High Protein Salted Almond Butter Smoothie

This salted almond butter smoothie makes the perfect breakfast or snack on these crazy hot summer days. Inspired by a pregnancy craving of mine at one of my favourite smoothie shops, I’ve played around with the ingredients to ensure it’s nutrient packed and absolutely delicious. I’ll include some options and swaps so that you can make it the perfect smoothie for you too!

I don’t know why I’ve never thought about adding salt to a smoothie until recently, but you’d be surprised how this simple addition really takes the flavours to another level. This smoothie is super high in protein which is great for those of us struggling to meet our daily protein requirements. It’s also packed with heart healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients and Nutrition Benefits

1. High protein milk: I used Natrel Plus 2% milk with 18g of protein per serving. You can use any milk or milk alternative of your choice and the flavour will still be excellent!

2. Almond butter: Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, and plant-based protein. It’s also a great source of micronutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, iron, and calcium. I used a creamy almond butter for this recipe, the only ingredient in the almond butter is almonds. If you don’t love almond butter, or just want to switch up the recipe, you can use any nut butter of your choice.

3. Banana: A ripe and frozen banana will give you the best flavour and texture and helps make the smoothie icy cold. If you only have room temperature bananas don’t fret, just bump up the amount of ice slightly to make sure the smoothie is nice and cold. Bananas are a great source of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and magnesium.

4. Cocoa powder: Adds a nice subtle chocolate flavour and a source of flavonoids and antioxidants promoting heart health and blood pressure.

5. Ground flax: A source omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Great for digestion and heart health. I love adding flax to my smoothies, especially since you can’t taste it!

6. Whey protein (vanilla): This is optional. I have been working on boosting my protein intake during pregnancy. If you don’t like the taste of protein powders you can choose to omit it altogether. The high protein milk alone offers a good amount of protein. You can also substitute this with any protein powder alternative of your choice.

7. Honey: I add a small amount of honey just to boost the flavours of this smoothie. You could also use dates instead they work wonderfully in this recipe!

8. Sea salt: It may seem odd but please don’t skip out on this star ingredient. It brings out all of the flavours and really takes this recipe to the next level.

9. Ice: Helps to emulsify the ingredients and keep the smoothie ice cold. Essential during this wild heat wave if you ask me!

Did you give this High Protein Salted Almond Butter Smoothie Recipe a try? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below.

High Protein Salted Almond Butter Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana (frozen)

• 1 tsp cocoa powder

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 scoop whey protein powder (vanilla)

• 2 tbsp almond butter

• 1 tbsp ground flax

• 1 cup high protein milk

• 1 pinch sea salt

• 6 ice cubes

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a blender

2. Blend for 1-2 minutes or until ingredients are well combined

Bonus: If you have the time, line your cup with a drizzle of almond butter! Simply warm almond butter on the stove top and either drizzle with a spoon or squirt bottle.