A Tasty Way to Build Muscle: 20 Protein Shake Ideas

Ever found yourself stuck in a protein shake rut? Maybe you’ve been drinking the same old shake, and it’s starting to feel more like a chore than a treat. Anybody who drinks a daily protein shake has been there.

If you’re tired of the same old vanilla protein shake recipes, this blog is for you. We’ve rounded up 20 delicious protein shake ideas that are anything but boring. Simply combine the ingredients and throw in some ice cubes for an extra creamy result, blend, and enjoy!

Whether you’re looking for a post-workout recovery drink or just a tasty way to hit your daily protein goals, these shakes will make your taste buds and muscles happy.

This smoothie is a post-workout favorite. With 21 grams of protein, it’s perfect for repairing muscles after a tough session.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup coconut water
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tbsp almond butter
• 1 scoop whey protein powder
• 1 tbsp hulled hemp seeds
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup ice

Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this shake can double as a meal. It’s also loaded with probiotics to support gut health.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz water
• 1 cup spinach
• 2 cups frozen mixed berries
• ½ cup plain low-fat yogurt
• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
• 1 tbsp walnuts
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed

You wouldn’t guess that a cup of spinach is hiding in this decadent chocolate and peanut butter shake.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz water, milk, or yogurt
• 2 scoops chocolate flavored protein powder
• 1 banana
• 1 cup of spinach
• 2 tbsp natural peanut butter
• 1 tbsp cacao nibs or dark cocoa powder

A classic combo with a twist, this shake adds ground flax for extra fiber and omega-3 fats.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz water, milk, or yogurt
• 2 scoops vanilla or strawberry flavored protein powder
• 1 banana
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 cup spinach
• 2 tbsp ground flax

This shake combines pineapple and coconut flakes for a tropical treat that’s high in protein and perfect for a post-workout snack.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz water, milk, or yogurt
• 2 scoops vanilla-flavored protein powder
• ½ banana
• 1 cup pineapple
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 tbsp ground flax
• 2 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
• ½ cup plain yogurt or vegan alternative

This shake tastes like dessert, but it’s loaded with protein and fiber, making it a great way to switch up your smoothie routine.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz water, milk, or yogurt
• 2 scoops vanilla-flavored protein powder
• ¾ cup pureed pumpkin
• 1 tbsp walnuts
• 1 tbsp ground flax
• ½ cup uncooked oats
• Cinnamon and vanilla extract to taste
• Ice as needed

This shake tastes like apple pie in a glass, but it’s packed with 58 grams of protein. With the addition of spinach and oats, it’s a nutritious and filling option.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz water, milk, or yogurt
• 2 scoops vanilla-flavored protein powder
• 1 apple, core removed, and sliced into wedges
• 1 cup spinach
• 2 tbsp almonds
• ¼ cup uncooked oats
• Ice as needed
• Cinnamon, to taste

Cherries are known for easing soreness after a workout, making this a perfect recovery shake.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz water, milk, or yogurt
• 2 scoops chocolate flavored protein powder
• 2 cups sweet dark cherries, pits removed
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 tbsp walnuts
• 1 tbsp ground flax
• 1 tbsp cacao nibs or dark cocoa powder

This shake is the definition of a perfectly balanced breakfast, with a healthy 42-gram dose of protein.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup blueberries
• ½ banana
• 1½ scoops protein powder
• 2 tbsp walnuts
• 2 tbsp oats
• 1 tbsp chia seeds

Avocado is the secret ingredient in this shake, helping to unlock the full nutritional potential of the other veggies and improve the absorption of antioxidants.

Ingredients:

• 8 to 10 oz water
• 2 stalks kale, stems optional
• 1 cup grapes
• ½ cup frozen mango chunks
• 1 strip lemon rind
• ½ avocado
• Ice as needed

This shake is packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. There’s nearly an even amount of carbs and fat to keep you full and satisfied.

Ingredients:

• Water as needed
• 2 tbsp flax meal
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp natural peanut butter
• 1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder

Matcha green tea powder adds a boost of antioxidants to this muscle-making smoothie.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut milk beverage (not canned coconut milk)
• 2 scoops plain or vanilla protein powder
• 1 tsp matcha tea powder
• 1 tbsp cashew butter
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• ¼ tsp ginger powder
• 1 cup frozen mango cubes

This shake tastes like a baked apple dessert but is loaded with protein and healthy fats.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz water, milk, or yogurt
• 2 scoops vanilla-flavored protein powder
• 1 apple, core removed, and sliced into wedges
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 tbsp almonds
• 1 tbsp ground flax
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Cinnamon, to taste
• Ice as needed

This smoothie is packed with blueberries and a dose of omega-3 fats, which are great for your brain and heart.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 2 tbsp flaxseed meal
• 2 tbsp walnuts, chopped
• 1½ cups water
• 3 ice cubes

This shake is a smooth blend of pineapple and coconut but also packed with spinach, making it a nutritious and refreshing option.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz milk
• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
• ½ banana
• 1 cup pineapple
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 2 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
• ½ cup plain yogurt

For chocolate lovers, this shake is a dream. It’s rich, creamy, and has a refreshing minty finish that makes it feel like a treat rather than a post-workout shake.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• ¾ cup chocolate almond milk
• 1 tbsp walnuts
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 1 tbsp cacao nibs
• 2 mint leaves
• 4 ice cubes
• ¼ cup water

This shake tastes like a classic creamsicle but is made with real ingredients and added orange peel giving it a fresh, zesty flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 orange
• ¼ orange peel
• 1 tbsp walnuts
• 2 tbsp flaxseed meal
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup orange juice
• 3 ice cubes

Peaches and protein make for a delicious post-workout shake that helps muscles recover and grow.

Ingredients:

• 2 peaches (pitted and chopped)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup mint
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

This shake is like a chocolate-covered banana but with the added sweetness of cherries.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz unsweetened almond milk
• 2 oz tart cherry juice
• 1 banana
• 1 scoop protein powder

Cottage cheese adds a boost of casein protein to this shake, which helps fuel your muscles for hours.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• ¾ cup plain cottage cheese
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/8 tsp almond extract
• ¾ cup frozen blueberries

With these 20 tasty protein shake ideas, you’ll never run out of different flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity, chocolatey, or downright indulgent, these shakes have what you need. Grab that blender and start mixing up your favorite flavors. 

Remember, a tasty way to build muscle is just a shake away. Ready to take your smoothies to the next level? Start experimenting with these recipes and find your new go-to shake!