Best Tasting, Fruit & Nut Protein Yogurt Smoothie

A thick, high-protein fruit-and-nut yogurt shake made with berries, banana, dates, mixed nuts, yogurt, and protein powder. Creamy, naturally sweet, and very filling — ideal for breakfast or a post-workout meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Yield: 2 large mugs
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Blend Time: 1–2 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Breakfast, post-workout, meal replacement

Ingredients

  • 8–10 medium strawberries (about 200 g)
  • 1 handful blueberries (about 100 g)
  • 1 banana (medium or large, medium ripe)
  • 2 large Medjool dates
  • 60 g mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios, pecans — Kirkland unsalted preferred)
  • 1 cup yogurt (preferably homemade, mildly sweet and not tart)
  • 1.5 scoops vanilla protein powder (example: Orgain Organic Vanilla)
  • Small handful walnuts
  • 1 cup crushed ice

How to Clean the Berries Properly

Salt Water Soak Method

  1. Fill a bowl with hot water.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon salt and mix.
  3. Add strawberries and blueberries.
  4. Let it soak for a few minutes.
  5. Drain and rinse lightly with fresh water.

This helps clean the fruit thoroughly and can add a slight flavor enhancement.

Preparation

Before Blending

  • Pit (remove) the dates 
  • Peel the banana
  • Cut and remove the strawberry stems 
  • Measure nuts, yogurt, and protein powder

Instructions

Step 1 — Main Blend

Add the following to a blender:

  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Banana
  • Dates
  • Mixed nuts
  • Yogurt
  • Protein powder

Blend until smooth, about 1 minute.

Step 2 — Texture Finish Blend

Add the following:

  • Crushed ice
  • Walnuts

Blend for about 10 seconds only.

Short blending keeps small walnut pieces and a slight ice texture, which improves mouthfeel and thickness.

Texture and Consistency Tips

For Thicker Shake

  • Add more ice
  • Use chilled, thick yogurt
  • Add half a frozen banana instead of fresh

For Thinner Shake

  • Add a splash of milk
  • Reduce ice quantity
  • Blend longer

Optional Variations

Chunky Date Version

Add half the dates cut into medium pieces during the final 10-second blend to create small chewy date pieces in the drink.

Extra Protein Version

  • Add an additional half scoop protein powder
  • Or add 2 tablespoons peanut butter

Lower Sugar Version

  • Use 1 date instead of 2
  • Skip the banana or use half

Yogurt Quality Tip for Best Taste

This shake tastes best with fresh, homemade yogurt that is smooth and mildly sweet rather than tart. When making yogurt at home, adding the starter at the correct milk temperature (around 108°F / 42°C) helps produce better texture and flavor consistency. Make yogurt once a week and keep it refrigerated for a fresh, sweet taste. 

Serving Suggestions

Serve immediately in large mugs or smoothie glasses. Best consumed fresh for optimal texture and nutrition.

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