Pear protein shake with frozen pear, avocado, leafy greens, and cinnamon lightly sweetened with Medjool dates. Enjoy for breakfast or post-workout fuel.
Did I tell you that I gave up protein powder for almost…three months?
You might have noticed it’s been a long time since I shared a protein shake or smoothie bowl on the blog.
When you’re plant-based, I’m sure you’ve been asked at least once, “So, where do you get your protein?”
*Yawn*
Protein powder has always been on the scripted list that I recite along with legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, yada yada.
The problem was that I was treating protein powder like it was a necessary whole food, when it is, in fact, is not.
If I didn’t have my shake in the morning I made one for lunch, or as an afternoon snack, pretty certain that if I didn’t consume protein powder every 24 hours I might shrivel up and perish.
But here I am, still *gasp* alive, and here to tell you that you can survive on whole foods protein alone!
But protein powder is still a fun add, especially when you mix it with seasonal fruit flavors.
I’m back from my hiatus with a new protein shake recipe that’s, shall we say, pear-fect for fall.
Are you a pear person?
Pear person, here.
I’ve loved them ever since I first ate them from an open can growing up.
But I usually don’t do a lot with pears except watch them obsessively on the kitchen counter, waiting on them to be that soft but not too soft optimal ripeness.
Is there anything better than biting into a juicy pear?
Maybe.
Maybe throwing them into a green shake that’s all decked out for fall.
This Spiced Green Pear Protein Shake is a favorite of mine for the season to use ripe pears in a unique way!
For this recipe, frozen pears comprise the base the shake.
If you forget to freeze your pears in advance, you can use fresh pears instead and add a handful of ice or more to reach your desired consistency.
Here’s what you need
- ripe pears, frozen (I left the skins on!)
- unsweetened almond milk
- Medjool dates
- ground cinnamon
- powdered ginger
- frozen spinach
- avocado
- vanilla protein powder
Medjool dates add mild sweetness without any added sugars.
I recommend adding 1-2 to begin, tasting, then adding more to reach your desired sweetness.
Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats and frozen spinach gives you a serving of leafy greens while complimenting the green color of the pear and avocado.
The color of the shake without the spinach is kind of a muddy cream color, so I recommend adding the greens for aesthetics and a boost of iron in the AM.
The whole shake is nicely spiced with a big shake of cinnamon and a pinch of powdered ginger!
As with most of my shakes, I love to add something crunchy on top to contrast the smooth texture of the drink.
I topped my Spiced Green Pear Protein Shakes with Bob’s Red Mill Coconut Spice Pan-Baked Granola.
This granola is so good; big chunks of gluten-free granola and coconut that’s non-GMO and refined sugar free!
The coconut spice flavor is fantastic to echo the spiced flavor of this easy pear protein shake.
Blend up one of these shakes as an easy grab and go breakfast, post-workout fuel, or anytime snack.
If you’re avoiding protein powder, omit OR use a blend of flaxseed, chia seed, and hemp hearts instead for an extra boost!
The recipe below serves 2, but can easily be split in half to make a single serving (how I enjoy it).
Enjoy!
If you try these Pear Protein Shakes, let me know! I’d love to hear how yours turned out.
Be sure to leave me a comment, rating, and review so I can use your feedback to create more yums.
Give me a shout on Instagram and use #floraandvino to show me your creations.
Check out my Pinterest page to pin more recipes like this one to make later.
Want more fun shakes? Check out my Tahini Date Shakes and Cinnamon Butternut Protein Shakes, too.
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XO Lauren
Spiced Green Pear Protein Shake
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 shakes
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Pear protein shake with frozen pear, avocado, leafy greens, and cinnamon lightly sweetened with Medjool dates. Enjoy for breakfast or post-workout fuel.
Ingredients
- 2 medium pears, cored and sliced (frozen preferred for thicker shakes)
- 2 cup unsweetened almond milk (+more as needed to reach desired consistency)
- 2–3 Medjool dates, to taste
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- pinch of powdered ginger
- 2 big handfuls of frozen spinach
- 1/2 small avocado or 1/4 medium
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- Bob’s Red Mill Coconut Spice Pan-Baked Granola
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except the granola to a high speed blender and process until smooth and creamy. Add more almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Divide mixture between two glasses and top with granola and more cinnamon.
- Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Freeze your pears and spinach in advance if you want thicker shakes.
Shakes can be made with fresh pear and spinach by adding up to 1/2 cup of ice instead.
Recipe adapted from Love & Lemons: Vanilla Pear Smoothie
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Drink
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Refined Sugar-Free
This post is brought to you by Bob’s Red Mill, but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!
What protein powder do you use? I’ve made this one before but never tried adding the pp
Hi Sara!
I like Aloha, Evo Hemp, Nuzest, or Tone It Up.
XOXO Lauren