This Key Lime Protein Shake is tangy, creamy, and packed with 31g of plant-based protein, all in just 300 calories. It tastes like dessert but works as the perfect 5-minute breakfast or refreshing post-workout boost.
I love how much protein this shake has and the creamy-limey flavor. One of my favorites to make. thanks!
- Mary Beth
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ⏲️Ready In: 5 Minutes
- 👪Serves: 1
- 🍽 Calories and Protein: 304kcal and 32 grams of protein
- 📋 Main Ingredients: lime juice + zest, coconut yogurt, vegan vanilla protein powder, ice cubes, water, spinach, graham crackers, date
- 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free and gluten-free, can be made vegan or paleo too.
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: It's zesty, creamy, and packed with protein, like enjoying key lime pie in a healthy smoothie!
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You don’t need protein powder to eat 100 grams of protein per day, but when life gets busy, it makes fueling up fast ridiculously simple. This key lime pie smoothie is a creamy, tangy treat you can make in 5 minutes and sip on the go. It’s one of the easy, high-protein wins I share in the Strong and Sweet Protein Guide, where dessert-like snacks help you hit your goals without overthinking it.
After a tough workout, this shake feels like a reward but works like a recovery tool. It’s creamier than my salted caramel protein shake and just as satisfying as protein ice cream. If you love the feel of a coffee smoothie bowl but want something citrusy and refreshing, this one delivers.
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Perfect quick post-workout boost
Bold flavor: A tangy lime flavor with a subtle sweetness, the key lime protein shake is a tasty balance of both worlds.
Healthy: Dairy-free and gluten-free with 31 grams of protein.
Versatile: This protein shake can be used as a healthy, protein-packed breakfast, post-workout snack, or mid-day pcik me up.
Ingredients and Substitutions
One of the awesome things about this key lime pie smoothie is that you can make it as indulgent (or not!) as you like. Plus, with its classic lime flavor, it's a great mood boost, kind of like this piña colada smoothie.
- Coconut yogurt: Any dairy-free yogurt will work, but know that Greek Yogurt will result in a very thick texture (like in this Greek yogurt protein pudding), and you may need more liquid.
- Protein powder: Each protein powder will result in a slightly different consistency and flavor. Pea protein will create a thicker texture, whereas beef protein will have a thinner texture.
- Spinach: Frozen spinach leaves blend best into the key lime pie smoothie as they tend to crystallize. This is the case in my avocado mango shake, too.
- Gluten-free graham crackers: Make the smoothie as indulgent and dessert-like as you wish by adding these in or using something lighter like keto graham crackers with almond flour crust. If you need the recipe to be vegan, use vegan graham crackers.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
Citrus: Though lime is delicious, creating a lemon cream pie or orange citrus protein shake are fun options, too.
Toppings: Smoothies are always better with some crunch! if you don't want to top the key lime protein shake ith graham crackers, grab another one of the smoothie bowl toppings for extra yum.
How To Make a Key Lime Pie Protein Shake
Step 1: Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender.
Step 2: Process until creamy and portion into mason jars
Expert Tips
If you want to save some effort on your blender, place the liquid ingredients in first before the rest.
If you want to boost the protein of the smoothie and don’t follow a dairy-free diet, use cottage cheese in place of yogurt.
Fresh lime juice will have the best flavor.
The graham crackers you choose as well as the protein powder will affect both the flavor and the texture of this smoothie. You may need to add more water.
Key Lime Pie Protein Shake FAQs
Lime is an easy add-in to smoothies and gives them a burst of flavor. Plus, many people are energized by lime. Thus, it makes a great ingredient to refresh post-workout and give you a little pep in your step.
Though you can make the smoothie ahead of time, it will lose its creamy consistency while stored. It tastes best fresh. If you want to prep the smoothie in advance, place all ingredients in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for the night. in the morning, break it apart and blend with a splash of liquid.
Key limes tend to be smaller than normal and have a slightly stronger flavor. However, they're not necessary. Regular limes + the zest of the lime tastes just as delicious!
More High Protein Smoothie Recipes
If you tried this Key Lime Pie Protein Shake or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
Key Lime Protein Shake
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tbs lime juice + zest for topping
- ¼ cup coconut yogurt
- 1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder
- 5 ice cubes
- ½ cup water more if needed
- 1 handful spinach
- 1 graham crackers more for topping
- 1 date
Instructions
- Juice the lime into a high powdered blender
- From there, add in the remaining ingredients.
- Blend until smooth. You may need to use a tamper initially to press it down.
- Top with the zest of lime or crumbled graham crackers if you wish.
Notes
- If you want to boost the protein of the smoothie and don’t follow a vegan diet, use cottage cheese in place of coconut yogurt.
- Fresh lime juice will have the best flavor.
- The nutritional values are calculated with one store-bought graham cracker added to the smoothie. However, if you’re looking to scale back carbohydrates, omit that. Likewise, it does not include any toppings
- The graham crackers you choose as well as the protein powder will affect both the flavor and the texture of this smoothie. You may need to add more water.
- Beef protein powder: My personal favorite. If you use Equip protein, the smoothie will be sweeter but thicker. If you use Paleo Pro Protein, the smoothie is as close to natural as it gets. Code "mamabear" on both will save you some money.
- Vegan protein powder: If you're using a pea-based protein powder, the smoothie will have a thicker texture, and if using a fermented protein, you'll probably have to add extra liquid. Vegan proteins aren't always sweet, so adjust the turmeric shake as needed.
- Egg white protein powder: This will froth your smoothie up a lot.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Janice says
It's a perfect blend of flavors and textures. I love the graham crackers. It is so nice to have this as a snack, so healthy, full of nutrients and easy to make. Perfect for those busy work from home days.
fitasamamabear says
Definitely a great pick me up!
mary beth says
I love how much protein this shake has and the creamy-limey flavor. One of my favorites to make. thanks!
fitasamamabear says
it's the best blend of fuel and taste!
Gaelle says
What a comforting and yummy smoothie this is! The flavor of the lime really made it special. The fact that it is quick to make is really a great bonus 🙂
fitasamamabear says
So happy you enjoyed it! Such a fresh flavor.
Anna says
I love this key lime smoothie for my post workout sesh. Quick to make, love the zesty burst of flavor, and the protein boost keeps me energized. A yummy breakfast that I can make in minutes.
fitasamamabear says
I love the zesty flavor too1
Lea says
I was so excited so I tried this recipe right away after I had my workout, and it kept me full for hours! What amazes me more is that the taste and protein combo left me feeling revitalized. This is now a regular in my routine.
fitasamamabear says
It's definitely a healthy twist on an indulgence!
Allyssa says
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It's really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
fitasamamabear says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Annmarie says
Key Lime is a smoothie flavor I have NOT tried to make before but I totally want to try this now! Looks delicious!
fitasamamabear says
It's a tasty one- and really creamy! I actually dislike key lime pie but love the smoothie haha I think the pie the texture gets me 😛
kristal says
I am not a fan of key lime but my hubby loves it. I showed him the recipe and he is all for it.
fitasamamabear says
I'm not a crazy key lime person either but liked the smoothie- i think the texture doesn't help me on the actual pie... let me know what your hubby thinks!
Nicole says
You have some really good ingredients in here. I can't believe that something that has spinach in it taste like key lime pie.
fitasamamabear says
Haha spinach blends into a smoothie amazingly (especially if frozen) as you can't taste it- it's perfect!
Chei Pangan says
Oh i love all kinds of shakes and i wanted to try this key lime protein shakes. Looks so healthy!
fitasamamabear says
It's a super tasty one! I love the graham cracker crumble of course 😉
Priyadarshini Rajendran says
Love that it has a Graham cracker too. Great recipe. Gonna try it soon.
fitasamamabear says
Haha that's my favorite part! It's a tasty shake
linda spiker says
That looks delish and I love the color! I can't do spinach (kidney stones *sigh*) so I'd sub with baby kale. Yum!
fitasamamabear says
Baby kale would work! I'd freeze it first so it blends a bit smoother 😉
Lindsey Dietz says
Love that you add spinach for that extra pop of green!
fitasamamabear says
T be honest.. I put spinach in everything 😀
teryn says
That looks amazing! I HAVE to make it!
fitasamamabear says
You'll love it! Super creamy and yummy 🙂
Raia Todd says
Ricotta in a smoothie sounds quite interesting! I bet it gives a nice texture. 🙂