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30 Protein Shake Recipes to Make You Lean & Strong
October 1, 2024
Whether you’re replenishing after a workout, trying to build lean muscle mass, or just find yourself hungry and need something more filling, bulking up on protein foods might be the answer. If you can’t stomach eating another steak or cracking one more egg, though, it might be time to start drinking protein shakes — and luckily there is not shortage of protein shake recipes to choose from.
These shakes call for various types of protein powders. Experiment and find which one fits your needs and taste.
There’s vegan pea protein, whey protein, protein powder made from bone broth, collagen protein powder and so many others to use in these protein shake recipes.
Whatever you choose, I know you’ll love these protein shake recipes that’ll help keep you full, strong and satisfied.
Protein Shake Recipes
1. Chocolate Berry Protein Smoothie
Have you been enjoying dessert a little too much recently? Get back on track but still satisfy your sweet tooth with this very tasty protein smoothie.
Made with just a few ingredients, including protein powder, you’ll be rewarded with a boost of energy, perfect for a pre-workout snack — or an after-dinner treat.
2. Banana Split Protein Smoothie
Get the flavor of a banana split sans ice cream with this banana protein drink. With limited ingredients, including strawberries, you’ll get your healthy fruit intake along with your fill of protein.
3. Chocolate and Kale Protein Shake
If you’re still not on the benefit-loaded kale bandwagon (seriously, what are you waiting for?), this protein-packed shake recipe might help change your mind. Adding the leafy green to your shake means a dose of vitamins in each sip, while using a chocolate-flavored protein powder helps this feel more like a dessert than a healthy drink.
If you use peanut butter, opt for a brand that has just one or two ingredients, or swap it out for almond butter instead. If you want to keep the shake vegan, try brown rice protein powder.
Photo: Kristine’s Kitchen
4. Cocoa Almond Protein Smoothie
Among these many delicious protein shake recipes, this is a great one to start your day. It uses no protein powder, instead relying on milk, Greek yogurt, almond butter and flaxseeds to power you through.
Adding unsweetened cocoa powder lends extra flavor without added sugar. The kids will love this one, too!
5. Coffee Lovers Protein Shake
Add an extra kick to your afternoon pick-me-up with this coffee protein shake recipe. Start with the shake essentials: a ripe banana, vanilla protein powder, ice cubes and almond milk (along with stevia if desired), and then kick things up a notch by adding a half cup of nutrition-rich coffee to the mix.
Topped with cacao nibs, not only is this drink better for you than anything the coffee shop sells, but it’s absolutely delicious, too.
6. Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie
Ward off hunger pangs with this all-natural protein smoothie. Greek yogurt, almond milk and strawberries (or the berries of your choice) make this a lean, mean protein machine, while ripe bananas and a splash of honey add a hint of sweetness.
This one makes enough for two servings, perfect for a light breakfast for you and a loved one.
7. Strawberry Papaya Smoothie
Have you tried papaya? It’s full of fiber, antioxidants and has a great tropical taste.
I love using the fruit in this smoothie to start my day off with a sweet, fruity drink — without missing nutrients. When combined with strawberries and a scoop of protein powder, you’ll get a hearty dose of protein, while coconut kefir adds natural probiotics.
Try this one — you’ll love it.
The serving size is two, so you can even share with a friend or family member!
8. Cookie Dough Protein Shake
When you’re tempted to skip your workout and satisfy a cookie craving instead, turn to this protein shake.
With just a few ingredients, like milk, vanilla protein powder and your favorite natural sweetener, you’ll have a drinkable cookie you won’t feel guilty about enjoying.
9. Decadent Vanilla Almond Protein Smoothie
This recipe may be called decadent, but there’s only yummy, healthy goodness involved. Tripling up on vanilla — with vanilla almond milk, vanilla yogurt and vanilla protein powder — means this smoothie tastes like a vanilla milkshake while being packed to the brim with protein to keep you full for hours.
To avoid the added sweeteners manufacturers add to flavored yogurt products, make your own instead by using full-fat plain yogurt and adding a few drops of vanilla extract.
Photo: My Fussy Eater
10. Quinoa Smoothie
Nutrition-rich quinoa is a complete protein, making the grain an excellent choice for a natural protein drink without the use of powder. Here, it’s combined with frozen berries, bananas, yogurt and honey for a naturally sweet and creamy drink that’s bursting with protein and benefits.
While the end product won’t taste a thing like quinoa, blend well to ensure a smooth smoothie!
11. Green Warrior Protein Smoothie
When you’re short on time and energy, sometimes all it takes is one of the most replenishing protein shake recipes.
This “Green Warrior” strays from similar drinks by using hemp hearts as its main protein source. Combined with cucumber, fresh mint, apples, grapefruit and celery, this green smoothie is creamy, refreshing and so tasty.
When you’ve tired of the same old protein shake, give this one a try.
12. Kale Piña Covado
Loaded with fruits, veggies and healthy fats, this protein shake is seriously good for you. I love how using avocado adds creaminess, while the benefit-rich pineapple lends sweetness and a tropical feel, no matter what the weather outside is!
13. Mint Chocolate Green Protein Smoothie
Spinach provides the green hue of this shake, but thanks to chocolate protein powder, peppermint extract and a sprinkling of chocolate chips on top, this healthy drink tastes more like dessert than a salad.
Try this one in the late afternoon to help boost energy levels for an after-work gym session.
14. Berry Protein Smoothie
Want to get back to the basics? This berry protein smoothie will help you do that with staple smoothie ingredients — and nothing overly expensive or hard to find.
If you decide you’re feeling experimental, try swapping out the protein powder for raw eggs … just be sure to buy cage-free and organic. This shake recipe yields one, so you don’t have to worry about any leftovers going to waste with this one.
Photo: The Kitchen Prep
15. Samoa Cookie Dairy-Free Protein Shake
A little bit of coconut, a little bit of chocolate, a whole lot of delicious. This smoothie is dairy-free, but thanks to coconut milk, it manages to be ultra creamy.
Toss in a homemade Paleo caramel sauce and toasted coconut flakes, and you’ve got a protein-packed drink that tastes more like dessert.
16. Almond Joy Protein Shake
What do you get when you start with a chocolate protein powder base, throw in some shredded coconut, and polish things off with sliced almonds and vanilla almond milk? A shake loaded with 30 grams of protein and 310 calories that’s reminiscent of your favorite candy bar.
This shake makes a great on-the-go breakfast or post-workout replenishment.
17. Oatmeal Cookie Protein Shake
Measuring, mixing, baking: When you have a cookie fix, there’s not always time to whip up a batch. Feed your body one of these healthy protein shake recipes instead.
Here, cottage cheese (use full-fat or a banana if dairy isn’t an option) provides creaminess and extra protein, while adding old-fashioned oats, cinnamon and vanilla protein powder to the “dough” means tons of cookie flavor. Make this to rev up your mornings.
Photo: Love Grows Wild
18. Pumpkin Protein Shake
Instead of downing a pumpkin spice latte in the mornings, swap it for this mega-healthy protein shake. Using pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice adds an autumn feel while still letting you enjoy the benefits of protein.
Trust me, your body and wallet will thank you!
19. Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Protein Shake
Skip the sugar crash that accompanies sweets and indulge in this drinkable oatmeal raisin cookie instead. With just a handful of ingredients you likely have on hand, like oats, raisins/dates and flavored protein powder, you’ll have a filling taste of your favorite cookie without the highs and lows.
20. Peach Pie Protein Shake
Frozen peaches are the key to this sweet, tasty protein shake. When combined with protein powder, cottage cheese and seasonings, you’ll get a little taste of peach pie year-round — and a whopping boost of protein.
Looking for more protein shake recipes? Here are some more ideas to try:
