Protein-Packed Flaxseed Smoothie

by | Apr 1, 2023

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!

Protein shake with peanut butter and flaxseed

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This post was first published on January 14, 2022. It was updated on April 1, 2023.

Ingredients used for smoothie including banana, ground flaxseed, peanut butter, and milk

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.

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.

Comparing peanut butter nutrition labels

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 1/2 cup of milk, use 1 cup of milk.

Peanut butter swirled on top of flaxseed smoothie

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 1/2 cup of milk, use 1/4 cup of milk for the smoothie bowl version. 

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.

Flaxseed smoothie bowl

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.

Flax Power Protein Smoothie Square e1603402785472

Protein-Packed Flaxseed Smoothie

Mackenzie Burgess, RDN
This Flaxseed Protein Shake is filled with the perfect mixture of protein-packed ingredients like peanut butter, ground flaxseeds, and greek yogurt. Customize it to your liking with ingredients of your choice.
4.36 from 31 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 – 16 oz smoothie
Calories 445 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high until smooth.
  • Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Video

Notes

*If you don't have a frozen banana, use can use a fresh banana and blend in 1/2 cup of ice to the smoothie to make it cold.
Smoothie Bowl: It’s super easy to turn this into an flax smoothie bowl! Follow the same recipe, but use half the milk so instead of adding 1/2 cup of milk, use 1/4 cup of milk for the smoothie bowl version. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1smoothieCalories: 445kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 23gFat: 21gSodium: 70mgFiber: 9gSugar: 26g
Tried this recipe?Tag us @cheerfulchoices and let us know how it was!
Protein-packed flax seed smoothie

Try these other smoothies too:

Hi, I'm Mackenzie...

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I’m a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and recipe developer. I create simple recipes with customizable ingredients “of your choice.” I also help busy people gain kitchen confidence through my hands-on program.

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6 Comments

  1. Ruth

    Roughly how many grams of protein per serving please?

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Burgess

      Hi Ruth,

      Thanks for the comment. I just updated this recipe to reflect the nutrition facts. This can slightly vary depending on what kind of milk or add-ins you use – but with using skim milk and greek yogurt, this smoothie packs in 22 grams of protein! Let me know what you think if you try this recipe 🙂

      ~Mackenzie

      Reply
  2. sameena sharifa

    Hey, Can you tell me if it helps to gain or loss weight?

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Burgess

      Hi there! As the recipe is written I would consider this a meal replacement smoothie — to either enjoy as a breakfast or another meal. If your goal is weight loss, consider adding less peanut butter or using peanut butter. If your goal is weight gain, consider adding a large banana, more peanut butter, and perhaps protein powder as the “protein add-in”. If you need more help creating recipes tailored to your goals, feel free to check out my Coaching + Cooking program 🙂 https://cheerfulchoices.com/coaching-and-cooking/

      ~Mackenzie

      Reply
  3. Lynda Casey

    Flaxseed smoothie sounds delicious. I would consider it a meal replacement….. calories, carbs, sugar are too high for me 😞🙀

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Burgess

      Hi Lynda,
      It is super delicious! And I would definitely consider it a meal too – love enjoying this one for breakfast. If you want to lower the calories, carbs, and sugar you can try a few swaps: use a small banana instead of a large one, use peanut powder instead of peanut butter, and use almond milk instead of dairy milk. Enjoy!
      ~Mackenzie

      Reply

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