Date smoothie with yogurt and vanilla

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This date smoothie is loaded with flavor and protein. Fashioned after a Persian shake called a majoon, this version has yogurt, peanut butter and additional flavor from vanilla and cinnamon, all naturally sweetened with medjool dates and date syrup.

Date smoothie in a green glass with cinnamon stick.

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I first posted this recipe in 2014 when I was feeding a family member on a liquid diet full time. I was putting my new Vitamix and recipe creativity to the test three meals a day.

Why you’ll love this recipe!

Medjool dates are one big reason! Available at most groceries and international/Middle Eastern stores and often at Costco, these dark brown large dates are like eating candy.

That said, don't hesitate to use whatever dried dates you have on hand - they'll still make a great smoothie.

This recipe is packed with protein from the yogurt and peanut butter so it will keep you going through a busy morning of work or activities.

I was inspired to make this smoothie by a recipe for a date shake or majoon in Louisa Shafia’s book "The New Persian Kitchen". She also used yogurt instead of ice cream. I've added almond milk and peanut butter.

Like any smoothie, there is room for making it your own - feel free to try different dairy options, dates, nut butters and toppings.

Ingredients you’ll need

Ingredient shot for date smoothie with words describing each ingredient.

Here are some tips for key ingredients and substitution options if applicable for this date smoothie.

Medjool dates: These are my favorite and preferred date for this drink. Did you know that medjool dates are not dried? They are actually fresh from the tree? They are darker, sweeter, and more caramel like than other types of dates. If you can find them, use them!
Almond milk: Any dairy-type beverage will work to add some creaminess and protein.
Greek yogurt: Non-Greek yogurt would definitely work too but usually this is what I have in the house.
Banana: the riper, the better
Peanut butter: I used unsweetened creamy peanut butter.
Salt: Optional but brings out the flavors of the drink.
Cinnamon: Plays beautifully with the cinnamon and banana.
Date syrup or honey: I added this in because of the unsweetened almond milk. But since the recipe includes sweet medjool dates, you may be able to skip this step. Taste first before you add it. Having said that, if you are not familiar with date syrup as a sweetener, I recommend buying a bottle and trying it. Lower glycemic index and excellent color and flavor.
Nuts, seed, coconut: Just use what you have on hand and be sure to toast them for extra crunch and flavor. Prefer just a smooth smoothie? That's fine too!

How to make this recipe

1. Measure out your ingredients and have them ready near your blender:

Top down view of blender with all ingredients for date smoothie ready nearby.

2. Layer in your ingredients starting with the most liquid ones on the bottom:

Top down view of blender shower date smoothie liquid ingredients.

3. Then add in your softest non-liquid ingredients:

Top down view of blender with dates and bananas showing.

4. And finally the ice!

Top down view of blender with ice added.

5. Start blending on low speed and slowly increase to high. If there is some peanut butter sticking to the sides of the blender, stop blending and scrape the sides and continue. Also take a quick taste and see if you like the flavor balance.

Smoothie in blender in progress with a hand on the blender controls.

6. Serve topped with toasted nuts, seeds and/or coconut to your liking.

Close up of smoothie in a green glass topped with nuts, seeds and coconut.

Expert Tips and FAQs

Medjool dates are my favorite for this smoothie but if you have another variety such as deglet noor, use them!
Switch out the almond milk for another non-dairy or dairy choice - it will work just fine.
Nuts, seeds and coconut are optional but fun to eat/drink for the taste, texture and protein.
The order I placed the ingredients in the blender is ideal for how a Vitamix works. If your blender recommends another order of ingredients (not liquid on the bottom and ice on top) then by all means do what is best for your machine!
Use ice cream like the original majoon and serve this for dessert!

I see white sugary spots on my dates, are they ok to use?

Dates are naturally full of sugar and the older they are, the more it appears on the surface. They are ok to use but probably will have a harder texture because moisture has dissipated.

How should I store my dates?

In a well-sealed container in the pantry or refrigerator. In this article all about dates, it also says you can freeze them and they will last up to a year!

Can I drink this date smoothie the next day?

Smoothies are always best straight out of the blender but yes, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for a day or freeze for up to 3 months.

Top down view of green glas with date smoothie on a tan plate with dates and a spoon.

Other recipes with dates and date syrup

Date and Walnut Thumbprints

3 cookies on green plate with powdered sugar

Pumpkin Granola with Date Syrup

Roasted Delicata Squash with Date Syrup and Pomegranate Molasses

roasted delicata squash with pomegranate on white plate

For ease of browsing, here are all my breakfast recipes.

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P.S. If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating and/or a review in the comment section below. I so appreciate your feedback! AND find more inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram. Signup for my email list, too!

Date Smoothie

Beth Lee

4.37 from 11 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 2

Total Time 7

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Persian Cuisine

Servings servings

Calories 626 kcal

Equipment

1 Vitamix

Ingredients

1 ½ cups crushed ice approx.
8 medjool dates
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 banana
1 cup almond milk unsweetened or sweetened or vanilla flavored
1 tablespoon honey or date syrup if using unsweetened almond milk
½ teaspoon vanilla
⅓ cup peanut butter
dash of cinnamon and sea salt
to your liking - add toasted nuts and seeds as toppings such as pistachios, almonds, walnuts, coconut flakes, sesame seeds

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Place all ingredients in the blender starting with liquids and ending with crushed ice.
Start blending on low speed and slowly increase to high. If there is some peanut butter sticking to the sides of the blender, stop blending and scrape the sides and continue. Also take a quick taste and see if you like the flavor balance.
Top with nuts or seeds of your choice. Drink immediately - can also be stored in the fridge for a day or two if you have leftovers.

Notes

Medjool dates are my favorite for this smoothie but if you have another variety such as deglet noor, use them!
Switch out the almond milk for another non-dairy or dairy choice - it will work just fine.
Nuts, seeds and coconut are optional but fun to eat/drink for the taste, texture and protein.
The order I placed the ingredients in the blender is ideal for how a Vitamix works. If your blender recommends another order of ingredients (not liquid on the bottom and ice on top) then by all means do what is best for your machine!
Use ice cream like the original majoon and serve this for dessert!

Nutrition

Calories: 626kcalCarbohydrates: 97gProtein: 18gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 198mgPotassium: 1191mgFiber: 10gSugar: 77gVitamin A: 183IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 296mgIron: 2mg

Keyword blended drinks, dates, smoothies

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