This Strawberry Banana Oat Smoothie is the kind of quick breakfast that makes busy mornings feel easy and cozy. It’s naturally sweet from ripe bananas and juicy strawberries, with hearty rolled oats blended in for creaminess and staying power. The flavor is bright, familiar, and kid-friendly, and the texture is silky with just enough body to feel like a real meal.
Whether you’re powering up before the gym, grabbing a desk-side lunch, or looking for a wholesome after-school snack, this smoothie delivers balanced nutrition without fuss. The oats bring gentle fiber, Greek yogurt adds protein, and a splash of milk pulls everything together. It tastes like a classic strawberry milkshake—only lighter, fresher, and made with real ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Make it as written for an everyday blend, or customize it with boosters like chia seeds, nut butter, or protein powder. You can prep freezer packs of fruit and oats ahead of time, then just add liquid and blend. In five minutes, you’ve got a thick, creamy smoothie that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe keeps things simple while giving you room to swap based on your pantry and dietary needs.
Strawberries: Frozen strawberries create an icy, thick texture and concentrated berry flavor. If using fresh berries, add a handful of ice or freeze the berries first for the best body.
Banana: A ripe banana sweetens the smoothie naturally and gives it a milkshake-like creaminess. For a less sweet version, use a just-yellow banana; for extra sweetness, use a very ripe, spotty banana. If avoiding banana, try 1/2 cup frozen mango plus 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup.
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats thicken the smoothie and add fiber. Quick oats also work. Avoid steel-cut oats (they won’t blend as smoothly). For gluten-free needs, choose certified gluten-free oats.
Milk: Any milk works—dairy, almond, oat, soy, or coconut beverage. For a thinner smoothie, add a splash more; for thicker, reduce slightly.
Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and tang. Use plain or vanilla. For dairy-free, use a coconut or almond yogurt. You can omit yogurt and add 1–2 tablespoons nut butter or a scoop of protein powder instead.
Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup is optional; add to taste depending on your fruit’s sweetness. Medjool dates (1–2, pitted) are a great refined-sugar-free option.
Flavor Boosters: Vanilla extract, cinnamon, chia seeds, flaxseed meal, or peanut butter add depth, nutrients, and extra staying power.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Blender (high-speed preferred for the smoothest texture)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paring knife and cutting board (for trimming fruit)
- Spatula to scrape down the blender
- Tall glasses or insulated to-go cup
- Reusable straw or spoon for serving
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- PB&J Smoothie: Add 1–2 tablespoons peanut butter and a pinch of sea salt.
- Chocolate Strawberry: Add 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Protein Boost: Add 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder; increase milk as needed.
- Green Glow: Blend in 1 packed cup baby spinach; flavor stays berry-forward.
- Tropical Twist: Replace half the strawberries with frozen mango or pineapple.
- Fiber & Omega-3s: Add 1 tablespoon chia seeds or 2 teaspoons ground flaxseed.
- Warm Spice: Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom.
- Dessert Vibe: Use vanilla yogurt and a splash of extra vanilla extract.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Oat Smoothie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ripe banana (fresh or frozen)
- 1½ cups frozen strawberries
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup milk of choice, plus more to thin as needed
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, to taste (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or 2 teaspoons ground flaxseed (optional)
- Up to 1/2 cup ice, only if using fresh berries
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan about 5 minutes total: 2–3 minutes to measure and load the blender and 30–60 seconds to blend until completely smooth. If you like to soak the oats first for extra silkiness, add 5 minutes of resting time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Load the Blender in the Right Order
Add milk to the blender first, followed by yogurt and vanilla. Sprinkle in the oats and any seeds or protein powder. Top with the banana and frozen strawberries. Liquids on the bottom help the blades catch and blend smoothly.
2. Optional: Soften the Oats
For an ultra-smooth finish, let the loaded blender rest for 3–5 minutes so the oats hydrate slightly. This step is optional but can improve silkiness, especially with standard (not high-speed) blenders.
3. Blend Until Silky
Start on low speed to break up the fruit, then increase to high and blend for 30–60 seconds, stopping once to scrape down the sides if needed. If the smoothie is too thick or struggling to move, add milk 1–2 tablespoons at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
4. Taste and Adjust
Sample the smoothie and adjust sweetness with honey or maple syrup if needed. For a frostier texture, add a few ice cubes and blend again. For a looser sip, splash in more milk and blend briefly to combine.
5. Serve Immediately
Pour into tall glasses or an insulated cup. Enjoy right away for the best flavor and texture, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours and stir or shake before drinking.
Pro Tips for Best Texture & Taste
A few small choices make a big difference in creaminess, sweetness, and blendability. Use frozen berries, a ripe banana, and enough liquid to keep the blades moving without watering down the flavor.
- Freeze fruit flat: Keep a bag of sliced bananas and strawberries in the freezer for thick, frosty smoothies anytime.
- Hydrate oats: A quick 3–5 minute rest before blending—or a 10-minute soak in milk—yields a silkier sip.
- Balance sweetness: Taste before adding sweetener; ripe fruit often eliminates the need.
- Blend in stages: If your blender is modest, pulse to break up frozen fruit, then blend on high.
- Add liquid slowly: It’s easier to thin a thick smoothie than to rescue a watery one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this smoothie vegan or dairy-free?
Yes. Use a plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy, or coconut beverage) and swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt or 1–2 tablespoons nut butter. Sweeten with maple syrup or dates if needed.
Is this smoothie gluten-free?
Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can be cross-contaminated during processing. Choose certified gluten-free rolled oats to keep the smoothie gluten-free.
Can I prep it ahead?
For the fastest mornings, portion fruit, banana slices, and oats into freezer bags or containers. When ready, add the contents to the blender with milk and yogurt and blend. You can also blend the smoothie the night before and refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 24 hours—shake well before drinking.
How do I store leftovers or freeze them?
Refrigerate leftover smoothie in a sealed jar for up to 1 day. For longer storage, freeze in single-serve portions (or popsicle molds) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and shake or reblend with a splash of milk to revive the texture.