skinny strawberry milkshake.

Confession time. I do not have a sweet tooth. Cakes, cookies, candies, chocolates are all good and tasty, but I can usually pass them up without hesitation. Instead, I have a major “salt tooth” (is that a thing?). Well, if it is, I definitely have it.

I am human, however, and do crave sweets from time to time. Normally some ripe fruit is more than enough to satisfy, but this week I had a rare craving for a creamy, icy treat. I rarely if ever have ice cream in my house, and I wanted to be able to indulge in a treat without feeling guilty or eating something chuck full of unhealthy artificial ingredients. Enter this ultra easy, skinny strawberry milkshake!

Isn’t it so pretty? Take a frozen banana, fresh, ripe strawberries and some milk (I used unsweetened, plain coconut milk), top with ice, and give your blender a whirl. Ta da! In less than five minutes, you have a clean, healthy milkshake that is gluten free, lactose free, vegan and totally, totally delicious.

A frozen banana is essential for this treat. It helps with that thick, creamy texture that is necessary for a milkshake. I would discourage using a room temperature banana and compensating with more ice because the result will be too icy and will dilute the fruit flavors. If you want to make it sweeter, use vanilla flavored non-dairy milk, or add in a drop of pure vanilla extract (or agave!).

I hope you enjoy this skinny, healthy version of a milkshake the next time your sweet tooth needs attention! Try to enjoy it poolside. Oh, and if you wanted to throw a splash (or two) of rum or vodka in there, I won’t judge. 🙂

skinny strawberry milkshake.
slightly adapted from sally’s baking addiction.

ingredients

1 small banana, frozen (ripe is best)
10-12 fresh, ripe strawberries
1/2 cup plain, unsweetened coconut milk
2/3 cup ice
2 mint leaves (optional) (can also use to garnish)

directions

Add ingredients to blender in order. Blend on high until thick and smooth. Pour into serving glass, garnish with a berry or some fresh mint and enjoy!

Makes 2 small milkshakes or 1 generously sized milkshake.