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As a busy mom trying to stay healthy and energized, I know how hard it can be to find something thatโ€™s both nutritious and satisfying. Thatโ€™s why Iโ€™m obsessed with this Salted Caramel Protein Shakeโ€”itโ€™s a great choice when I need a hearty breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up that’s packed with 30 grams of protein.

This smoothie recipe tastes like dessert, yet it’s packed with all the right ingredients to help me stay on track with my health goals. I’m training to hike across the Grand Canyon with my kids and then run the alps with my friends later this summer. So I need lean muscles and endurance on my side!

Why I Love this Protein Shake Recipe

This shake is a perfect way to stay on track with my weight loss and wellness goals. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber helps curb my cravings, keeps me full, and supports my metabolism all day long. Itโ€™s easy to make, delicious, and keeps me feeling good about my choices.

If youโ€™re like meโ€”juggling family life, busy mornings, and your health goalsโ€”this Salted Caramel Protein Shake is a must-try. Itโ€™s quick, nutritious, and keeps me on track, whether Iโ€™m drinking it for breakfast, as a snack, or even sharing it with my family. They love it too, so itโ€™s a win-win all around.

Next time youโ€™re craving something sweet and filling, give this shake a try. I promise youโ€™ll love it! Itโ€™s the perfect balance of indulgence and nutritionโ€”just what we need to stay energized and confident every day!

Ingredients for a salted caramel protein shake: chickpeas, medjool dates, cashew butter and coconut sugar.

Salted Caramel Protein Shake Ingredients

This shake is a game-changer for me because itโ€™s so much more than just a tasty treat. Itโ€™s a perfect blend of healthy fats, plant-based protein, and natural sweetness. Let’s highlight the star ingredients to help you appreciate this recipe even more:

  • Cashew milk: Itโ€™s creamy and smooth, making it the perfect base for this shake. Plus, itโ€™s dairy-free, which is easier on my stomach and keeps me feeling good.
  • Chickpeas: I know it sounds a bit unusual, but chickpeas are such a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. They keep me feeling full and satisfied, which helps with my weight loss goals.
  • Cashew Butter: This adds richness to the shake, and I love that itโ€™s packed with healthy fats. Itโ€™s also a great source of magnesium and zinc, which help me stay energized and keep my immune system strong.
  • Medjool dates & Coconut sugar: These two are my secret weapons for a caramel-like sweetness, without all the processed sugar. The dates are packed with fiber and antioxidants, and the coconut sugar is just the right touch of sweetness.
  • Protein Powder: After years of trying to find a powder that I enjoyed adding to my smoothies, I gave up. It didnโ€™t exist. There was either too much junk in it, or not enough of the right stuff. I went on a quest to create a homemade protein powder recipe that I could use every day and love how it tasted, what was in it and the results I got. And I couldnโ€™t be happier with the outcome.

How to Chill a Shake

You can blend ice, pour over ice or put in the fridge for a few minutes to chill down this salted caramel protein shake.

Festive glasses of salted caramel protein shake on counter with dates and garbanzo beans.

Common Questions

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, absolutely! You can swap cashew milk for any non-dairy milk like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. If youโ€™re not dairy-free, you can use regular cowโ€™s milk or any milk of your choice.

Is there a substitute for cashew butter?

If you donโ€™t have cashew butter, you can substitute it with almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter. Each option will add its own unique flavor, but theyโ€™ll still provide that rich, creamy texture.

How can I make this shake sweeter without adding too much sugar?

You can use natural sweeteners like more Medjool dates or a splash of maple syrup. For a caramel flavor, you could also add a small pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract, which can enhance the sweetness without adding extra sugar.

Can I use a different type of protein powder in the shake?

Yes! You can swap the protein powder for your favorite type, whether itโ€™s whey protein, plant-based protein (like pea or hemp), or collagen powder. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on the sweetness and texture of the protein powder youโ€™re using.

Is this shake vegan-friendly?

Yes, this shake can easily be made vegan if you use plant-based protein powder, a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk, and ensure your cashew butter is dairy-free. The Medjool dates and coconut sugar also fit into a vegan diet.

More Protein Shake Recipes

Shakes a great way to start the day and they are also great for workouts. Whether you need a light meal before a workout, or a recovery beverage, these recipes are a great source of fuel!

How do you feel about blending chickpeas in this salted caramel protein shake? Let me know in the comments… I’d love to know what you think!

Salted caramel protein shake in a festive etched glass next to a bowl of cashews and some pitted medjool dates.
5 from 9 votes

Best Salted Caramel Protein Shake

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. Itโ€™s the best guilt-free snack or breakfast to satisfy cravings and keep you feeling full and energized all day long.
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Author: Jen Hansard
Course: Smoothie
Cuisine: Plant-Based, Vegan
Serves: 1

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • Start by adding the cashew milk, chickpeas, and cashew butter to the blender. These ingredients create a creamy base thatโ€™s rich in protein and healthy fats.
  • Add the Medjool dates and coconut sugar. The dates give it that caramel flavor I love, and the coconut sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness without the sugar crash.
  • Throw in the ice and blend everything until itโ€™s smooth and frosty. This gives the shake a nice, cold texture thatโ€™s perfect for any time of day.
  • Pour it into a glass, sit down, and enjoy the deliciousness.
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Notes

  • You can replace cashew butter with any kind of nut/seed butter of your choosing.
  • Omit the coconut sugar for less overall sugar content.ย 
  • If your blender isn’t top-notch I wouldn’t add ice to the blender. Add it to the cup then pour the smoothie over it to cool off. Alternatively, if you have time, chill the finished smoothie for 30 minutes before enjoying.
  • Nutrition will vary based on protein powder you use. Macros are based off a typical store-bought unsweetened plant-based protein powder.ย 

Nutrition

Calories: 437kcal, Carbohydrates: 57g, Protein: 31g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 50mg, Sodium: 350mg, Potassium: 573mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 39g, Vitamin A: 158IU, Vitamin C: 0.04mg, Calcium: 157mg, Iron: 4mg
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Rating





Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This was delicious! I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk, 3 dates, no coconut sugar, and peanut butter instead of cashew butter. I look forward to trying this with 2 dates to see if it is just as delicious.

    1. Hi Jessica! This one is a fave of mine as well, so glad you enjoyed it!! Check out our other smoothie recipes on the blog, you may find some more you like as well!

  2. 5 stars
    I’ve been trying to add in more energy smoothies during outside workouts in this Florida summer heat, and this was a great addition! I didn’t get the sugar rush I might have if sipping this without the workout, which was a bonus.

  3. 5 stars
    I was a little skeptical of chickpeas in my smoothie but it totally works! Thanks for another great recipe!

  4. It didnโ€™t have as much flavor as I had anticipated, but it is definitely filling and nutritious.

  5. Oh my gosh I just made this and it was sinfully delicious! I like the idea of a shot of espresso to make it a latte!

  6. 5 stars
    Chickpeas in a smoothie? Donโ€™t knock it until you try it! Absolutely delicious and family approved!! I may add a shot of espresso next time to make it a caramel latte!

    1. Oh my gosh! The shot of espresso will take this to the NEXT level!!!! Let mw know how it goes and I will prob join you after that.

    2. The latte sounds super yummy! Def let us know how that goes! Thanks for blending. xoxo

  7. 5 stars
    Just made this with peanut butter instead of cashew butter, and it was richly delicious!

  8. 5 stars
    I wasnโ€™t sure about the chickpeas, but they were okay. I added an extra date to sweeten it more and it was really good.

    1. Glad you adjusted it to work best for you. Between this and our cinnamon date smoothie, you’ve got a few protein packed good ones here!