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Banana protein shake recipe with vanilla whey, chia and almond meal in a tall glass, topped with crushed almonds

Banana Protein Shake

Authorlily mellow
A creamy banana protein shake made with a ripe banana, vanilla whey, chia seeds, almond meal and milk, blended in two stages so it never clumps. 39 g of protein, no ice and no added sugar, ready in 7 minutes.
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Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time2 minutes
Total Time7 minutes
Servings1 large glass
Calories500 kcal

Equipment

  • Ninja BN301 Nutri-Blender Plus, personal blender with 20 oz cups
  • Silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Ingredients  

Fruit

  • 1 large 136g ripe banana, with brown spots (fresh or frozen in slices)

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 scoop 30g vanilla whey protein powder
  • 2 tsp 7g chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp 7g almond meal

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup 120ml 2% milk, for the first blend
  • ¾ cup 180ml 2% milk, to finish

Toppings

  • 1 tbsp 5g crushed or sliced almonds
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp whole chia seeds

Instructions 

  1. Break the peeled banana into 4 pieces directly into the blender jar.
  2. Add the chia seeds, almond meal and vanilla whey on top of the banana.
  3. Blend on low for 10 seconds into a thick, coarse paste. Scrape down the sides.
  4. Pour in ½ cup (120ml) of milk and blend on medium for 20 seconds, until smooth with no dry pockets.
  5. Add the remaining ¾ cup (180ml) of milk and blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds, until silky and lightly foamy.
  6. Pour into a tall glass and top with crushed almonds, cinnamon and chia seeds. Drink within 15 minutes.

Notes

Storage & Meal Prep
Best within 15 to 20 minutes, because the chia keeps thickening it as it sits.
Keeps up to 12 hours in a full, sealed jar in the fridge. Shake with 2 to 3 tbsp of milk before drinking.
Freeze leftovers in an ice cube tray for up to 3 months. Blend 8 cubes with ½ cup (120ml) of milk for 45 seconds.
Pre-portion the chia, almond meal and whey into small jars the night before.
Substitutions
Milk: unsweetened soy milk keeps the protein almost the same (about 38 g). Unsweetened almond milk makes it lighter (about 385 kcal and 31 g of protein).
Protein: use a vanilla pea or pea-and-rice protein for a plant-based shake.
Chia seeds: ground flaxseed works the same way.
Almond meal: use almond flour or 1 tsp of almond butter.
Lighter version: use 1½ tbsp (12g) of whey for about 25 g of protein and 430 kcal.
Tested Brands & Texture
Tested with Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey (Vanilla Ice Cream) and MyProtein Impact Whey (Vanilla).
For a thicker, colder shake with no ice, use 1 frozen banana and 2 extra tbsp (30ml) of milk.
Add 1 tsp of honey or maple syrup only if your protein powder is unflavored.