If there’s one smoothie recipe that’s stood the test of time in my kitchen, it’s this one. I first shared it after realizing we needed a banana-free option that still hit all the creamy, fruity marks—and this Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie delivers every single time. I’ve been making it for years now, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Why this smoothie is on repeat in my kitchen
I didn’t create this one to jump on a trend. I first shared it in 2020 because one of my kids despises bananas (drama), and I was determined to come up with a creamy, delicious smoothie that didn’t taste like frozen strawberry soup. Spoiler alert: we nailed it. (My middle kid on the other hand loves a blueberry banana smoothie – always in the business of making my life extra-complicated, hahaha).
This is the strawberry smoothie I keep coming back to, because:
- It’s thick, creamy, and perfectly pink – no bananas needed, just frozen strawberries, yogurt, and milk.
- It’s endlessly adaptable – whether I’ve got almond milk, Greek yogurt, or no sweetener at all, this smoothie still works.
- It’s real-life friendly – I’m talking five minutes, one blender, no weird ingredients. And it’s snack-approved by all three of my kids, which is no small feat.
One quick tip before you hit blend: load your blender in the right order. Always go liquids first, then soft stuff (like yogurt or fresh fruit), and finally the frozen bits on top. It makes all the difference in getting a smooth blend without stopping to poke at things every 5 seconds. Ask me how I know…
The serving sitch isn’t rocket science—glass, straw, done. 😂 BUT it also plays surprisingly well at a casual weekend brunch. Think pancakes or waffles (or French toast, while we’re at it), eggs, and one of these on the side for color. Or pour it into tiny mason jars with paper straws for a fairy-themed birthday and call it “magic berry potion.” I’ve done it. It was adorable.
The seriously simple ingredient situation we are facing here
This smoothie keeps it simple: frozen strawberries bring the frosty, fruity vibes. Vanilla yogurt makes it creamy (I like Greek, but anything goes). A splash of milk to blend, a little maple syrup if the berries aren’t sweet enough—and that’s it. Nothing fancy, nothing weird. Just a classic strawberry smoothie that actually tastes like strawberries.
Printable recipe
Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ cup milk (or more to taste (any kind works – skim, 2%, whole, almond))
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt (I used Greek vanilla, but regular works, too (plain is also fine!))
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (OR honey OR white sugar)
- 1 (10-12oz) package frozen strawberries (can also use fresh hulled, but then add 4-6 ice cubes as well)
Instructions
- Place everything in a high-power blender in order given and blend until smooth.½ cup milk, 1 cup vanilla yogurt, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 (10-12oz) package frozen strawberries
- Serve immediately, or chill in the fridge for up to 2 hours.
Video
Real talk: Strawberry Smoothie FAQs
Why is my blender struggling with this smoothie?
Because blender loading matters! Always start with liquids first (milk, yogurt), then your soft stuff (like bananas or fresh fruit), and frozen ingredients or ice go on top. It helps the blades catch and blend everything without doing that annoying stop-blend-stir-repeat cycle. Trust me—this tip alone will level up all your smoothies.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Totally! Just know you’ll need to toss in a few ice cubes (4–6) to get that thick, cold smoothie vibe. Also—please rinse and hull them first. We’re not animals.
What kind of yogurt should I use?
Greek yogurt makes it rich and creamy with a little tang (my fave), but regular works too. Vanilla adds flavor, plain is fine if you’re sweetening things up anyway, and strawberry yogurt is obviously a win if you want to go full berry.
Do I have to add sweetener?
Nope. If your strawberries are ripe and lovely, skip it. If they’re a little meh, a spoonful of maple syrup or honey will save the day. Taste and trust your instincts.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yep! Use dairy-free yogurt and plant milk (almond or oat are both great). It’s still creamy, still tasty, and you can keep your stomach happy if dairy isn’t your jam.
What’s the best milk to use?
Whatever you’ve got. Whole milk = creamy. Almond milk = subtle and light. Vanilla almond milk? Chef’s kiss. Just don’t overthink it.
My blender hates frozen fruit—what now?
Let your berries sit out for 5–10 minutes before blending, or give them a quick rinse under warm-ish water. And always add the liquids to the blender first—milk, then yogurt, then the berries. Help your blender help you.
Can I throw in extras?
Oh you bet. Sometimes I’ll add a scoop of protein powder or a handful of spinach (the strawberries cover the flavor, promise). I’ve also been known to sneak in a little cocoa powder when I’m in a chocolate-covered-strawberry kind of mood.
How long does it last?
This smoothie is best fresh and frosty, but you can stash it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. After that, it starts to separate and lose its magic. Give it a stir or a quick re-blend if needed.
✨ TL;DR — Why this smoothie rocks (WHO says slaps, honestly! the worst expression ever!)
- No banana drama: Just strawberries, yogurt, milk, and a touch of sweetness if needed. Creamy, fruity perfection—no banana flavor hijacking the vibe.
- Blender loading = key: Start with liquids, then yogurt or fresh fruit, then frozen stuff on top. Your blender (and your patience) will thank you.
- Fast, flexible, fab: Make it dairy-free, sweet or not, thick or sippable—this smoothie is low-drama and high-reward.
💬 Made it? Loved it?
Tell me everything—did your picky kid actually drink it? Did you sneak spinach in and feel like a health goddess? Leave a star rating and a comment below so I know this recipe found its forever home!
Oh, and if this smoothie saved your morning (or made you feel like the cool mom for five whole minutes), hit that Pin button before it gets buried in your browser history. Smoothie love deserves a spotlight. 💗
More smoothie recipes
For more smoothie making tips, see my post on the 101 of fruit smoothies here!
Beverly says
My family loved this!
Nora says
Happy to hear it, Beverly!
Shipra Raje says
thanks for the recipe
it was yummy
Lynn says
Perfect smoothie! My 88 year old dad is recovering from surgery and it’s one of the few things he LOVES eating/drinkibg!
Heather Marshburn says
Supper yummy! Made as directed with maple syrup and my teenager loved it. Oh, I did add a small banana that was on its last legs. Great, simple, easy recipe that I’ll make again!
Danielle H says
I made an half recipe for myself.
I made strawberry puree and strained the seeds the other day – 6oz was perfect! I swapped milk with goat milk and used honey.
Also, it was so good I drank it in 5 minutes. Will try adding protein powder since I’ve recently cut out all meat except fish.
I can see using this recipe for ANY kind of fruit, blueberries, peaches, mango.
Sorry if there’s 3 comments, I tried to edit 🤣
Danielle H says
Also, it was so good I drank it in 5 minutes. Will try adding protein powder since I’ve recently cut out all meat except fish.
I can see using this recipe for ANY kind of fruit, blueberries, peaches, mango.
Danielle H says
I did a half recipe for myself. The other day I made fresh strawberry puree and strained the seeds. I used 6oz puree which was perfect and swapped milk with goat milk. I did use honey. Great recipe! Thanks for sharing
Shea says
Kids loved it; easy to make, and will become a regular in our household!
Shanice says
Super easy to make and it was delicious and I also have all the ingredients we’ll definitely make this again.
Maha M says
Great recipe! I’m a big fan of strawberry but this is divine!
Janice says
Made the smoothie with fresh strawberries, silk milk, yogurt and a squirt of whipped cream delicious
Nora says
Glad you liked the smoothie, Janice!
Charlene says
Made this yesterday. It was strawberry with yoghurt, orange juice, cranberry light juice and it was AWESOME. I did use cut frozen strawberries so no water..you are awesome for sharing great recipe.
Cynthia Taylor says
Great smoothie.Thanks for sharing
Kim Smith says
I made this recipe twice, once yesterday, & once today. So good. Yesterday, I used maple syrup. Today, I used honey. As much as I like it both ways, I think that I prefer the honey in this. I had fresh strawberries on hand, so I added ice cubes. I tried using 5, but it didn’t make it frothy enough. It was perfect with 6 ice cubes. Thanks for the yummy recipe!
Nora says
I’m so glad, Kim!
Shelley says
Really good, but not sweet enough for me, so I added 3 teaspoons honey and 1 teaspoon almond extract. YUM
Nora says
I’m glad you found a way to alter the recipe to suit your taste more, Shelley! Sounds great with the almond extract.
kaycie says
OMG soooo delicious. I’ve made it two days in a row now and it just keeps getting better ??. Thank you for the recipe!
Deb Fleming says
Hi Nora,
We tried this today and it was delicious!! The kiddos loved it too!
Thanks for sharing!
Deb
Nora Rusev says
I’m so glad!
Jenn says
Just made this yesterday but added bananas , loved it and my protein powder and my lactose free milk.. this will be a nightly routine around here since it’s in the 80-90’s and you can’t really leave to go anywhere.. feels like summer just needs one of those cool little umbrella things in it and it would be perfect .. Thanks Nora