Mixed Fruit Protein Smoothie with Berries and Pineapple

This mixed berry protein smoothie blends frozen raspberries, blackberries and blueberries with a scoop of vanilla protein powder, sweet pineapple and green grapes. It is thick, fruity and bright purple, with a creamy finish from coconut or almond milk.

It also hides a carrot and half a raw yellow squash, so you get a serving of vegetables without tasting them. Everything goes into the blender at once, and it is ready in under a minute of blending.

The Best Mixed Berry Protein Smoothie (With Hidden Veggies)

A good protein smoothie should taste like a treat, not a chore, and this one leans on fruit to do exactly that. Frozen mixed berries bring a tart, jammy flavor and a deep color. Pineapple and green grapes add juicy natural sweetness, so there is no need for any added sugar or honey.

The vanilla protein powder does double duty. It adds protein to help keep you full through the morning or after a workout, and its vanilla flavor rounds out the tart berries. Whey or a vegan protein powder both work, so the smoothie fits whatever you already keep in the pantry.

The quiet stars are the vegetables. A carrot and half a raw yellow squash blend completely smooth and disappear behind the berries. Their mild flavor and natural moisture make the smoothie creamier while adding fiber and nutrients.

Coconut milk or almond milk ties it all together. Both have great nutrients, and they make the smoothie more creamy than water or juice would. The result is a thick, frosty, fruit forward smoothie that works as a quick breakfast, a snack or a post workout drink.

Why You’ll Love This Berry Protein Smoothie

• Protein packed. A scoop of vanilla protein powder turns a fruit smoothie into a more filling breakfast or snack.
• Hidden vegetables. Carrot and yellow squash blend in completely, so even picky eaters will not notice them.
• No added sugar. Pineapple, grapes and berries supply all the sweetness.
• Thick and frosty. Two cups of frozen berries make it cold and spoonable without much ice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is what goes into this protein smoothie and why each ingredient is there. Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.

• Coconut milk or almond milk: The creamy liquid base. Either one keeps the smoothie dairy free and smoother than water would. Use the carton style milk made for drinking, not canned coconut milk, which is much thicker and richer.
• Vanilla protein powder: One scoop of vanilla whey or a vegan protein powder. Vanilla pairs well with berries and adds a little sweetness. Protein powders vary in sweetness and thickness, so you may want to adjust the milk slightly depending on your brand.
• Green grapes: Grapes are full of juice, so they add sweetness and help everything blend smoothly. Seedless grapes are easiest. Frozen grapes also work and make the smoothie even colder.
• Carrot: Use a cup of baby carrots or one medium carrot, peeled. It adds natural sweetness, color and nutrients. If your blender is not very powerful, cut the carrot into small pieces first.
• Fresh pineapple: Pineapple chunks bring a tropical sweetness and a little tang that brightens the berries. Frozen pineapple chunks are a handy swap and make the smoothie thicker.
• Yellow squash: Half of a raw yellow squash, washed, with the seeds left in. Summer squash has a very mild flavor and a high water content, so it blends into a silky texture and adds volume without changing the taste. Zucchini works the same way.
• Frozen mixed berries: A blend of raspberries, blackberries and blueberries gives the smoothie its deep purple color and tart berry flavor. Because they are frozen, they chill and thicken the smoothie at the same time. Any frozen berry mix you like will work.

How to Make a Mixed Berry Protein Smoothie

1. Start with the milk. Pour the coconut or almond milk into the blender first. Liquid on the bottom lets the blades spin freely and helps pull the frozen fruit down.
2. Add the protein powder. Spoon in the protein powder next so it mixes into the milk instead of sticking to the sides of the blender jar.
3. Layer the fruit and vegetables. Add the grapes, carrot, pineapple, yellow squash and frozen mixed berries in the order listed. The heavy frozen berries on top press everything down toward the blades.
4. Blend on high. Blend for 30 to 45 seconds, until the smoothie is completely smooth and an even purple color. You should not see any flecks of carrot or squash skin. A high speed blender like a Vitamix makes quick work of it.
5. Adjust the thickness. To make it thicker, add more frozen berries or ice 1/2 cup at a time until you reach the consistency you like. If it is too thick to blend, add a splash more milk.
6. Serve right away. Pour into glasses while it is cold and frosty. It should be thick enough to hold a spoon for a moment but still easy to sip through a straw.

Ways to Customize This Smoothie

• Change the berries. Use all blueberries, all raspberries or frozen strawberries in place of the mixed berries.
• Swap the vegetables. Zucchini can replace the yellow squash, and a handful of spinach blends in well too.
• Pick your protein. Use a vegan protein powder to keep it plant based, or whey protein if you prefer.
• Go tropical. Add extra pineapple or a little mango for a sweeter, more tropical smoothie.

Mixed Berry Protein Smoothie FAQs

• Can I taste the squash or carrot? Not really. Both have a mild flavor that hides behind the berries, pineapple and grapes. They mostly add creaminess, color and nutrients.
• Do I need to cook the yellow squash? No. The squash goes in raw, washed and with the seeds. It blends smooth in a good blender.
• What protein powder works best? A vanilla whey or vegan protein powder. Vanilla complements the berries, but an unflavored powder also works if you want a more tart, fruity smoothie.
• Can I make it without protein powder? Yes. Leave it out for a simple mixed berry smoothie, or add a spoonful of nut butter or Greek yogurt for some protein instead.
• Is this smoothie dairy free? It is dairy free when you use coconut or almond milk and a vegan protein powder. Whey protein contains dairy.
• Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen? Yes, but the smoothie will be thinner and less cold. Add a cup of ice along with the fresh berries to get the same thick, frosty texture.
• Do I need a high speed blender? A Vitamix or other high speed blender gives the smoothest result with raw carrot and squash. In a regular blender, chop the vegetables small and blend a little longer.
• Can I make it ahead? It is best fresh. If needed, cover it and keep it in the fridge for up to a day, then shake or blend again before drinking because it will separate as it sits.

Berry Protein Shake with Carrot and Squash

This berry protein shake blends frozen mixed berries, pineapple, green grapes and vanilla protein powder with a hidden carrot and raw yellow squash. It is thick, fruity and has no added sugar.

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Ingredients

  

• 1 cup coconut milk or almond milk
• 1 scoop of vanilla whey or vegan protein powder
• 1 cup green grapes
• 1 cup baby carrots or 1 medium carrot peeled
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1/2 yellow squash washed, raw with seeds
• 2 cups frozen mixed berries raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries

Instructions

 

• Add ingredients into Vitamix blender in order listed. Blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds until you reach the desired consistency.
• To make it thicker, add more frozen berries or ice 1/2 cup at a time until desired thickness.

Made this smoothie? Leave a star rating in the recipe card and tell me how it turned out in the comments below. I love hearing which berries and add ins you used.

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