12 Delicious Plant-Based Post-Workout Smoothies

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Smoothies are probably my most-liked post-workout meal. They’re easy to consume, don’t have to be that filling, taste delicious and have all the nutrients and electrolytes you need! Today, I really wanted to share some of my favorites. As usual, all of them are plant-based!

Before we dive in, I do want to say that many of them contain some form of vegan protein powder. This is optional, and I suggest you check out what works for you here. In this blog post, I already discussed which protein powders are best (in terms of amino acids and taste). I have a specific protein powder recommendation for each smoothie to get you started. Read on!

Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

I’m a big fan of anything that contains banana and peanut butter. It’s truly a classic combination that has won over the hearts of many people.

Especially in a smoothie form, I think the tastes complement each other really well with the added creaminess of the almond milk. At some spinach to get a source of iron in there and some no-taste vegan protein powder to increase the protein.

For the protein powder, I think you can add any kind, since the peanut butter has quite a strong taste. Just be certain not to add too much to the point where the protein powder becomes the main taste. This is what you need:

• 1/2 banana
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• Handful of spinach
• 1 scoop vegan protein powder
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds

Why it’s great for you:

• Protein Power: With the combination of vegan protein powder and peanut butter, this smoothie provides a substantial dose of plant-based protein essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Healthy Fats: The natural fats from peanut butter offer a source of healthy fats, crucial for joint health and overall bodily function.
• Nutrient Boost: Spinach and chia seeds add a nutrient boost, offering vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your immune system and overall health.

Tropical Turmeric Smoothie

I usually bring the tropical smoothies out when the weather starts feeling like summer. Mixing the fruits with coconut milk gives it that extra depth of flavor that can bring this smoothie to the next level.

For the protein powder, I would probably go for something like sunflower or pumpkin seeds protein powder. From what I’ve heard, those have a flavor profile that goes well together with fruity smoothies.

• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup mango chunks
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 scoop vegan protein powder
• 1 tablespoon hemp seeds

Why it’s great for you:

• Protein Power: The addition of vegan protein powder ensures you get the necessary protein for muscle repair and recovery.
• Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in reducing exercise-induced inflammation and soreness.
• Immune Support: The combination of fruits like pineapple and mango provides a dose of vitamin C and other antioxidants to support your immune system.
• Healthy Fats: Coconut milk offers healthy fats that help with nutrient absorption and provide sustained energy.

Green Goddess Smoothie

In all honesty, I struggle a little with green smoothies because I prefer to just eat my vegetables. However, I know that many people do prefer getting their greens in a smoothie form, and it’s honestly a great way to get in an incredible number of nutrients.

For this smoothie, I’ve gone with several greens that don’t have a strong taste. Mixing kale, cucumber and avocado with some almond milk is going to give you quite a creamy texture as well. For the protein powder, I would probably recommend a bit of sunflower or pumpkin seeds protein powder.

• 1/2 cup kale
• 1/4 cucumber
• 1/4 avocado
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 scoop vegan protein powder
• 1 tablespoon flax seeds

Why it’s great for you:

• Plant-Powered Protein: Vegan protein powder combined with nutrient-dense ingredients like kale and avocado offers a complete protein source for muscle maintenance and growth.
• Nutrient-Dense: Kale and cucumber provide a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health and vitality.
• Healthy Fats: Avocado adds healthy monounsaturated fats, promoting heart health and aiding in nutrient absorption.
• Digestive Health: Flax seeds are rich in fiber, promoting digestive regularity and gut health.

Berry Blast Smoothie

Back to the fruity smoothies again! This type of smoothie is my absolute favorite: I love berries. They add quite a nice sourness to any smoothie, while the banana adds a bunch of sweetness.

Throw in some spinach for some iron, almond milk for creaminess and oats for fiber, and you’re off to a great start. The recommended protein powder is once again sunflower or pumpkin seeds because their flavor profile isn’t overwhelming.

• 1/4 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1/2 banana
• Handful of spinach
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 scoop vegan protein powder
• 1 tablespoon oats

Why it’s great for you:

• Antioxidant Boost: Berries are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation post-workout.
• Energy Refuel: Bananas and oats provide a quick source of carbohydrates, replenishing glycogen stores and boosting energy levels.
• Muscle Repair: Vegan protein powder ensures you get the necessary amino acids for muscle repair and recovery.
• Fiber Fix: Spinach and oats add fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting satiety.

Chocolate Almond Delight

Many almonds, that’s how you can describe this smoothie! Cocoa powder is also such a versatile ingredient that adds a rich chocolate flavor without all the added sugar that’s in chocolate. For the protein powder, I would opt for 1/2 scoop of chocolate protein powder of any kind. This is because the cocoa masks the aftertaste that many protein powders have, so a lot will work here if you don’t add too much.

• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• Handful of spinach
• 1/2 scoop vegan protein powder

Why it’s great for you:

• Muscle Recovery: Cocoa powder contains flavonoids that may help with muscle recovery by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Heart-Healthy Fats: Almond butter provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and provide sustained energy.
• Protein Punch: Vegan protein powder offers a complete protein source necessary for muscle repair and growth.
• Iron Boost: Spinach is rich in iron, supporting oxygen transport in the body and preventing fatigue.

Vanilla Peach Dream

The special thing about this smoothie is that we’re mixing in several vanilla flavored ingredients here. If you are using vanilla almond milk, definitely also opt for a protein powder that has a vanilla taste.

This matches the flavor profile the best and will mask the aftertaste of the protein powder enough. It could be that 1 scoop of protein powder is too much still, in this case, add more almond milk or see if 1/2 scoop works better.

• 1/2 cup peaches
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
• 1 scoop vegan (vanilla) protein powder
• 1 tablespoon oats
• 1 tablespoon flax seeds

Why it’s great for you:

• Hydration Support: Peaches and coconut water offer hydration post-workout, replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes.
• Muscle Repair: Vegan protein powder provides essential amino acids for muscle repair and recovery.
• Fiber Fix: Oats and flax seeds add fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting satiety.
• Bone Health: Peaches are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin K, important for bone health and strength.

Minty Matcha Madness

Probably one of the healthiest smoothies on the list. Instead of almond milk, we’re using coconut water this time, which has several electrolytes that help you hydrate and replenish really well.

I also think it goes very well with the minty flavor of this smoothie overall. For the protein powder, I would opt for the sunflower of pumpkin seeds powder once again because other powders will be too overwhelming.

• Handful of spinach
• 1/2 banana
• Few mint leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon matcha powder
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 1 scoop vegan protein powder
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds

Why it’s great for you:

• Antioxidant Powerhouse: Matcha powder is rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
• Refreshing Flavor: Mint leaves add a refreshing flavor while also aiding in digestion and soothing the stomach.
• Plant-Based Protein: Vegan protein powder ensures you get the necessary protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Hydration Support: Coconut water provides electrolytes to replenish fluids lost during exercise, promoting hydration and recovery.

Citrus Sunrise Smoothie

This is probably one of the few smoothies on the list where I would consider keeping the protein powder out of it. It will lower the protein contents of the smoothie, yes, but I think adding it here will most likely be a bit too overwhelming in numerous instances.

I could recommend a sunflower or pumpkin seeds powder, but I doubt that really matches the flavor profile. Of course, this also depends on the person, so try it for yourself.

• 1 orange
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 1 scoop vegan protein powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Why it’s great for you:

• Vitamin C Boost: Oranges and pineapple are excellent sources of vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress.
• Electrolyte Replenishment: Coconut water provides natural electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, aiding in post-workout hydration and muscle recovery.

Cherry Chocolate Bomb

When you mix cherries and cocoa powder, you always end up with a rich and deep flavor. That’s not any different for this smoothie. The banana adds some well-needed sweetness as well. Also, chances are you won’t even taste the spinach at this point. For the protein powder, I would opt for something with a chocolaty flavor.

• 1/2 cup cherries
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 scoop vegan protein powder
• Handful of spinach

Why it’s great for you:

• Recovery Aid: Cherries contain compounds like anthocyanins and melatonin, which have been shown to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time after exercise.
• Mood Enhancer: Cocoa powder contains serotonin precursors, promoting feelings of relaxation and well-being, ideal for post-workout recovery.

Mango Coconut Smoothie

The coconut milk in this recipe is quite a nice change of pace if you’re looking for something very creamy. For this one, I took the protein powder out of the smoothie because I really don’t think there’s a smooth enough protein powder out there. All the other flavors are quite subtle, and adding something with a strong taste will mess it up. Therefore, just enjoy this one as-is!

• 1/2 cup mango
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 banana
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• Handful of spinach

Why it’s great for you:

• Electrolyte Replenishment: Coconut milk provides essential electrolytes like potassium and sodium, helping replenish what’s lost through sweat during exercise.
• Digestive Support: Chia seeds offer a dose of fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in post-workout nutrient absorption.

Blueberry Avocado Bliss

In my opinion, avocado and almond milk complement each other really well and make smoothies extra creamy. Adding blueberries in the mix (sour) and banana (sweet) finishes this up really nice. For the protein powder, I would probably go for a sunflower or pumpkin seed powder. Since there’s already flax seeds in here, that’s most likely to taste the best.

• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/4 avocado
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 scoop vegan protein powder
• 1 tablespoon flax seeds

Why it’s great for you:

• Heart-Healthy Fats: Avocado contributes monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to heart health and improved cholesterol levels.
• Brain-Boosting Benefits: Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which support brain function and cognitive health, crucial for active adults over 50.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

If you’re the person that like the taste of fall, then this final smoothie is for you! There are a bunch of flavors in here that complement each other really well. Especially the cinnamon and the pumpkin are strong tastes. For the protein powder, either go with pumpkin seed powder or another protein powder with a vanilla taste (that will also do well here).

• 1/4 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 scoop vegan protein powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons oats

Why it’s great for you:

• Fiber-Rich Fuel: Oats and pumpkin purée provide a hearty dose of fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in post-workout satiety.
• Immune Support: Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, essential for immune function and overall health, especially during colder months.

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