April 17, 2024

A smoothie that balances fruity sweetness with plenty of protein.

In the latest video of our Cooking With Coach series, we have an easy, healthy and refreshing smoothie recipe you’re sure to love-love. Vanderbilt Women’s Tennis Coach Aleke Tsoubanos joined us in the kitchen for this latest installment of the Cooking With Coach series.

In this collaboration between Vanderbilt Health and Vanderbilt Athletics, we share healthy eating (and drinking) options while helping you get to know your favorite VU coaches a little better. With Coach Tsoubanos, we mixed up this yummy Vanilla Banana Almond Smoothie. Watch our conversation with her above.

As for what we’re cooking up, vanilla is the perfect base for fruity sweet flavors and nutty earthy ones, and this smoothie combines all three tastes. The combination of carbohydrate from the banana and protein from the milk and yogurt makes this smoothie perfect for breakfast or for a post-workout treat.

The nutrition information included here reflects the use of low-fat milk and yogurt; you can substitute fat-free milk and/or yogurt to drop the fat content even more. Adding an extra few drops of vanilla extract will enrich the flavor to make up for taking out more fat.

Ingredients

1 cup fat-free or low-fat milk
1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 large banana
Dash vanilla extract
5 crushed almonds
1/2 cup (more or less as needed) ice cubes
Handful of fresh mint leaves for garnish, optional

Instructions

Bananas, yogurt and almonds in a blender
In a blender, combine all ingredients except mint.

Blend for about 20 seconds, or until smooth.

Pour into glasses.

Garnish with a fresh mint leaf if desired.

Vanilla banana almond smoothie served in a jam jar
Recipe: Vanilla Banana Almond Smoothie
 
Recipe Type: Breakfast
Prep time: 5 mins
Total time: 5 mins
Serves: 2 smoothies
Ingredients
  • 1 cup fat-free or low-fat milk
  • 1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
  • 1 large banana
  • Dash vanilla extract
  • 5 crushed almonds
  • 1/2 cup (more or less as needed) ice cubes
  • Handful of fresh mint leaves for garnish, optional
Instructions
  1. In a blender, combine all ingredients except mint.
  2. Blend for about 20 seconds, or until smooth.
  3. Pour into glasses.
  4. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf if desired.
Serving size: 1/2 of recipe Calories: 90 Fat: 2 grams Saturated fat: .5 gram Carbohydrates: 14 grams Sodium: 42 milligrams Fiber: 1 gram Protein: 3.5 grams Cholesterol: 5 milligrams
3.5.3228
Vanilla, banana and almond smoothie in a jam jar
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