This pistachio smoothie is creamy, nutty, and packed with over 25 grams of protein. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast or a filling post-workout snack.
Pistachio has been having a moment lately, so I figured it was time to jump on the bandwagon and share this pistachio smoothie—my latest obsession.
If you love anything pistachio, you’re going to want to make this smoothie ASAP. It tastes like a creamy, nutty dessert, but in the form of a high-protein smoothie. I seriously can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Smoothie
Here’s why this smoothie deserves a spot in your regular rotation:
- Creamy: The combo of frozen banana and pistachio butter gives this smoothie the silkiest, creamiest texture.
- Protein-packed: This smoothie is packed with over 25 grams of protein thanks to the pistachio butter, pistachios and protein powder. It’ll keep you full and satisfied for hours!
- Easy: 6 simple ingredients and a quick blend and you’re good to go.
- No added sugar: The banana adds plenty of natural sweetness to this smoothie.
Ingredients Needed
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this creamy, protein-packed smoothie.
- unsweetened almond or pistachio milk – I typically use unsweetened almond milk since that’s what I always have on hand, but unsweetened pistachio milk is another great option for extra pistachio flavor!
- frozen banana – the key to making the smoothie naturally sweet and ultra-creamy without needing added sugar. Follow my guide for how to freeze bananas.
- pistachio butter – the star of the show! It’s what really brings that rich pistachio flavor and color to this smoothie. I know pistachio butter isn’t easily accessible for everyone, but I found Pistachio Butter on Amazon and it’s incredible. It’s a little pricey, but one jar goes a long way and it’s totally worth it, in my opinion!
- vanilla protein powder – boosts the protein to keep you full. I used Equip Vanilla protein powder, but any high-quality vanilla protein powder works. You can also use an unflavored protein powder or collagen powder, but the vanilla does add a nice flavor, so you might want to add a splash of vanilla extract.
- ice – helps thicken everything up and make it extra cold and refreshing.
- no shell pistachios – for a little texture and extra pistachio goodness. You’ll pulse these in at the end.
How to Make Pistachio Smoothie
Step 1: Add all ingredients, except for the pistachios to a high powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add the no shell pistachios and pulse for a few seconds to chop the pistachios up slightly. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Brittany’s Tips!
A few quick tips to make sure your smoothie turns out perfect every time:
- Use a ripe banana: The riper the banana before you freeze it, the sweeter your smoothie will be.
- Use a high-powdered blender: A high-quality and high-powered blender like my Vitamix blender goes a long way when it comes to making perfectly blended smoothies that have a similar texture to a smoothie you’d get from a smoothie shop.
- Don’t over-blend the pistachios: Just a quick pulse keeps little crunchy bits that make this smoothie extra fun.
- Adjust the thickness: Add a little more milk if you like it thinner or a few extra ice cubes if you want it thicker.
- Top it off: Sprinkle a few chopped pistachios on top for a cute (and tasty) finish!
Storage Tips
This smoothie is definitely best enjoyed right after blending while it’s thick and creamy, but if you want to store it for later you can store it in an airtight container (like a mason jar) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good shake or stir before drinking, as it may separate a little over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best fresh, but you can blend it up and store it in the fridge for up to a day. It won’t be as thick, but just give it a good shake or stir before drinking.
Pistachio milk has a light, slightly sweet, nutty flavor that’s naturally creamy. It’s a little richer than almond milk and gives this smoothie an extra boost of pistachio flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Definitely! If you want a banana-free option, you can swap the frozen banana for frozen avocado, frozen cauliflower rice, or a handful of ice cubes. The banana adds sweetness, so you might want to add a medjool date or a touch of honey or maple syrup.
If you’d prefer to skip the protein powder, you can swap it with collagen powder or try adding ½ cup of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for a natural protein boost and creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, use a high-protein plant-based yogurt. You can also add 2–3 tablespoons of hemp seeds or chia seeds for added protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Keep in mind that without protein powder, the protein content won’t be as high, but it’ll still be delicious!
More Smoothie Recipes
Be sure to check out all of the smoothie recipes as well as the full collection of drink recipes on EBF!