10 Smoothies with Greek Yogurt You Have to Try
I think we can all agree that smoothies are DELICIOUS. They’re refreshing, creamy, and sometimes even healthy – if you make them correctly and with the right ingredients.
One ingredient that can take your smoothie from a nice, cooling beverage to a powerhouse of health is Greek yogurt. Not only is this yogurt delicious and smooth, but adding it to your smoothies can add so much more depth and taste to them – not to even mention how much healthier they’ll be!
How is Greek Yogurt Different?
You may think that Greek yogurt is just fancier than normal yogurt but doesn’t actually have much of a different. But the truth is that this specific kind of yogurt is even made differently than normal yogurt.
The process of making Greek yogurt goes beyond that of normal yogurt. When it’s made, the process begins like any other yogurt. But once it’s at the level of normal yogurt, there’s an extra step. They actually strain this normal yogurt and remove liquid whey and lactose, which leaves them with a thicker-textured yogurt.
But the consistency isn’t the only difference. Because of this process, Greek yogurt has almost double the amount of protein as regular yogurt, half the amount of sodium, and half the amount of carbohydrates. So as you can see, it is much healthier.
Greek Yogurt Smoothies to Try
Since this type of yogurt can be a little more bitter than normal yogurt, it is best used IN something rather than eating it by itself – although you are more than welcome to do that.
The best place for Greek yogurt is in your smoothies. They add protein, nutrients, and even substance to your smoothies that you would be missing by using normal yogurt. These Greek yogurt smoothies are definitely something you’ll want to try – and you’ll love!
- Berry Protein Smoothie
One of the most basic protein smoothies you can make with Greek yogurt is one with berries. Since berries are readily available at all times during the year they’re perfect for your smoothie. I prefer to use fresh berries, but you can also use frozen ones if you like to keep them in bulk in your freezer. Since berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, this smoothie is ideal for everyday drinking.
What you need:
1 Cup almond milk – unsweetened is preferred
1 Cup berries
½ Cup Greek yogurt – plain is preferred but you can also use vanilla or a berry flavor
A few ice cubes (note: not needed if you use frozen berries)
A dash of sweetener (stevia works especially well)
Directions: Blend them all together until creamy and delicious. Enjoy!
- Chai Protein Smoothie
If you’re feeling like getting a little spice in your life, then this chai Greek yogurt smoothie is the one for you. Chai spices actually benefit you in a lot of ways – including burning fat. The spices work to kick up your metabolism into overdrive and burn more fat. It’s a great replacement if you seem addicted to chai lattes.
What you need:
1 Cup of brewed chai tea (cooled)
½ Cup of almond milk
½ Cup Greek yogurt (vanilla)
1 Scoop of protein powder (vanilla preferably)
1 tsp of stevia
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
A few ice cubes
Directions: Blend all ingredients together and pour into a cup. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!
- Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie
There’s nothing like a pumpkin pie smoothie to get you in the mood for fall and thanksgiving. I love serving these at my Thanksgiving get-togethers with my family so they can have something nutritious to go with all of the junk they tend to eat. It’s not only healthy, but it’s SO good that you’ll be saying “Goodbye!” to your pumpkin spiced latte from Starbucks.
What you need:
1/2 Cup Canned Pumpkin
1/2 Cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt(can use vanilla)
1/4 Cup unsweetened canned coconut milk
2 Tbsp agave nectar (or another sweetener of choice)
1/2 Tbsp cinnamon
1/8 Tbsp Ground Ginger
(can use pumpkin pie spice in place of above 2)
1/4 Tsp pure vanilla
A few ice cubes
1 Cup almond milk
Directions: Blend ingredients together in the order they’re listed. Pour into cup and sprinkle with cinnamon and ground ginger (or pumpkin pie spice)
- Greek Frappe Smoothie
How many of you LOVE frappes? I know they’re one of my favorite guilty pleasure beverages and I can’t get enough of them. But the fantastic thing about making one with Greek yogurt at home is that I no longer have to feel guilty about downing a few of them – except for maybe the caffeine in them.
What you need:
1 Cup Chilled Coffee
1/2 Cup Almond Milk
1/2 Cup vanilla Greek yogurt
*2 Tbsp cocoa powder* (optional if you want chocolate flavored)
A few ice cubes
1 Scoop Protein Powder (chocolate or vanilla – depending on your taste)
¼ Tsp cinnamon
Directions: Blend all the ingredients together as listed and top with whip cream (if desired). Drink up and enjoy!
- Blackberry and Vanilla Protein Smoothie
If you’ve never had the combination of blackberry and vanilla before you are sorely missing out. This exotic pairing makes for a relaxing and delicious smoothie that nothing can compete with. Not only does the vanilla have mood enhancing abilities, but the blackberries actually have more fiber and antioxidants than blueberries do – making it the perfect morning shake.
What you need:
1 Cup almond milk
1 Scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 Cup blackberries
1/2 Cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
2 Tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp ground flax (optional)
A few ice cubes
Directions: Blend all ingredients together in a blender and enjoy with breakfast!
- Banana Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie
This one is BY FAR my all time favorite smoothie. I love it at any time a day but it is especially satisfying after dinner in place of a dessert. It’s sweet, it’s semi-salty, and it’s WAY healthier for you than almost any other dessert you’d be craving after a savory meal. Not only does it satisfy your sweet tooth, but you’ll also stay full after dinner until bedtime so you won’t divulge in unhealthy foods.
What you need:
1 Cup almond milk
1 Banana
1/2 Cup Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp peanut butter
1 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 Tsp Vanilla
1 Tsp Stevia (optional)
1 Tsp Cinnamon (optional – but delicious!)
1 Scoop protein powder (preferably chocolate)
A few ice cubes
Directions: Chop up the banana prior to putting in the blender. Then combine all ingredients and blend. Drink up and enjoy for a tasty dessert!
- Greek Yogurt Blueberry Maple Smoothie
This may sound a little out of whack. A blueberry and maple smoothie?! BUT if you’ve ever devoured a mound of blueberry pancakes drenched in maple syrup then you know just how delicious this combination can be! Not only is this an awesome replacement for blueberry pancakes, it’s SO much healthier.
What you need:
1 1/2 Cup blueberries
1 Cup almond milk
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1/4 Tsp cinnamon
1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt (preferably vanilla or plain)
Directions: Blend all of the ingredients together in a blender and drink as a morning meal replacement.
- Green Machine Smoothie
There are so many powerful detoxifying and nutritious properties that go along with green smoothies. It’s no wonder they’ve been all the rage as of late. When you combine natural ingredients that offer all the nutrients you need for a whole meal AND it tastes amazing, it’s almost like you can’t resist drinking it.
What you need:
1 Scoop hemp protein powder
1 Tbsp flaxseed
1/2 Banana
1/2 Cup spinach
1 Kiwi
1/2 Tsp vanilla
A few ice cubes
1/3 Cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
1 Cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 Avocado
Directions: Blend all ingredients together in the order listed until it is smooth and creamy. Drink as a meal replacement (or a snack).
- Pina Colada Greek Smoothie
If you like pina coladas or getting caught in the rain – this is the Greek yogurt smoothie for you! Instead of drinking a harmful alcoholic beverage just because you like the taste, opt for something even healthier and more tasty!
What you need:
1 Cup almond milk
1 Cup chopped pineapple
1/2 Cup low-fat coconut milk
1 Tsp Stevia (optional)
A few ice cubes
1/2 Cup vanilla Greek yogurt
Directions: Put everything in the blender in the order listed and blend it up! Garnish with a pineapple wedge and coconut shavings and enjoy!
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie
This classic smoothie isn’t one that you’ll want to miss out on. Even though it’s an oldie doesn’t mean it isn’t absolutely amazing AND naturally delicious. Strawberries have many antioxidants to get rid of free radicals and bananas keep your sweet tooth satisfied.
What you need:
1 Cup Greek yogurt
1 Cup soy or almond milk
1 Small banana
1/2 Cup frozen or fresh strawberries
1 Tbsp Honey (you can also use a dash of stevia)
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
A few ice cubes
Directions: Blend all of these delicious ingredients together and enjoy your smooth and creamy smoothie!
Who says eating healthy has to be boring? These smoothies with Greek yogurt go above and beyond what you need to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you healthy. Which are your favorite?
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