My favorite alternative to the conventional smoothie is a Nourishing Melon Protein Smoothie enhanced with protein powder, fresh herbs, and more. Most smoothies are made of bananas and fruit, but they don’t have to be.

A Delicious Melon Protein Smoothie with unconventional ingredients

You might not have ever used most of the ingredients below in a smoothie, but I bet you’ll love the final result, which is fresh and tangy with just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess. You will need the following:

Avocado and coconut milk: You don’t need bananas for creaminess and thickness. Both avocado and coconut provide a satisfying texture with plenty of minerals and healthy fats. Avocados are also rich in folate, magnesium, and potassium, while coconuts are high in manganese, copper, iron, and selenium. These are all great nutrients but are especially beneficial to runners and athletes in general.

Lime and basil leaves might not be your usual smoothie go-to ingredients, but they go so well with honeydew melon, adding a nice flavor dimension to the fruit’s natural sweetness. Be sure to use fresh basil, not dried, as they have a completely different flavor. If you find yourself running out of fresh herbs, one easy trick is to chop them and freeze them in ice cube trays with water to cover. You can then use the frozen herbs anytime in sweet and savory recipes.

Honeydew melon: Because many people add frozen fruits to smoothies, and melon is generally only available fresh, we tend to eat it whole. But just like other unconventional smoothie ingredients like kiwi or persimmon, you might be surprised at how delicious it is when blended into this melon protein smoothie!

Honeydew melon is not just a sweet, water-rich fruit. It’s also rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, including vitamin C, A, potassium, folate, and B vitamins. On top of that, it is rich in fiber, which promotes digestive health and slows down blood sugar spikes. Because the honeydew melon is blended and not juiced, you still get all the benefits of its soluble and insoluble fiber but in drink form.

Protein powder:
Vegan protein powder takes this refreshing, sweet drink and turns it into a complete meal. For plant-based and Vegan runners, I like Superfood Protein from Ground Based Nutrition.

Superfood Protein is an organic protein powder designed for optimal nutrient intake. It is packed with 20g of multi-source plant protein and has a complete amino acid profile. It includes alkalizing greens and superfoods, foods with exceptionally high nutritional density, and a wealth of essential phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Superfoods are known for their health benefits, contributing to overall well-being and enhanced recovery.

It is a little pricey but has added greens and superfoods.

If you prefer a cheaper option but also want a high-quality traditional protein powder, Whey protein, Optimum Nutrition carries 100% Whey protein powder. However, this is not Vegan or Plant-based. For more information about these protein powders, please scroll down to the bottom of this post.

Vanilla is the best option in this melon protein smoothie because it’s not overpowering. Good options include brown rice protein, pea protein, and protein blends for the broadest spectrum of nutrients.

More Delicious Melon Protein Ingredient Variations

If you love this melon protein smoothie, try using strawberries instead of melon since they go great with lime and basil. Or, keep the recipe as is, and add some frozen blueberries instead of the ice. And while this is one of the few smoothies without bananas, feel free to add them if you’re in the mood!

This melon protein smoothie does not keep well once it is made, but if you have leftovers, they make fantastic ice pops and smoothie bowls. And if you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll want to give my Runner-Friendly Healthy Tropical Smoothie Bowl a shot!

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