Here’s my go-to Ninja Creami protein smoothie bowl recipe, packed with good-for-you ingredients and topped with fresh fruit, granola, and a drizzle of honey. It’s thick, creamy, and feels like having ice cream for breakfast!
This smoothie bowl has become my morning routine savior – especially on busy weekdays when I need something quick but filling. I usually make extra mixture to freeze so I can whip up another bowl the next day. Nothing better than starting your day with something that tastes like dessert but is actually healthy, right?
Why You’ll Love This Protein Smoothie Bowl
- High in protein – With Greek yogurt and protein powder, this smoothie bowl packs a protein punch that’ll keep you full and satisfied throughout your morning.
- Healthy breakfast option – Made with fresh fruits and protein-rich ingredients, it’s a nutritious way to start your day without any artificial additives.
- Simple ingredients – You only need 5 basic ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store – no fancy or expensive items required.
- Customizable – The basic recipe works great as is, but you can easily switch up the fruits or toppings to match your preferences or what you have on hand.
What Kind of Berries Should I Use?
For smoothie bowls, you can use any combination of frozen berries that catches your eye at the grocery store. Most stores carry bags of mixed berries that typically include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries – all of which work perfectly in this recipe. If you prefer to customize your mix, you can buy individual bags of frozen berries and create your own blend. Just make sure you’re using frozen berries rather than fresh ones, as they’re key to creating that thick, ice-cream-like texture that makes smoothie bowls so special. When selecting your berries, check the bag for any signs of freezer burn or ice crystals, which could mean they’ve been thawed and refrozen.
Options for Substitutions
This smoothie bowl recipe is super adaptable and easy to customize based on what you have on hand:
- Mixed berries: Any frozen fruits work great here! Try mango, peaches, pineapple, or strawberries alone. Just make sure to keep the fruit frozen – this is key for getting that thick, creamy texture in the Ninja Creami.
- Banana: Not a banana fan? You can skip it or replace it with half an avocado for creaminess, or add more frozen fruit instead. Just note that bananas add natural sweetness, so you might want to adjust sweetness if you skip it.
- Greek yogurt: Any yogurt works here – regular, dairy-free, or even cottage cheese for extra protein. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Skim milk: Feel free to use any milk you prefer – whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work well. Just keep in mind that different milks might change the final texture slightly.
- Vanilla protein powder: You can use any flavor of protein powder, or skip it altogether and add a splash of vanilla extract. If you’re not using protein powder, you might want to reduce the milk a bit to maintain the right consistency.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making protein smoothie bowls in the Ninja Creami is getting the right consistency – using too much liquid will result in a runny mixture that won’t achieve that thick, ice cream-like texture you’re after.
Temperature control is crucial, so make sure your mixture is completely frozen solid (at least 24 hours in the freezer) before processing, and don’t let it thaw even slightly or you’ll end up with a soupy mess instead of a creamy treat.
When adding the protein powder, mix it thoroughly with the liquid ingredients before freezing to prevent any chalky or powdery patches in your final product, and if your mixture seems too hard after processing, use the Re-Spin function once or twice rather than adding more liquid.
For the smoothest results, let the frozen mixture sit at room temperature for just 1-2 minutes before processing, and always use the Lite Cream or Gelato setting first before trying the Smoothie Bowl function.
What to Serve With Protein Smoothie Bowls?
The best part about smoothie bowls is loading them up with delicious toppings that add different textures and extra nutrition! A sprinkle of granola adds a nice crunch, while fresh berries, sliced banana, or diced mango make perfect fresh fruit toppings. I like to add some healthy fats with a spoonful of chia seeds, a drizzle of almond butter, or a handful of chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. Since this smoothie bowl already has protein from the Greek yogurt and protein powder, these toppings help make it a complete and filling breakfast or post-workout meal.
Storage Instructions
Keep Cold: Your protein smoothie bowl base can stay in the Ninja CREAMi pint container in the freezer for up to 24 hours before processing. After processing, it’s best to enjoy your smoothie bowl right away while it has that perfect soft-serve consistency.
Make Ahead: Want to prep ahead? You can blend all your ingredients and freeze them in your Ninja CREAMi pint for up to 2 weeks before processing. Just remember to leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top for expansion, and make sure the lid is on tight.
Re-spin: If your smoothie bowl starts to melt or gets too hard in the freezer, no worries! Just pop it back in the Ninja CREAMi and use the Re-spin function to bring back that perfect creamy texture. Add your favorite toppings just before eating.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0-1 minutes |
| Total Time | 24 hours 10-16 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 25-30 g
- Fat: 2-5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 g
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mixed berries, frozen
- 1/2 banana
- 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 1 scoop vanilla-flavored protein powder
Step 1: Blend Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients, including frozen berries, a banana, Greek yogurt, milk, and protein powder.
Place them into a blender.
Blend until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully combined, creating a thick smoothie base.
Step 2: Freeze the Mixture
Transfer the blended mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container.
Ensure the surface is level to prevent any issues later on.
Freeze the container for 24 hours until the mixture is completely frozen solid.
Step 3: Prepare the Frozen Pint for Blending
After 24 hours, remove the frozen pint from the freezer.
Run the container under hot water for about 60 seconds, which will help release the pint easily.
Install the pint into your machine, making sure the surface is still level to avoid damaging the blade.
Step 4: Blend Your Smoothie Bowl
For the initial blending, select the smoothie bowl button on your machine.
Once the process is complete, remove the outer bowl lid to check the consistency.
If the mixture appears powdery or not fully blended, reinstall the pint and press the respin button to achieve the desired creaminess.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency if Needed
Examine the texture of your smoothie bowl.
The finished product should be creamy with a smooth texture.
If it isn’t your desired consistency, you can add a bit more liquid and use the respin setting to adjust it further.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy with Toppings
Transfer your creamy smoothie bowl into a small serving bowl.
Top with your choice of delicious toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts, granola, or coconut flakes.
Serve immediately and enjoy your nutritious and satisfying treat!