Mom's Best Recipes
Recipe

Earthy Banana Smoothie

A not-too-sweet banana smoothie with tahini, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt for a cozy, earthy vibe that tastes balanced and satisfying.

Author By Matt Campbell
4.8
A real photograph of a creamy tan banana smoothie in a glass on a kitchen counter with a spoonful of tahini nearby
Jump to Recipe

Let’s talk about the banana smoothie that does not taste like melted banana candy.

This one is earthy, a little savory, and deeply satisfying in the best way. The secret is tahini. It brings a nutty, sesame depth that turns basic banana into something that tastes grown up and cozy. Add cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, and you get a smoothie that feels like a real breakfast, not a dessert-in-a-cup situation.

If you want it sweeter, you can absolutely nudge it that direction. But I love this version because it is balanced and steady, the kind of smoothie that keeps you feeling good for longer than the super-sweet versions.

A real photograph of a blender jar filled with banana, ice, and tan smoothie ingredients before blending

Why It Works

  • Earthy, savory-sweet balance: Tahini and salt pull banana back from being overly sweet, so the flavor reads toasty and rich.
  • Thick, creamy texture: Frozen banana does the heavy lifting, so you get milkshake vibes without needing ice cream.
  • More satisfying: Tahini adds healthy fats, and yogurt or protein options can add extra staying power.
  • Fast and flexible: One blender, five minutes, and the ingredients are pantry and fridge friendly.

Pairs Well With

  • Whole grain toast with olive oil and flaky salt
  • Hard-boiled eggs with pepper and paprika
  • Cottage cheese with cucumbers and everything seasoning
  • A simple granola bar or handful of roasted nuts

Storage Tips

Fresh is best, but leftovers are totally workable if you know the trick.

Fridge

  • Store in a sealed jar or bottle for up to 24 hours.
  • It will thicken and darken slightly. That is normal with banana.
  • Shake hard or stir, then add a splash of milk to loosen it back up.

Freezer

  • Pour into ice cube trays or a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 2 months, though flavor and texture are best within 1 month.
  • Blend smoothie cubes with a little milk to bring it back to life.

Heads up: If you used yogurt, the smoothie may separate a bit after sitting. A quick shake or re-blend fixes it.

Allergen notes

  • Sesame: Tahini contains sesame.
  • Dairy: Greek yogurt contains dairy (skip or use dairy-free yogurt if needed).
  • Honey: Not vegan. Use maple syrup instead.

Common Questions

What makes this smoothie “earthy”?

Tahini is the main driver. Sesame has a naturally toasty, roasty depth with a faint pleasantly bitter edge (depending on the brand), and it plays really well with cinnamon and vanilla. A pinch of salt makes it feel extra rounded.

Is this smoothie sweet?

It is gently sweet from the banana, but not dessert-level. If your banana is not very ripe, add 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey.

Can I make it without tahini?

Yes. Use almond butter, cashew butter, or peanut butter. The flavor will be less sesame-forward and more classic “nut butter smoothie,” but still great.

How do I make it thicker?

  • Use frozen banana and less liquid.
  • Add 2 to 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt.
  • Blend in 1 to 2 tablespoons oats or chia seeds, then let it sit 5 minutes.
  • No yogurt? Add a few extra banana slices or 1 tablespoon oats.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Use oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk, and choose a dairy-free yogurt or skip yogurt entirely. It will still be creamy if the banana is frozen.

Can I add protein?

Absolutely. Add 1 scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder, or add 3 to 4 tablespoons Greek yogurt. If using protein powder, start with a little extra milk since it thickens fast.

Can I make more than one serving?

Yes. Double or triple everything, but keep an eye on your blender’s max fill line. For 2 servings, a standard blender is fine. For 4 servings, you may need to blend in two batches.

I started making this smoothie during a stretch of busy mornings when I wanted something fast but not sugary. I love banana, but the usual smoothie formula can feel like drinking dessert at 8 a.m. Tahini was my curveball. I tossed in a spoonful on a whim, added cinnamon and salt, and suddenly it tasted like something you would get at a cafe that charges extra for “sesame-forward.” Now it is my go-to when I want breakfast to feel cozy, grounded, and just a little unexpected.