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.
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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
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:
2. Layer in your ingredients starting with the most liquid ones on the bottom:
3. Then add in your softest non-liquid ingredients:
4. And finally the ice!
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.
6. Serve topped with toasted nuts, seeds and/or coconut to your liking.
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!
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.
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!
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.
Other recipes with dates and date syrup
Pumpkin Granola with Date Syrup
Roasted Delicata Squash with Date Syrup and Pomegranate Molasses
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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
Equipment
- 1 Vitamix
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups crushed ice approx.
- 8 medjool dates
- 1/2 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
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/3 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
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
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The Blender Girl
Yay!!! xxxx
The Blender Girl
Thanks for the lovely mention Beth. I LOVE Louisa’s book too. I can’t wait to see you in SF. xxx
Beth Lee
Me too! Hoping to bring my kids that day too – keeping my fingers crossed! See you soon.
Diane
Just tried the Date shake. I left out the peanut butter and used 16 regular dates because that’s what I had! . I may have used too much ice so we poured back what we hadn’t drank yet and added 8 more dates. That was better. The Medjool dates might be “dater!”
Thanks, Beth!
Beth Lee
Glad you tried it! the medjool dates tend to be bigger than regular dates and just so darn sweet. I’ll get you some next time I’m at the int’l store. You’ll fall in love with them. You can totally play with this recipe – change the liquid, change the yogurt, add more of something you like, less of something you don’t. Have it your way!
Beth Lee
I know – that is a big downside of juicing for me though it can taste so darn good! Let me know if you try this smoothie and how you like it. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend!
Kesha of We Got Kidz
This looks fantastic! I was juicing for a while but couldn’t stand the thought of all of that fiber I was losing so I began doing smoothies just recently. I can’t wait to try this one! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
New friend visiting from SITs 🙂
Carol Sacks
Welcome back! Hope that date shakes are just the tip of the iceberg for your time in the kitchen. Take care!
Beth Lee
Thanks Carol! Looking forward to catching up on everyone’s blog posts soon – can’t wait to read about C’est Cheese!
Deb
The date and yogurt smoothie is so appealing! Such a great recipe if you need to use a straw or just make a quick and healthy meal to go. I’ve always been in the camp of “I’d rather have my meal on a plate and have something to chew.” but lately have discovered that a smoothie can be filling as well as refreshing. Plus it’s a great reason to use the Vitamix! (I love mine!)
Beth Lee
Hi Deb! Yes – it’s taken me a while to find a smoothie, other than dumping protein powder in one, that is filling enough to call breakfast, but this one is. And well, re the food on a plate, what an eye opener it is to have to feed someone who can’t chew at all. Wow. And what a difference the Vitamix makes in pureeing well enough to be drinkable in that situation. And now I am just enjoying its merits in other ways. One of my latest favs – honeydew, lime, and mint with some ice for a refreshing juice drink. Hmmm — might have to write about that 🙂 Hope all is well with your new doggie and life in general.