Healthy protein shakes are my go-to pre and post-workout fuel. They are super easy to make and keep me full for the day ahead. I know a lot of people like the protein powder mixed into water, yet those are often full of additives.
My homemade protein shakes contain 100% real food and plant-based ingredients.
I’ve broken this list into three categories: homemade smoothies that contain nuts, ones without nuts and ones with natural caffeine. Choose the list that fits your needs, then blend the shake you need in your life today. I can’t wait for you to try these!
Plant-Based Protein Shakes
You don’t need to ‘pack in’ the protein just to get a protein boost. The following recipes are completely made up of plants and give you a great boost of protein pre or post-workout, or to fuel your day. Give one a blend and enjoy the healthiest fast food out there!
Epic Almond Smoothie
4.6 from 276 votes
Start your morning with a protein fueled breakfast all wrapped up in a perfectly sweet smoothie. This almond smoothie is delicious and an easy on-the-go beverage for a busy day.
This creamy, sweet and nourishing healthy vanilla protein shake makes a great post workout recovery smoothie or meal replacement for a busy day. We've snuck in some cauliflower to boost the fiber and chill everything down— yet don't worry (you won't even taste it!)
This is a protein-packed, filling smoothie recipe that's perfect for a quick lunch or post workout pick-me-up. Easily omit the date if you wanna cut back on the natural sugar. Flaxseed is a superfood with fat, protein and fiber; basically a great way to start your day.
This meal replacement smoothie actually keeps you full and tastes delicious. It’s packed with hearty oats, juicy blueberries, creamy almond butter, and banana for natural sweetness. Basically, it’s breakfast, lunch—or survival fuel—in a blender. Perfect for busy mornings, post-workouts, or when you’re just trying to make it to your next meal without crashing.
Blend your way into a great day with this sweet n’ creamy banana smoothie. It’s got protein that will keep you full, and simple ingredients for natural energy.
Fertility and food come together in this creamy smoothie creation. Loaded with foods that can fuel your body, this PCOS smoothie is a great way to start the day.
This salted caramel protein shake is a creamy, indulgent treat that combines the richness of cashew butter and natural sweetness from Medjool dates, while packing a protein punch with chickpeas. It’s the best guilt-free snack or breakfast to satisfy cravings and keep you feeling full and energized all day long.
The secret ingredient in this creamy and thick smoothie bowl is frozen cauliflower. It makes the smoothie super creamy, and you can't even taste it! Not that I don't like cauliflower, I just know it can be a scary smoothie ingredient until you give it a try.
Try this fiber-packed Cinnamon Date Smoothie that's perfectly sweet, creamy and filling. The Medjool dates naturally sweeten this smoothie, while the rolled oats thicken it to a milkshake consistency.
Not sure how to sleep well naturally? I've got you covered with this healthy, calming green bedtime smoothie that is loaded with nutrients to help keep your tummy from rumbling in the night.
This pineapple ginger smoothie packs a tropical punch! It's a refreshing, nutrient-rich blend of sweet pineapple, spicy ginger, colorful kale, juicy oranges, and luscious strawberries that's full of freshness and energy, making it the ideal way to kick off the day.
If nuts are a no for you then it might be hard finding a healthy plant-based protein option. Here is a list of recipes without nuts, yet still loaded with protein.
Also, if one of the above recipes is enticing, feel free to swap out nuts or nut butter for the seed butter of your choice, and the nut milk for oat milk, rice milk, soy or hemp milk.
Post Workout Smoothie
4.6 from 19 votes
This post-workout smoothie is your new recovery ritual. With a refreshing base of coconut water and a powerful combo of kale, orange, pineapple, and blueberries, it’s loaded with antioxidants, electrolytes, and fiber. Chia seeds bring protein and omega-3s to help you bounce back faster and feel amazing after your sweat session.
This brain food smoothie has everything you need to get you going in the morning— protein, healthy fats, and replenishing electrolytes. Adding avocado to smoothies gives you a lovely dose of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are vital for brain development and nerve function. Not only that, but the avocado also assists the body in absorbing nutrients from the greens.
Whip up this super simple, super delicious vanilla bean yogurt smoothie made with just five ingredients. Switch up the type of fruit according to what's in season for endless possibilities!
Coconut milk is rich in healthy fats, which helps curb your appetite and give you energy. The berries and cherries lower the glycemic index making it a great after dinner treat. This Healthy Cherry Smoothie is a great breakfast.
Coconut Water Smoothie
4.8 from 22 votes
This coconut water smoothie is hydrating and refreshing. The citrus fruit helps to cut the bitterness in the kale and we boosted the sweetness with banana.
This iconic glowing green smoothie nourishes your skin from the inside out. It’s packed with beneficial ingredients that will make your skin positively glow. Drink up a glass of this plant-based goodness every morning for radiant, rejuvenated skin.
If you're looking for a not-so-sweet smoothie then this savory smoothie is for you! It is naturally protein-packed and full of the flavors of my favorite fresh salsa. It's definitely a unique departure from the traditional fruit sweetened smoothies, yet I dare you to give it a blend!
An ‘energy drink’ can be both filling and an energy boost. Recipes like my Green Tea Smoothie and this Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie contain natural caffeine from tea or cocoa or cacao. They taste delicious and give you the protein and energy you need.
Banana Chocolate Protein Shake
4.8 from 92 votes
Indulge in a velvety smooth, banana chocolate protein shake that's not only delicious but also a powerhouse of nutrition. This blend transforms into a satisfying meal, energizing snack, or the perfect post-workout recovery drink. Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and dates, while creamy almond butter and nutrient-rich hemp hearts provide a substantial plant-based protein boost, leaving you feeling full and revitalized.
The mellow taste of matcha with sweet vanilla, blended into a delicious, creamy smoothie. Enjoy any time of the day, this matcha smoothie recipe is perfect for breakfast, pre- and post-workout and midnight snacks, too!
Indulge in a velvety chocolate peanut butter smoothie. Ripe bananas blend with rich cacao, creamy peanut butter, and luscious oat milk for a decadent, protein-packed afternoon pick-me-up.
This weight loss shake uses all natural ingredients to kickstart your metabolism and burn fat. We're using all plant-based ingredients to reduce inflammation and keep you full.
This dessert-like smoothie is perfect for a cool day or healthy treat. It's packed with chocolaty flavor as well as ingredients like spinach and hazelnuts.
This light and refreshing Green Tea Smoothie delivers a smooth rush of energy yet keeps you from that caffeine crash. Use as-is for an afternoon pick-me-up or add in some plant-based protein powder and turn it into a meal replacement breakfast smoothie that will energize you for the day ahead.
A shake can have as much protein as possible, yet still not be super healthy. My protein shake recipes have a good balance of protein, carbs and healthy fat. I load my protein shakes up with whole food ingredients and use plant-based protein for the gentlest, healthiest combinations.
Can protein shakes be healthy?
They can be! Use whole food ingredients. You’d be surprised how much protein comes from plants. Use a plant-based protein powder without added sugar and with healthy fats. Ditch the weird additives and use real ingredients for the healthiest protein shakes.
Are protein shakes good for weight loss?
It depends on what you put in them. Focus on adding plants, unsweetened plant-based milk (or water) and plant-based protein powder for the best results.
How to Add Protein to a Smoothie
While some protein powders are ‘just add water,’ I like a shake with more to it than weird ingredients and a weird taste. My homemade shakes use plants and Top Superfoods List or homemade protein powder for protein, healthy fats and whole-food carbs. You’d be surprised just how much protein comes from plants!
Try one of the above recipes then leave a comment below letting me know how energized you feel! My shakes are great pre and post-workout as well as a quick meal. A great way to get more plants into your diet while not sacrificing protein!
This post came at a great time! I’m having jaw surgery and will need a protein-rich liquid diet during the weeks of my recovery. These are SUCH better alternatives to store-bought protein shakes. THANK YOU, THANK YOU! 🙂
This post came at a great time! I’m having jaw surgery and will need a protein-rich liquid diet during the weeks of my recovery. These are SUCH better alternatives to store-bought protein shakes. THANK YOU, THANK YOU! 🙂
Thanks for the nut-free section! It’s hard to find nut-free protein sources when trying to stay plant-based.