Banana Cashew Smoothie Recipe
Lately, I’ve been super obsessed with smoothies in the morning. Specifically, adding chia seeds to smoothies for extra nutrition, like this Strawberry Banana Chia Seed Smoothie! Similarly, this Banana Cashew Smoothie with chia seeds and extra protein is filling and such a great way to start the day. Not to mention it’s super thick and creamy, so you can enjoy it any way you want! Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Ready in 5 Minutes: Perfect for busy mornings or a post-workout treat.
- 21 Grams Protein: The vanilla protein powder combined with chia seeds adds so much healthy protein to this smoothie.
- Creamy & Dreamy: Frozen bananas and cashew butter make for the smoothest texture ever – it literally tastes like ice cream!
- Customizable: Swap in almond butter, coconut milk, or even chocolate protein powder—so many options!
You’ll Also Love: 15 Immune Boosting Smoothies
Ingredients in a Banana Cashew Milk Smoothie
The ingredients are so simple! You’ll just need a high-speed blender and 6 simple ingredients to get started:
- Cashew Butter – Lightly salted is my favorite for that sweet-and-salty vibe, but feel free to use unsalted or almond butter.
- Frozen Bananas – Frozen is key! Peel, slice, and freeze them overnight for that perfect frosty texture.
- Milk – Regular dairy milk is perfect for higher protein, but I also love using almond, cashew milk, or coconut milk.
- Cinnamon
- Chia Seeds
- Vanilla Protein Powder
- Toppings of Choice – Granola, chopped pistachios, walnuts, or anything you want!
Why Add Chia Seeds to Smoothies
I started adding chia seeds to my smoothies because they’re small, but mighty! They’re full of fiber, omega-3s, and essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium, making them a nutritional powerhouse. These little seeds help keep you full longer, add a creamy texture to your smoothie, and are incredibly easy to use—just toss them in and blend! It’s such a simple way to elevate your smoothies with both nutrition and texture.
You’ll Also Love: Chocolate Banana Chia Seed Pudding
How to Make a Cashew Smoothie
It’s so easy to make this Cashew Smoothie recipe with frozen bananas and chia seeds! Here’s a quick overview for how to put it together:
- Add all of the ingredients to the blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into glasses (or bowls), add toppings, and enjoy!
Tips for Making this Banana Cashew Butter Chia Seed Smoothie
- Cashew butter is sold at most stores, but I think almond butter would be amazing as well. I personally like using lightly salted cashew butter for a hint of sweet/salty, but feel free to use whatever you prefer!
- Slice up the bananas and place them in plastic sandwich bags to freeze overnight! This is the only part of the smoothie that’s actually frozen, so be sure to do this the night before.
- Almond milk for a subtle nutty flavor, coconut milk for a tropical twist, or regular milk if that’s what you have on hand (and for a higher-protein smoothie).
- If you love a sweeter smoothie, try adding a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
- Make homemade smoothie packs by pre-portioning the ingredients (except the milk) into freezer bags so they’re ready to blend whenever you need them!
Variations
- Fruits: Add frozen berries, pineapple, mango, or even a handful of spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- Nut Butters: Swap cashew butter for almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter.
- Superfood Boosts: Toss in flaxseeds, hemp seeds, spirulina, or a scoop of greens powder.
- Chocolate Twist: Mix in cocoa powder or use chocolate protein powder.
- Sweeteners: Add a date, honey, or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Flavors: Enhance with spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or add a splash of vanilla extract.
Meal Prepping Chia Seed Smoothies
Did you know you can actually prep chia seed smoothies ahead of time? Just blend the smoothies together, pour into mason jars with airtight lids, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge for about 2-3 hours before or pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, stirring often and breaking up the smoothie until it gets to the right consistency.
Healthy Smoothie Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Chocolate Banana Smoothie
- Strawberry Acai Smoothie Bowl
- Turmeric Pineapple & Kiwi Kale Smoothie
- Dragon Fruit & Goji Berry Smoothie
- Golden Glow Pineapple Turmeric Smoothie
- Healthy Banana Mango Smoothie
- Matcha Smoothie Bowl
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Banana Cashew Butter Chia Seed Smoothie
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cashew butter
- 2 medium frozen bananas
- 1 cup milk (regular, cashew milk, coconut milk, or almond milk)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- toppings of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the cashew butter, frozen bananas, milk, cinnamon, chia seeds, and protein powder in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into glasses, add any toppings you want, and enjoy!
Notes
- Cashew butter is sold at most stores (or on Amazon), but I think almond butter would be amazing as well. I personally like using lightly salted cashew butter for a hint of sweet/salty, but feel free to use whatever you prefer!
- Slice up the bananas and place them in plastic sandwich bags to freeze overnight! This is the only part of the smoothie that’s actually frozen, so be sure to do this the night before! 🙂
Megan Marlowe says:
Girl, what is it about washing the blender? I hate it too. I feel like it’s such a chore in itself and why I don’t make smoothies as much as I should either. I’m breaking it out for this baby though. From the cashew butter to the frozen banana, I’m all over this smoothie! YUM!
Christine McMichael replied:
Hahaha, I don’t know! It doesn’t seem like it should be that big of a deal, but for some reason it is! Thanks, friend! 🙂
swathi says:
Delicious and healthy smoothie, I love chia seed and banana in my smoothie hadn’t tried with cashew butter. I will give it try as I like cashews a lot.
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Swathi! 🙂
Byron Thomas says:
I’ve never been a fan of health-based smoothies, but you may have just changed my mind. I love the simplicity of it all and with combination of bananas and cashew butter, I was all in! 🙂
Christine McMichael replied:
I hope I did, Byron! 🙂 Enjoy!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says:
We love smoothies here. So great for lunch, or after a workout. The addition of chia certainly boosts the nutrition, and thickens it up nicely too.
Christine McMichael replied:
So awesome, love it!
Srivalli Jetti says:
That smoothie surely is one health pack..using cashew butter must have made this so creamy..and what a delightful way to use chia seeds..I have a huge packet to be used…
Christine McMichael replied:
Yes, I agree! Enjoy!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks says:
Smoothies taste like dessert or a treat, but can pack a real punch nutritionally! This looks and sounds amazing.
Christine McMichael replied:
Exactly, that’s why I love them now! So good!
Anya says:
Wowzers – this smoothie is as delicious as nutritious. And I love that it’s pretty filling too with the cashew butter and bananas.
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Anya!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says:
I’m not a smoothie person. It’s that I like to chew what I eat but your smoothie is sure tempting me to make it my after workout snack. I am a big fan of Amazon and I do like ordering from them. I haven’t ordered cashew butter from them or chia seeds. I’ll have to look into it.
Christine McMichael replied:
I completely understand. I’ve only recently become a smoothie person! That’s so perfect, Marisa!
Reesa Lewandowski says:
Oh this sounds like a perfect way to start your day! I have never tried cashew butter yet!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Reesa!
Hanady @ Recipe Nomad says:
Pass me a smoothie please! These look fabulous! I never would have thought to use cashew butter! Great one!
Christine McMichael replied:
Haha, love it! Enjoy!
Meg | Meg is Well says:
I love making smoothies and then freezing them! They unthaw so beautifully and are still silky smooth. I also love anything with cashews at the moment so I think this might be my smoothie and it looks so beautiful!
Christine McMichael replied:
Ahhh, it’s the BEST! 🙂
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ says:
I just recently started experimenting more with chia seeds as well. So this will be a great smoothie to add to my collection. Sounds delicious 🙂
Veena Azmanov says:
Nothing like a glass of wholesome goodness. Banana, cashews, chai and smoothie.. sounds like a perfect breakfast for me.
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says:
These cashew butter smoothies look amazing! I always see cashew butter at Trader Joe’s but never buy it. Now I have a reason to!
jill conyers says:
Good morning Christine, I decided to come out of lurking to say hi and to let you know this looks delicious. Love love cashew butter but hardly ever think to add it to smoothies instead of almond butter.
Have a great weekend!
Christine McMichael replied:
Hi, Jill! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂 Me too, it’s so great. Almond butter is great too, but sometimes I just love the sweet flavor of cashew butter!