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Smoothies are a quick and easy breakfast that is perfect no matter the season. Swap out your go-to smoothie for this fall-inspired pumpkin smoothie that’s packed with filling protein.
Fall has arrived and pumpkin spiced foods are everywhere and I’m here for it! As a self-proclaimed pumpkin lover, I look forward to leaning into all the fall flavors as the season changes – and that includes my morning smoothie. This high protein pumpkin smoothie made with canned pumpkin, cinnamon, and protein powder is a go-to all season long.
What’s more, this smoothie is a great way to use up leftover pumpkin from other recipes since so many call for less than a full can.
Not to mention, pumpkin is a nutrient-dense veggie that offers plenty of health benefits. For example, it’s rich in vitamins A and C, both of which are important for keeping your immune system running in tip top shape (a must for cold and flu season).
I enjoy a smoothie almost every day! Check out even more of my great healthy smoothie recipes designed for weight loss!
Why You’ll Love It
- Texture: this makes for an extra thick smoothie (my favorite!), which means you can either sip or use a spoon to eat this one. Topping it with a bit of granola is the way to go.
- High Protein: for a smoothie that will actually fill you up and provide the protein you need post-workout, this smoothie has a scoop of protein powder and Greek yogurt added. (Cottage cheese also works well in place of the yogurt.)
- Customizable: use this recipe as a starting point and feel free to make the smoothie your own! See below for some of our favorite add-ins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Use these simple and fresh ingredients packed with nutritional value to make this delicious high protein pumpkin spice smoothie recipe. Be sure to check out the recipe card for the exact amounts of each ingredient you’ll need.
- Ice cubes: adding a handful of ice cubes gives this smoothie an extra thick consistency. If that’s not your thing, you can skip them.
- Frozen Banana: using frozen banana makes a thicker smoothie but you can use fresh banana too.
- Greek Yogurt: use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt for this smoothie. You can also substitute with the same amount of cottage cheese. Either one adds creaminess and boosts the protein in the finished smoothie. Check out even more protein-packed cottage cheese recipes you’ll enjoy!
- Sweetener: add a little sweetness with a sugar free sweetener like monk fruit or Stevia.
- Protein Powder: Use your favorite brand of vanilla protein powder for this smoothie. I typically reach for a vanilla whey one. See all of my favorite protein powders with reviews!
- Pumpkin: you’ll want to use canned or homemade pumpkin that is unsweetened.
- Cinnamon: the perfect spice to complement the pumpkin – it’s also a good source of antioxidants too. You can also substitute it with pumpkin spice if you’ve got it.
- Almond milk: add a splash of milk to help blend this smoothie together. I like to use homemade almond milk (I use the Almond Cow machine and it takes less than a few minutes!), but you can swap with your milk of choice.
Variations
There are a variety of ways that you can swap ingredients for this smoothie to make it your own. Here are a few of our favorite additions:
- Almond butter: adds delicious flavor that complements the pumpkin while providing heart healthy fats.
- Seeds: ground flaxseeds and chia seeds are great additions to smoothies like this one since you’ll boost the filling fiber and get in some plant-based omega 3 fatty acids.
- Add superfoods: you can up the antioxidant power of this smoothie by adding some fresh ginger root or turmeric powder to the blender before pureeing.
- Make it vegan or dairy free: use a dairy free yogurt and a plant-based protein powder to make a vegan version of this recipe.
How to Make a Pumpkin Smoothie
This healthy pumpkin smoothie recipe is simple to put together in a few steps.
Blend: Add all the ingredients to a high-powered blender and process until completely blended. Adjust the consistency by adding more ice if it’s too thin or adding an extra splash of milk if it’s too thick.
Serve: Pour this healthy smoothie into glasses and enjoy.
Storage
This smoothie is best enjoyed right after blending. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in a lidded jar or other airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
You can also freeze this smoothie in an ice cube tray and then transfer the smoothie ice cubes to a freezer bag. Frozen smoothie cubes can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Healthy Pumpkin Smoothie
Ingredients
- Ice cubes
- ½ frozen banana
- ½ cup Greek yogurt, or sub cottage cheese
- 1 packet monk fruit, or Stevia
- 1 scoop of protein powder, such as vanilla whey
- 1/3 cup of pumpkin purée
- 1 dash ground cinnamon, to taste
- ⅓ cup plain, unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- Add all of your ingredients to a blender cup and puree until smooth.
