Thick, creamy and packed with strawberries, this strawberry smoothie bowl doesn't require bananas. Made with some hidden veggies and packed with 18 grams of protein it's like having a frozen dessert for breakfast or a snack. I'll show you exactly how to make a strawberry smoothie bowl that is well blended and perfect for lots of toppings.
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In the winter months, I'm here for a warm bowl of oatmeal for breakfast (chocolate or cranberry are my go-tos).
But in the summer, give me all the smoothies and smoothie bowls!
While I switch up the flavors (blueberry and mango are also on repeat), you can't beat a classic strawberry smoothie bowl. I come back to this recipe time and again and you will to because it's:
- Thick and Creamy: Everything you want from a smoothie bowl, this delivers! It is ultra creamy thanks to the Greek yogurt (no shaved ice here!) and is thick enough to hold up to all of your favorite toppings (they really are the best part).
- High Protein: Packed with 18 grams of protein, this bowl will help keep you fueled and satisfied.
- Sneaky Vegetables: My secret ingredient in this recipe is frozen cauliflower- you can't taste it but it makes it extra thick and adds a serving of veggies.
- Naturally Sweetened (but No Banana): These are naturally sweetened with dates rather than banana so that the strawberry flavor really shines through and isn't overpowered.
- Like Eating a Frozen Treat: This strawberry bowl resembles the taste and texture of frozen yogurt (or dare I say, ice cream) for breakfast.
The Ingredients
- Frozen Strawberries- It is important to use frozen strawberries as they add to the texture and thickness of the smoothie bowl. If you would like to use fresh, you will need to de-stem them and then place them in the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours before using them to make the bowl.
- Greek Yogurt- I like to use Greek yogurt in this recipe as it makes it super creamy and adds protein. If you'd prefer, you can replace it with skyr, plant-based yogurt or another suitable substitute but keep in mind that different options have different protein contents if that is important to you. If you choose to substitute with something thinner (like regular yogurt) omit the liquid from the recipe and add it only if needed.
- Medjool Dates- For sweetness. I find that one pitted Medjool date adds just enough sweetness to this smoothie bowl but you can add more or less (or use 2-3 regular dates). You can also sweeten with honey or maple syrup instead.
- Milk or Water- Do not add more than you need! Either milk (of choice- any type will work) or water will work for thinning. Milk makes it slightly creamier but since we use so little in the recipe, I find that it doesn't make much of an impact on the end result.
- Frozen Cauliflower (Optional)- My secret ingredient. Frozen cauliflower is a great stand in for ice as you can't taste it but it adds veggies to the recipe and helps to thicken the bowl. If you'd prefer, you can simply leave it out. If your bowl doesn't seem thick enough, add up to ½ cup of ice.
The Method
1. Blend base. Add the yogurt, date, 2 tablespoons of milk or water and cauliflower to the base of a blender and blend on high until smooth.
2. Add strawberries. Add the strawberries and blend on low for 1 minute. Stop and scrape down the edges of the blender. Then continue blending, gradually increasing the speed, for 1-3 additional minutes, stopping every 30-60 seconds to scrape down the edges and add more liquid if needed (1 tablespoon at a time) until smooth.
3. Top. Pour into a bowl.
Top with your desired toppings (they're the best part!). I have plenty of suggestions below.
4. Enjoy!
Leftovers and Storage
To Store: Place leftover smoothie bowl in serving size containers with a lid, leaving ~1 inch of room at the top so that it doesn't overflow. Place in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
To Eat From Frozen: When ready to eat, place the container at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to allow it to thaw slightly. Top and enjoy!
Make it Your Own
- Increase the Protein- Add up to 2 tablespoons of your protein powder of choice (I often add 1 tablespoon each of pea protein and brown rice protein). You may need to add a bit of extra milk or water to achieve the right consistency.
- Add Fiber- You can add 1-2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed.
- Banana Strawberry- Replace the cauliflower and date with ½ cup of frozen sliced banana.
- Mixed Berry- Replace a portion of the strawberries with another berry or combination of berries such as blueberries, raspberries or blackberries.
Smoothie Bowl Toppings
- Granola or Cereal: Such as Honey Cinnamon Granola, Maple Granola or Chocolate Granola (chocolate + strawberry = perfection!).
- Fruit: Sliced banana or kiwi, fresh berries or even dried fruits are all great options.
- Seeds: Chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Nuts: Use roasted and chopped for extra flavor. Almonds, peanuts, cashews, pecans or walnuts are all tasty.
- Nut Butter: Add a drizzle of peanut butter, almond butter, macadamia nut butter or use pepita butter for a nut free option.
- Chocolate: Add cacao nibs, chocolate chips or chocolate shavings for extra decadence.
- And More: Try topping with coconut flakes, bee pollen, a drizzle of maple syrup and whatever else you'd like.
Yes you can but you will need to freeze them first. Simply de-stem the strawberries and then place them in the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours. Then you can proceed with the recipe.
Yes. Portion it into serving sized freezer-safe containers leaving about 1 inch of room at the top in case it expands (and for adding toppings when serving!). When ready to eat, place on the countertop for 20-30 minutes to thaw a bit. Top and enjoy!
Key Tips for the Best Strawberry Smoothie Bowl
- Use Frozen Berries: Using frozen strawberries is key for the thick texture of the smoothie bowl. Using fresh will still taste good but may not turn out thick enough to stand up to the toppings.
- Blend the Base First: Start by blending the yogurt, date and cauliflower first. This way those flavors will be smooth and evenly distributed throughout the smoothie bowl.
- Scrape Down the Edges: Pause blending occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula to ensure a well-mixed and smooth texture.
- Add Lots of Toppings: The best part about smoothie bowls is the toppings so feel free to get creative!
And if you liked this recipe...
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Recipe Card
Strawberry Smoothie Bowl (No Banana)
Equipment
- High Powered Blender
Ingredients
- 1 and ½ cups frozen strawberries
- 1 Medjool date
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup frozen cauliflower
- 2-4 tablespoon milk or water
Instructions
- Add the yogurt, cauliflower, 2 tablespoon milk or water and date to the base of a high-powered blender. Blend on high until smooth.
- Add the strawberries and blend on low for 1 minute. Stop and scrape down the edges and then blend, gradually increasing the speed, for 1-3 additional minutes until smooth. Stop to scrape down the edges every 30-60 seconds and add liquid (1 tablespoon at a time) as needed.
- Pour into a bowl and top as desired.
- Enjoy!
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