There aren’t many smoothie ingredients better than thick, creamy, and healthy Greek yogurt.
When you strain the liquid whey, lactose, and sugar from regular yogurt you’re left with the thick and creamy goodness known as Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt has roughly the same amount of calories as regular yogurt, but it contains about twice as much protein (6-ounce serving contains 15 to 20 grams) with half the sugar content.
Most health experts agree that it’s much healthier than regular yogurt.
If you’re looking to get more protein into your diet, and smoothies, without using a protein powder supplement, Greek yogurt is a great option.
In addition to being packed with protein, Greek yogurt is also rich in beneficial bacteria or probiotics. These friendly flora are essential to proper digestion, assimilation of nutrients, and immune system functioning. Store bought yogurt won’t have nearly as much probiotic punch as homemade, mind you.
Greek yogurt also provides a good amount of calcium – in a form that’s more easily absorbed due to the beneficial bacteria or live cultures.
I prefer the plain full-fat Greek yogurt for my smoothies, which was used to calculate the nutritional information below, but there’s also a nonfat option for those who would prefer that. Greek yogurt is pretty versatile and can be used in many different smoothie recipes. Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!
Greek Yogurt Smoothie Recipes
Blueberry Greek Yogurt Smoothie
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, or a little stevia to sweeten
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 364
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 23g
- Vitamin A: 16% RDA
- Vitamin C: 13% RDA
- Calcium: 36% RDA
- Iron: 2% RDA
Green Greek Yogurt Smoothie
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 fresh or frozen banana
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
- A little honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten (optional)
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 316
- Fat: 19g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 18g
- Vitamin A: 18% RDA
- Vitamin C: 32% RDA
- Calcium: 21% RDA
- Iron: 7% RDA
Chocolate Greek Yogurt Smoothie
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 fresh or frozen banana
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tablespoon cacao powder
- A little honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten (optional)
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 262
- Fat: 13g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 18g
- Vitamin A: 8% RDA
- Vitamin C: 18% RDA
- Calcium: 19% RDA
- Iron: 4% RDA
The Add-ons
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder or extract
- 1 tablespoon chia, flax, or hemp seeds
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes or shreds
- 1 serving of your preferred protein
- 1 serving of your preferred green superfood powder
- Any other healthy ingredients you have on hand
Show Time
Place all of the ingredients into your high-speed blender and blend for around 30-45 seconds or until nice and smooth.
I’d love to know if you tried any of these Greek yogurt smoothies – please do tell in the comments below. Happy Blending!
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