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!
SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
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
Julia says
Oh my word, this looks so delicious and healthy! Amazing - can't wait to try it out!
fitasamamabear says
Let me know what you think- I love it!
Julia says
Looks yummy! The cottage cheese and lime sound like great additions!!
fitasamamabear says
It's definitely a tasty one that's for sure!
Carol Little R.H. says
Love the colour!! Looks delicious!
fitasamamabear says
Thanks! I love that the color is natural from spinach 😀
Taylor says
This looks so incredibly refreshing and delicious! Cannot wait to try.
xo
Taylor
fitasamamabear says
It's super thick/creamy which I love. Plus... graham crackers!
Christie Moeller says
This sounds delish! I'm totally gonna blend this up!
xoxo Christie
https://www.icanstyleu.com/blog/
fitasamamabear says
It's a tasty one- enjoy it!
Courtney says
That’s something I need more of.. protein! Well, and energy lol. With two kids now I hardly find the time for either! This would really be helpful for me.
fitasamamabear says
Haha I know right?! Two kids is insanity. Shakes are great because you can take them with you while chasing everyone around 😛
Emmi says
I've never thought to put cottage cheese in a protein shake before, but that's such a great idea for a source of natural protein!
fitasamamabear says
It's definitely not my go to but it makes the shake creamy AND takes away the texture of cottage cheese lol
Sarah says
This shake sounds amazing! I have never used protein powder but will have to give it a try as I've been running a lot lately! Thanks for sharing!
fitasamamabear says
Protein powder can help a lot in terms of hunger, recovery and taste! Find one you love is my advice - there's a lot of choice out there 🙂 And if you need help.. ask!
Elise Cohen Ho says
I do not know why but I have never put cottage cheese in my smoothie. I could see it as a good addition though.
fitasamamabear says
Cottage cheese is something no one thinks of! But it does boost the protein and make it thicker. But the best part for me is that the cottage cheese texture is removed lol
Holly says
Thank you for this recipe. I love adding cottage cheese to smoothies. It gives me the protein boost I need but I don't really have to taste it! Haha!
fitasamamabear says
Yes! That's how I feel too lol the texture of cottage cheese bugs me but when blended it makes the smoothie creamy!
Lauren says
I am always looking to add more protein to my diet. Especially if it can taste as good as a Key Lime Pie! I am pinning this to make later 🙂
fitasamamabear says
Thanks for pinning! When you try it let me know what you think!
Patricia says
Oh, wow! That looks so yummy! I would like to try the lime protein shake conoction sometime! 🙂
fitasamamabear says
It's a tasty one. Plus, an awesome way to get in a ton of nutrients!
Ana Ro says
Yum yum yum! Looks perfect! 🙂 I would like a shake like this now.
fitasamamabear says
It's yummy.. make one! 😉 Plus healthy so win 😀
Ophelia Tang says
This protein shake looks delicious. I would love to make one for my post workout snack. Thanks for sharing.
fitasamamabear says
No problem! It's a yummy one so give it a shot! And graham cracker crumbles are delicious all the time 😉
Nicole Carman says
OMG that looks so devine! I must try this. And I would've never thought it was high in protein either -- thanks for sharing!
fitasamamabear says
No problem! I hope you enjoy it- it's tasty!