Learn How to Make the Base Recipe
This is one of the base recipes as seen in our Whole Life Meal Plan. A Greek yogurt smoothie is a great way to start your morning, fuel a workout, or satisfy a craving for something cold, creamy, and sweet!
Must-Know Cooking Skill
For recipe success, learn how to:
Can You Add Greek Yogurt to a Smoothie?
Yes! Greek yogurt is one of our favorite ways to make a smoothie creamy, satisfying, and naturally high in protein. It blends smoothly, adds a delicious tangy flavor, and pairs well with almost any fruit.
Our Base Recipe includes the right balance of Greek yogurt, fruit, and liquid to create a creamy smoothie while adding protein without overpowering the fruit.
Not sure how much Greek yogurt to use? Our Base Recipe uses ½ cup of Greek yogurt for 2 smoothies, giving you an easy starting point. From there, you can adjust the yogurt or liquid depending on how thick and creamy you like your smoothie.
Whether you’re making breakfast, a snack, or simply looking for a creamy smoothie, Greek yogurt is an easy way to add protein and texture. Simply blend it with fruit and your favorite liquid to create a smoothie that’s just right for your taste.
Culinary Tips for the Best Yogurt Smoothie
If you want to make smoothies for breakfast and are usually crunched for time in the mornings, place all of the non-frozen ingredients in your blender’s jar and place it in the fridge the night before. Add the frozen ingredients in the morning and blend!
Choose a creamy fruit to yield a creamy smoothie (bananas, avocados, mangos, etc.).
If adding instant coffee powder, use bananas as the fruit for best flavor, and don’t use juice as the base.
If adding citrus, use 100% juice as the liquid base.
Smoothie is too thick after blending? Add more liquid. If it is too thin, add more fruit or ice. Note that the optional oats, seeds, and nut butter will all thicken the smoothie.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Liquid: use milk, a dairy alternative, 100% fruit juice, coconut milk, or even water. Learn about plant-based milk vs cow’s milk in this article.
- Yogurt: substitute any plain or dairy-free variety. Or substitute kefir as seen in our Kefir Smoothie Base Recipe.
- Fresh Fruit: use any fruit of your choosing. Use creamy fruits to yield creamy smoothies. Think bananas, avocados, mangos, etc.
- Frozen Fruit: use any fruit of your choosing. Choose options without added sugars.
- Leafy Greens: use spinach or kale. If you are unsure about the flavor of greens in your smoothies, start with spinach. Spinach has a milder flavor than heartier greens like kale. Do not use arugula or mustard greens.
- Oats: use old-fashioned or quick oats. Do not use steel cut oats, as these need to be cooked.
- Citrus Juice: use lemon, lime, or orange juice.
- Seeds: use chia, hemp, or ground flaxseeds.
- Nut Butter: use almond, peanut, walnut, sunflower, soy nut, or any other variety of your choosing. Choose natural varieties (just nuts and salt) for optimal nutrition.
- Flavor Extracts: use vanilla, almond, coconut, or lemon. Start with 1/4 teaspoon, then adjust to taste.
- Spices: use sweet spices such as allspice, apple spice, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice.
We love buying our spices from The Spice House. Click on the picture below to view & try out hundreds of flavorful spices and herbs!
Base Recipe Variations
Remember that this is a base recipe, so the goal is for you to customize it to your taste!
Want to turn this into greek yogurt smoothie popsicles? Leave out the milk and ice and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for 2-3 hours or until solid. Enjoy!
Need some greek yogurt smoothie recipe inspiration?
Try out these tasty and satisfying variations!
Which Blender is Best for Smoothies?
Any blender will work! While a Vitamix probably makes the creamiest smoothies, any full-size blender, single-serve blender, immersion blender, or even a food processor will do the job.
Are Greek Yogurt Smoothies Healthy?
While eating whole fruit is normally best, a smoothie can be a great way to get lots of fruits and/or vegetables in one easy serving. The featured ingredients in this smoothie recipe are fruit, Greek yogurt, and leafy greens!
Fresh & Frozen Fruit
Both fresh and frozen fruit is healthy. Fruit contains fiber, water, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. All of these nutrients help your body fight, prevent, and manage diseases. Aim to include a variety of colors throughout the week.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a great source of B vitamins, calcium, and probiotics.
Why Add Greek Yogurt to a Smoothie?
Greek yogurt offers more than just protein. Here’s why we love using it in smoothies.
| Benefit | Why You’ll Love It |
|---|---|
| High in protein | Helps create a satisfying smoothie that keeps you full longer. |
| Creamy texture | Makes smoothies thick and smooth without ice cream or frozen yogurt. |
| Tangy flavor | Balances the natural sweetness of fruit. |
| Versatile | Pairs well with berries, tropical fruit, citrus, peaches, and more. |
| Naturally nutritious | Adds calcium and other important nutrients along with protein. |
Greek Yogurt Comparison Table
There’s no one “best” Greek yogurt. The right choice depends on the flavor, texture, and nutrition you’re looking for.
| Greek Yogurt | Protein (¾ cup*) | Texture | Why You’ll Love It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Nonfat | 16–18 g | Thick & creamy | A high-protein option with a light, tangy flavor. |
| Plain Low-Fat | 15–17 g | Thick & creamy | A nice balance of creaminess and protein. |
| Plain Whole Milk | 14–16 g | Rich & creamy | Creates a rich, creamy smoothie. |
| Vanilla Greek Yogurt | Varies | Creamy | Convenient if you prefer a sweeter smoothie, but compare labels for added sugars. |
Protein amounts are approximate and can vary by brand. Check the Nutrition Facts label for the yogurt you use.
Good to Know
Greek yogurt naturally contains lactose, the naturally occurring sugar found in milk. Many flavored yogurts also contain added sugars. Choosing plain Greek yogurt lets you control the sweetness by blending in naturally sweet fruits like bananas, berries, peaches, or mango.
Our Favorite Picks
There isn’t one perfect Greek yogurt. We each have our own favorite depending on the smoothie we’re making.
Lindsey:
“I usually choose plain low-fat Greek yogurt because it’s creamy, blends beautifully, and lets the fruit flavors shine. It has just the right balance of creaminess and protein for an everyday smoothie.”
Vahista:
“I love plain whole-milk Greek yogurt when I want an extra creamy, rich smoothie. It’s especially delicious with berries, peaches, and tropical fruits.”
To Taste Tip
We almost always buy plain Greek yogurt and let the fruit provide most of the sweetness instead of choosing flavored yogurt.
How to Choose the Right Greek Yogurt for Your Smoothie
Almost any plain Greek yogurt will work in this recipe. The best choice depends on your personal preferences and nutrition goals.
- Want a lighter option that’s still high in protein? Choose plain nonfat Greek yogurt.
- Looking for a balance of creaminess and protein? Plain low-fat Greek yogurt is a great option.
- Prefer a richer, creamier smoothie? Reach for plain whole-milk Greek yogurt.
- Want a sweeter smoothie? Plain Greek yogurt lets you naturally sweeten your smoothie with fruit, while flavored yogurts often contain added sugars.
To Taste Tip
The best Greek yogurt is the one you’ll enjoy eating and keep stocked in your refrigerator. Our Base Recipe works with a variety of yogurt options, making it easy to customize your smoothie to fit your tastes and nutrition needs.
Customize Your Smoothie
One of the best things about this Base Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re looking for more protein, extra fiber, or a creamier smoothie, a few simple additions can help you create your favorite combination.
| If you want… | Try adding… |
|---|---|
| More protein | Cottage cheese (look for “no salt added” or your smoothie will taste salty) |
| More fiber | Oats, chia seeds, flaxseed |
| More creaminess | Frozen banana, avocado |
| Natural sweetness | Ripe banana, frozen mango, dates |
| Healthy fats | Nut butter, chia seeds |
Don’t Have Greek Yogurt? Try These Smoothie Substitutes
No problem! You can also make a delicious smoothie with:
- Cottage cheese (“no salt added”)
- Kefir
- Dairy-free yogurt
Each option creates a slightly different flavor, texture, and nutrition profile, so have fun experimenting to find your favorite.
To Taste Tip
There isn’t one perfect smoothie—just the one that’s perfect for you. Start with this Base Recipe, make a few simple swaps, and have fun finding your favorite combination.
Leafy Greens
Leafy green veggies are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that promote health and help fight diseases. Blending spinach into a greek yogurt smoothie is an easy way to help promote your health.
Learn more about the health benefits of yogurt, fruits, vegetables, and other foods in our book!
Serving Suggestions
Greek yogurt smoothies can be a meal on their own or can be an accompaniment to a healthy breakfast! Pair with our overnight oats, energy bites, whole wheat muffins, or granola for a satisfying meal.
Learn how to build a healthy plate the Whole Life Plate way!
Will Smoothies Keep in the Fridge?
Keep leftovers in the fridge and enjoy the next day. They can hold for longer than a day in the fridge but often will start to separate. Simply shake before drinking, and voila! Delicious, nutritious smoothie goodness!
Looking for More Smoothie Inspiration?
Once you’ve mastered this Base Recipe, try another smoothie variation! Explore our Non-Dairy Smoothie Base Recipe, Kefir Smoothie Base Recipe, or browse our collection of healthy smoothie recipes.
Learning a simple Base Recipe makes it easy to mix and match ingredients, reduce food waste, and create endless smoothie combinations with what you already have on hand.
Want more delicious breakfast recipes?
Try out these favorite base recipes, and as always, adjust to YOUR taste!
Dairy Free Smoothies Base Recipe
Baked Oatmeal Cups Base Recipe
Whole Grain Pancakes Base Recipe
Read Also: Greek Yogurt Protein Smoothie Recipe
Greek Yogurt Smoothie Base Recipe
Ingredients
Base Recipe
- ½ cup liquid (milk/milk alternative, 100% juice, etc.)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh fruit or fruit/vegetable puree
- 1 cup frozen fruit
Additions to YOUR taste
- 1 cup lightly packed leafy greens
- ¼ cup old fashioned or quick oats
- 2 Tablespoons citrus juice
- 1 Tablespoon chia, hemp, or ground flaxseeds
- 1 Tablespoon nut butter
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
- ¼-½ teaspoon flavor extract
- ¼ teaspoon spices
- 6-8 ice cubes
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and puree. If using oats and your blender isn't the strongest, consider blending them first before adding the other ingredients. Enjoy!
