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Here is my favorite protein shake recipe + 11 different flavors of protein shakes you can make with it!
I’ve been making protein shakes since the dawn of time. Okay, fine… that was a slight exaggeration. It’s just, I’ve been around the block with vegan protein, high-protein, dairy-based protein and everything in between. With this knowledge comes great responsibility–to share my very best protein shake recipes.
Today, I’ll be sharing a super easy base recipe for protein shakes, with 11 flavor variations that are sure to please even the pickiest of palates. From strawberry peanut butter protein shakes to chocolate banana protein shakes, I’ve got you covered!
How to Make a Protein Shake
First things first, let’s go over the basic steps in making a protein shake.
Start by lugging out your favorite high-speed blender. Here’s a cordless (!) personal blender that I like for making a single serving, and here’s a good one for a quality experience.
Now, add in milk, protein powder, ice cubes, and any add-ins you’d like, such as fruit and a scoop of peanut butter.
Blend until smooth and enjoy!
Basic Ingredients for this Protein Shake Recipe
The basic ingredients of each protein shake recipe:
- Milk: Choose your favorite milk. I like oat milk for extra fill power and creamy, delicious taste. Sometimes, almondmilk works if you’re trying to keep the calories lighter.
- Protein Powder: Pick the protein powder that suits your diet, from whole ingredient to highest protein, plant-based, and so on.
- Ice Cubes
- Add-ins: veggies, energy boosters, fruit, additional protein boosters, healthy fats for added satiety, and just for fun add-ins, such as chocolate chips. Check out the protein shake recipe at the end of the post on specific amounts to add for the best taste.
- Flavor Variations: don’t worry about your favorite flavor variations, just click the links below for the exact recipe variations!
If you’re in the mood for more protein-packed breakfasts, you have to try my easily customizable Protein Oatmeal.
11+ Protein Shake Recipes
My favorite energy-boosting, filling snack: the protein shake! Check out 11 protein shake recipes that boast 20-30g+ of protein with delicious flavors variations!
This basic protein shake is the base for our protein shake recipes today. It's so easy to make, with just 3 ingredients and 22g of protein. Not vegan? You can easily swap for your favorite milk and protein powder.
Simply strawberry goodness. 🍓 Fresh, sweet, and oh-so-easy to drink!
Am I the only one who adores mint chocolate anything? The cool, crisp vibes of mint pair with deep, rich chocolate for a refreshing and sweet-tooth satisfying protein shake that reminscies of dessert. 😉
This super low carb smoothie has just 3 net carbs and can be customized to your liking!
Chocolate and banana is one of the best combos ever! The combination of rich chocolate and creamy, naturally-sweet bananas makes for one of the easiest ways to enjoy protein.
If you love PB+J sandwiches, you'll absolutely love this strawberry peanut butter protein shake! Sweet, slightly tart strawberries are juicily good combined with slightly savory and satisfying peanut butter. The surprising combo is so, so good.
Looking for a low carb treat? With 1 scoop of vegan protein powder, this keto smoothie has 12g of protein; swap to a high protein powder and boost that up to 20g. With just 3 net carbs, you'll love this one.
Intrigued by the peanut butter and strawberry combo from earlier, but want to skip out on the protein powder? This yogurt and milk-based smoothie derives its protein from simple ingredients you love!
Peanut butter cup fans, this one's for you. 😉 This chocolate peanut butter cup-inspired shake is a favorite that I reach for when I'm hangry and my sweet tooth needs some TLC.
Peanut Butter Lovers, calling all PB Lovers! This peanut butter-packed protein shake is creamy and satisfying, with just 4 ingredients needed.
Keeping it simple and sweet with this comforting banana protein shake!
When all you need is chocolate, grab this chocolate protein shake. Psst... it's super easy to customize! Add in a handful of raspberries for chocolate raspberry goodness, or a tablespoon (or two, I won't tell) of white chocolate chips for a chocolate explosion, and more!
Tools you’ll need
Here are our recommendations for the best protein powders and blenders. Enjoy!
Thank You
Thank you so much for stopping by and blending up a protein-packed treat with me. 🙂 For more healthy recipe ideas, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. If you’ve tried this recipe, take a pic and tag us on Instagram using #beamingbaker. We can’t wait to see it!
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
Basic Protein Shake Recipe
Ingredients
Basic Protein Shake
- ¾ cup milk of choice, more below
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons protein powder, or two scoops of the one that I use
- 1 cup ice cubes
- ½ cup milk of choice
Optional Boosters
- For the perfect combo of customizations to use, check out the recipe in my Best Vegan Protein Powder post or check out the recipes above.
- For Veggies: ½ cup frozen spinach, kale, or other leafy green
- Sweetener: add in some monkfruit, stevia, or some fruit juice
- For Fruit: sub 1/2 cup ice cubes with ½-3/4 cup frozen fruit, such as strawberries, peaches or blueberries
- For Protein Boost: 2 tablespoons peanut powder
- For Healthy Fats: 2 tablespoons nut butter
- For Energy: ¼ teaspoon maca powder
- For Fun: 1 tablespoon chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add all ingredients in the order listed: 3/4 cup milk, protein powder, ice cubes and 1/2 cup milk. This is the order that I’ve found to be smoothest, without any protein powder getting stuck in a clump anywhere.
- Now, add Optional Boosters.
- Close blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!
Notes
Like this recipe? Share it with friends!
Did you make this recipe? Take a pic and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker & tag @beamingbaker. I’d love to see it!
This post may contain affiliate links, which allow me to make a small commission for my referral, at no additional cost to you.
I love the chocolate peanut butter flavor protein shake, but I can’t wait to try some of the berry varieties.
Oh yes, the chocolate peanut butter is so satisfying, but the berry shakes are bright and refreshing. Hope you enjoy!
All these shakes sound amazing, I am extra tempted to try chocolate protein shake like right away and I am off to my kitchen now! 😉
Hope you enjoy it, Neha! ☺️
I made the mint chocolate protein shake for breakfast this morning and it was so good, it literally tasted like dessert!! A great way to start my day for sure! 🙂
Woohoo! Sometimes you just need a little sweetness to start the day off in a good mood, you know? So happy you liked it!
I really need to add a little variety to my protein shake flavors that I make. These all look really good and easy enough to make. Can’t wait to try a few more!
Totally! The same old shake every day gets boring fast. Glad to share some new options for you to enjoy!
Such a wonderful collection of protein shakes! They all look so good, especially the Peanut Butter Protein Shake and Chocolate Banana Protein Shake.
Thank you! 😊 Great picks–the PB shake is one of my faves. 😋