By Krista Teigen
Published Aug 15, 2025

When it’s hot out or I’m rushing through a busy morning, this strawberry banana smoothie is one of my go-tos. It’s quick, creamy, and naturally sweet, and made with a handful of ingredients I always have on hand. I love how refreshing it is, and it’s easy to tweak depending on what I need. You can make it dairy-free or vegan with plant-based milk, add protein powder for a boost, or toss in extras like chia seeds or nut butter. It’s kid-approved, super satisfying, and perfect for breakfast, after a workout, or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Easy Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe
I have a few picky eaters in my house, so when I need to sneak in some added nutrients to my kids’ day, this smoothie is the perfect choice. I make a big batch with any ripe bananas I need to use up and divide it between the family—we all enjoy it. The orange juice adds a bright, citrusy note that makes the whole thing taste extra refreshing, and a handful of ice gives it that frosty, milkshake-like texture my kids love. This recipe has become the base for a variety of smoothie creations I’ve made over the years, and you’ll find even more inspiration in my collection of smoothie recipes . Whether I’m adding protein powder, some hidden veggies, a bit of yogurt, or a scoop of peanut butter, it just keeps getting better and more adaptable to whatever we need that day.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 2 frozen bananas
- ▢ 1 cup sliced strawberries
- ▢ 1/2 cup milk for dairy-free, use a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy
- ▢ 1/2 cup orange or pineapple juice plus more if needed
- ▢ 1/2 cup ice
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a high powered blender until smooth and creamy. 2 frozen bananas, 1 cup sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup orange or pineapple juice, 1/2 cup ice
- Add in more milk or juice if needed to get things moving in the blender.
- Pour into glasses.
Equipment
- 1 High Powered Blender
Becky’s Tips
- Use ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor—freeze them in chunks ahead of time.
- Want extra protein? Add a scoop of vanilla or plain protein powder.
- No frozen fruit? Use fresh and add more ice to chill it.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make a Strawberry Banana Smoothie Step by Step

Gather all the ingredients together.

Combine the ingredients: Add 2 frozen bananas, 1 cup sliced strawberries, ½ cup milk of your choice, ½ cup orange juice (or pineapple juice), and ½ cup ice to a high-powered blender.

Blend until smooth: Blend the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.

Serve and enjoy: Pour the smoothie into glasses, sip, and enjoy!

How to Make Ahead and Store
To make mornings even easier, prep smoothie packs by freezing all the ingredients in zip-top bags—then just dump a bag into the blender, add your liquid, and blend when you’re ready.
This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours—just give it a good shake before drinking, as some separation is normal.
For longer storage, I like to pour any extra into an ice cube tray and freeze it. When you’re ready for another smoothie, just toss the cubes into the blender with a splash of milk or juice and blend until smooth again.
Variations
Make this smoothie what you want with these variations.
- Protein boost : Add a scoop of protein powder, Greek yogurt, or nut butter.
- Healthy fats & fiber : Mix in chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or hemp hearts.
- Sneaky veggies : Blend in a handful of spinach or frozen cauliflower—your kids won’t even notice.
- Flavor twist : Swap the juice for coconut water or add a splash of vanilla extract.
- Extra sweetness : Drizzle in honey or maple syrup, especially if your bananas aren’t very ripe.
- More fruit : Toss in mango, pineapple, blueberries, or peaches for variety.
Serving Suggestions
I usually pour this smoothie into a tall glass for a quick breakfast alongside a slice of toast or a mixed berry muffin . It’s such an easy way to start the day. If I’ve just finished a workout, I’ll blend in a scoop of protein powder to help refuel. My kids love it when I freeze the smoothie in popsicle molds for a fun, healthy treat on warm days. I also love using this as my base in a smoothie bowl, topped with maple granola , peanut butter, and shaved coconut.
More smoothie recipes to try

Coconut Water Smoothie for Glowing Skin

Creamy Green Smoothie Recipe (Green Detox Smoothie)

Strawberry Mango Smoothie

Coffee Smoothie

Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Equipment
- 1 High Powered Blender
Ingredients
- 2 frozen bananas
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup milk for dairy-free, use a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy
- 1/2 cup orange or pineapple juice plus more if needed
- 1/2 cup ice
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a high powered blender until smooth and creamy. 2 frozen bananas, 1 cup sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup orange or pineapple juice, 1/2 cup ice
- Add in more milk or juice if needed to get things moving in the blender.
- Pour into glasses.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor—freeze them in chunks ahead of time.
- Want extra protein? Add a scoop of vanilla or plain protein powder.
- No frozen fruit? Use fresh and add more ice to chill it.
Nutrition

By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017

This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.

Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!

Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On

Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)

Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen

Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen

Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use

26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them

What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?

Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)

How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)

Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
