Smoothie King Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe

Smoothie King has earned a solid name for creating drinks that support fitness and wellness goals. Their Strawberry Banana Smoothie is one of the most popular choices people order, and for good reason. I buy this smoothie regularly, and over time, those costs add up quickly.

That’s why I started making a copycat version at home. This homemade Smoothie King Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe gives you the same delicious taste, full control over what goes in, and costs way less per drink.

The smoothie packs post-workout recovery benefits with natural ingredients that help your body refuel after exercise.

You’ll get the same Smoothie King taste, know exactly what you’re drinking, and save money on your favorite recovery drink. It’s a simple, refreshing option that fits perfectly into an active, health-focused lifestyle.

What Is the Smoothie King Activator Recovery Strawberry Banana?

The Activator Recovery Strawberry Banana is part of Smoothie King’s recovery-focused lineup added in early 2022. It is sold at Smoothie King locations and ordered through the app, drive-thru, or in-store. This smoothie differs from regular strawberry banana blends by using whole fruits, organic veggies, and no added sugars.

The recipe focuses on clean fuel instead of dessert-style sweetness. Many people drink it after workouts or use it as a light meal replacement during busy days.

The balanced mix of fruit and protein helps refill energy stores and supports muscle recovery. Its smooth texture and mild sweetness also make it easy to drink right after training sessions or long, active days.

Smoothie King Strawberry Banana Smoothie Ingredients

• Frozen Strawberries – 130 grams (about 1 cup) : Fresh frozen strawberries provide natural sweetness, bright color, and antioxidants. They are the main flavor in this smoothie. Substitute with fresh strawberries, but add ice cubes for thickness.
• Frozen Banana – 70 grams (about 1 medium banana, sliced and frozen) : Banana adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture. Freezing it helps make the smoothie thick and cold. Use a fresh banana and extra ice if frozen is not available.
• Gladiator® Protein Powder (Vanilla) – 1 scoop (about 25–30 grams): This vanilla protein powder blends smoothly and supports muscle recovery. Substitute with vanilla whey protein, vanilla plant-based protein, vanilla cream protein, or Whey Banana Cream Protein Powders. (In this recipe, I’m using Whey Banana Cream Protein Powder for extra flavor, but Gladiator® Protein Powder (Vanilla) is still the best choice.)
• Coconut Water – 100 milliliters (about 3.4 fluid ounces or ⅓ cup) : Coconut water adds light hydration and electrolytes without overpowering the fruit flavors. Replace with water, almond milk, or coconut milk if needed.
• Optional Add-Ons – Honey (½ tablespoon), Greek yogurt (¼ cup), or ice cubes (½ cup) : These extras boost sweetness, creaminess, or thickness based on personal taste.

Equipment Needed to Make This Smoothie

1. High-Powered Blender – Essential for smooth, creamy results
2. Measuring Cup – For accurate liquid amounts
3. Measuring Spoons – To measure protein powder precisely
4. Drinking Glass or Bowl – For serving the smoothie
5. Spoon or Straw – For consuming thick smoothie

How to Make Smoothie King Strawberry Banana Smoothie (The Activator Recovery Strawberry Banana) at Home

Step 1 | Add Frozen Fruit to Your Blender

Pour 130 grams of frozen strawberries into your blender. Add 70 grams of frozen banana slices. The frozen fruit gives the smoothie its thick, creamy texture and keeps it cold.

Step 2 | Add Protein Powder and Coconut Water

Add one serving of Gladiator® Vanilla Protein or Whey Banana Cream Protein Powder (about 25–30 grams) to the blender. Pour in 100 milliliters of coconut water to help everything blend smoothly.

Step 3 | Blend Until Smooth

Start blending on low speed, then increase to high. Blend for 60–90 seconds until the smoothie is smooth and creamy. Stop and stir if needed, then blend again.

Step 4 | Pour and Serve

Pour the homemade Smoothie King Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe into a glass or bowl right away. Serve immediately while it’s cold, thick, and fresh.

Expert Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Add Liquid Slowly: Start with 100 milliliters of coconut water and only add more if needed. Too much liquid can make the smoothie thin instead of thick and creamy.
• Avoid Room-Temperature Ingredients: Always use fully frozen fruit and cold coconut water. Warm or thawed ingredients can make the smoothie watery and less refreshing.
• Don’t Prep Hours Ahead: Blend this smoothie right before drinking. Letting it sit can cause separation and ruin the smooth, creamy texture.
• Adjust Thickness: For a thinner smoothie, add more liquid, 1 tablespoon at a time. Blend after each addition.

Customize This Recipe for Specific Diets

1. Vegan and Dairy-Free Option – Replace Gladiator® Protein with pea protein or hemp protein powder. Use coconut water or plant-based milk only. All ingredients become naturally vegan and dairy-free.

2. Low-Sugar Alternative – Use unsweetened frozen strawberries and skip honey. The natural banana sweetness provides enough sugar for most people’s preferences.

3. Keto Modification – Reduce banana to ½ serving (35 grams). Add 2 tablespoons almond butter for healthy fats. Coconut water works perfectly as the liquid base.

4. Dairy-Free Boost – Replace any Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt. Use plant-based protein powder. Coconut water remains your hydration source throughout.

5. High-Protein Increase – Add 1.5 scoops protein powder instead of one scoop. Use Greek yogurt (¼ cup) for extra protein. This doubles your protein content for serious muscle recovery.

What to Serve with Smoothie King Strawberry Banana Smoothie

This smoothie pairs well with light, balanced foods that support energy and recovery. You can enjoy it with a whole-grain toast topped with nut butter for added healthy fats.

A boiled egg or egg-white bites add extra protein without heaviness.

For breakfast, pairing this smoothie with oatmeal creates a filling start to your day.

After workouts, you can drink it alone or with a small protein snack bar. The smooth texture also works well as a quick meal.

You can sip it slowly or pour it into a bowl and add simple toppings like sliced fruit for variety.

Storage, Meal Prep, and Make-Ahead Tips

Drink your smoothie right away for the best quality. If you need to save it, put it in the fridge with a lid.

1. How Long It Lasts: It will stay good in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The color might darken a bit, but it is safe to drink.

2. Freezer Option: You can freeze this smoothie. Pour it into an ice cube tray. Once frozen, put the cubes in a bag. Blend the frozen cubes later for a quick drink.

3. Best Practices: To keep it fresh, store it in a sealed jar. Give it a good shake before you drink it, as it may separate.

Smoothie King Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe FAQs

1. I don’t like protein powder. Can I skip it?

You can leave it out. The smoothie will still taste good from the fruit. But, it won’t be a true “Activator Recovery” copycat. The protein is key for making it filling and helping with muscle recovery after a workout.

2. Why is my smoothie too thick?

This happens if you use too much frozen fruit or not enough liquid. The fix is simple. Just add more of your liquid, one tablespoon at a time. Blend after each addition until it reaches the thickness you like.

3. Can I make this smoothie into a bowl?

Absolutely! To make a smoothie bowl, use less liquid. Start with just 1/4 cup of coconut water. Blend until it is very thick, like soft-serve ice cream. Pour it into a bowl and add toppings like granola, sliced fruit, or a drizzle of nut butter.

4. How can I make this smoothie sweeter?

The ripe banana should make it sweet enough. If you want it sweeter, add a tiny bit of honey, maple syrup, or a pitted date before blending. Start with a teaspoon of sweetener and taste it first.

5. My blender isn’t strong. Can I still make this?

You can! Let the frozen fruit sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. Use a little more liquid to help the blades move. Blend in short pulses, stopping to stir, until smooth.

6. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

You can! A handful of fresh spinach is a great choice. It will change the color to green but you won’t really taste it. You can also add a tablespoon of cooked, mashed sweet potato for extra vitamins.

This copycat Smoothie King Strawberry Banana Smoothie recipe delivers the same taste and recovery benefits at a fraction of the price. You control every ingredient, skip unnecessary additives, and enjoy post-workout nutrition whenever you need it.

Make this smoothie today and experience how great it tastes. Share this recipe with friends who love Smoothie King smoothies.