this for another protein-packed ingredient like collagen peptides, protein powder, rolled oats, or chia seeds

Need more help with recipes for your busy schedule?

In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen so that they can enjoy nourishing foods they love and stress less about mealtime. Click here to learn more about this virtual program led by a dietitian.

Try these other smoothies too:

• Apple Banana Smoothie
• Strawberry Kale Smoothie
• Blueberry Spinach Smoothie
• Cherry Chocolate Cauliflower Smoothie
• 20+ other healthy smoothie bowl recipes!