Pumpkin Protein Smoothie

Pumpkin season has arrived and you know what that means- everything pumpkin! This light and creamy pumpkin spice protein shake is made with filling, nutritious ingredients and it’s perfect for a quick breakfast or fall-inspired snack.

Speaking of snacks, don’t skip my Pumpkin Protein Balls. Here’s why you’ll love this smoothie!

• Plenty of pumpkin spice flavor. Real pumpkin puree paired with warm fall spices gives this smoothie just the right amount of pumpkin flavor to satisfy your pumpkin cravings.
• Nutritious and filling. This smoothie packs an impressive 36 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber from healthy ingredients like Greek yogurt, banana and pumpkin, so it’s definitely going to keep you full and satisfied.
• Simple and fast. Add the ingredients and blend! It doesn’t get easier than that. You can even make it ahead by freezing into an ice cube tray. Just blend with a splash of milk when you’re ready!

Protein shakes and smoothie recipes are some of my favorite options for busy mornings. Next, give my High Fiber Smoothie, Banana Date Smoothie or Cottage Cheese Smoothie a try!

For full recipe instructions and complete list of ingredients, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

• Plain Greek yogurt: Any kind will work!
• Pumpkin puree: Canned 100% pumpkin puree adds fiber, color and and is a great source of vitamins (especially vitamin A) and antioxidants. Make sure you don’t use pumpkin pie filling.
• Banana: Frozen banana slices add both natural sweetness and a smooth, creamy texture to this healthy pumpkin smoothie.
• Vanilla protein powder: I like to use a whey based protein powder but feel free to use your favorite. Clean Simple Eats is my favorite.
• Milk: Any kind will work. Non-dairy milk works too- unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk or oat milk are all great options.
• Pumpkin pie spice + cinnamon: These warm spices are just right for a pumpkin pie protein smoothie.
• Maple syrup: This is optional, so I recommend taste testing first.
• Ice cubes: 3-4 ice cubes help to give this smoothie the perfect consistency. If you use fresh banana, make sure to throw in an extra ice cube

Variations

• Nutrition boosters: 1 tbsp of peanut butter, almond butter, ground flax seeds, chia seeds, or hemp seeds all make a great addition to this already healthy smoothie.
• Chocolate pumpkin: Use 1-2 tbsp of of cocoa powder and chocolate protein powder for a chocolate version.
• Very Vanilla: Bump up the vanilla flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract and using vanilla flavored Greek yogurt.
• Apple crisp: Swap out the pumpkin for equal amounts of apple sauce for an apple crisp inspired smoothie.
• Sweet potato: Instead of pumpkin try using canned (or homemade) sweet potato puree.
• Vegan: Use soy milk, plant based protein powder and plain vegan yogurt.