Banana Smoothie Bowl with Chia Seeds and Tahini

This easy 4-ingredient banana smoothie bowl recipe is a satisfying and sweet breakfast option. This delicious smoothie bowl makes use of simple ingredients to create a breakfast bowl that feels like dessert.

A banana smoothie bowl with chia seeds, nuts, and banana slices on top.

​Wondering how to make a banana smoothie bowl more interesting? Add tahini and chia seeds and make sure to add fun toppings.

Tahini adds flavor and contributes to the thickness of this banana smoothie bowl. Chia seeds add nutrition and a fun crunch. 

But the toppings are where you can really customize this smoothie bowl. Add your favorite toppings such as fresh banana slices, fresh berries, hemp seeds, chia seeds, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of nut butter.

​Frozen banana slices take on the consistency of ice cream when blended in a high speed blender, making this smoothie bowl feel like a treat.

Are you a smoothie bowl queen? Try a strawberry smoothie bowl next.

Ingredients

This is a brief overview of the ingredients used in this recipe followed by substitution ideas. Read the recipe card for measurements.

Ingredients for a banana smoothie bowl on a white marble counter.
  • bananas: this is the main ingredient. Whether you buy frozen banana slices or slice your own ripe bananas and freeze them, this is what gives the smoothie bowl a creamy texture.
  • tahini: I am such a tahini fan, and love adding it to my smoothies and smoothie bowls.
  • milk: I prefer unsweetened oat milk for its creamy consistency. Use your milk of choice.
  • chia seeds: for crunch and nutrition. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber which can help keep you feeling full longer.
  • optional toppings: try adding toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, a little honey or maple syrup, coconut or crunchy granola. 

Substitutions

  • tahini: not a tahini fan? Try another nut butter like almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter.
  • milk: To keep it plant-based, try another non-dairy milk like unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk from a carton, or cashew milk.
  • optional ingredients: add vanilla extract for flavor. For tangy flavor and additional protein add plain Greek yogurt or a vegan yogurt product. Add vanilla protein powder for even more protein.
A banana smoothie bowl with chia seeds, nuts, and banana slices on top.

Instructions

Prep Tips

  • Appliance: I find a strong blender is best for thick smoothie bowls.
  • Slice and freeze bananas in a single layer the night before.

I love my Ninja for this recipe.

You could probably use a food processor instead, but I prefer my blender for smoothie bowl recipes.

Adding tahini to a blender jar.

Add the frozen bananas, oat milk, chia seeds, and tahini to the jar of a high-powered blender.

A banana smoothie bowl blending in a blender.

Blend until smooth.

Scraping a banana smoothie bowl down the sides of a blender.

Scrape down the sides once or twice if needed.

A banana smoothie bowl blending in a blender.

Scoop into a bowl and top as desired.

Illustration of a yellow bowl.

How to Serve Banana Smoothie Bowls

You can serve this and any other smoothie bowl with a variety of delicious toppings to make it interesting. I like fresh banana, a drizzle of tahini, and turmeric flavored nuts for this bowl.

A banana smoothie bowl with chia seeds, nuts, and banana slices on top.

Tips for Making Thicker smoothie bowls

  • Use frozen fruit for a thick texture.
  • Use minimal liquid for thicker smoothie bowls.
  • Add nut butter for flavor and a creamy thick smoothie bowl. Tahini is especially good for this because it thickens when in contact with cold liquid.
  • Use a high-powered blender. I use the Ninja Home System.

What to serve with Banana smoothie bowls

I love a smoothie bowl on it’s own but loaded with fun toppings like my skillet granola, fresh fruit, or nuts and seeds.

Storage

Smoothies and smoothie bowls are best served when made as they tend to melt and separate when stored in the fridge. To save them for another time, pour them into ice cube trays and blend again with liquid at another time.

A banana smoothie bowl with chia seeds, nuts, and banana slices on top.

FAQ

How do you make thicker smoothie bowls?

To make thicker smoothie bowls you’ll need to use a high-powered blender that can blend with less liquid. The other trick is to use frozen fruit and very little liquid.

A banana smoothie bowl with chia seeds, nuts, and banana slices on top.

Banana Smoothie Bowl

Thick banana smoothie bowls with tahini and chia seeds. Top with your favorite toppings like coconut, nuts, seeds, or fresh fruit.
Servings 1
Jacqueline
special diet
A brown circle with the letters d and f to signify dairy-free.
A brown circle with the letters p and b to signify plant-based.
An orange circle with the letters s and f to signify soy-free.
A green circle with the letter v to signify vegan.
A green circle with the letters v and v to signify vegetarian.
prep time5 minutes
cook time0 minutes
total time5 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients  

  • 2 bananas - sliced, frozen
  • 1/4 cup oat milk
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Instructions 

  • Add smoothie ingredients to the jug of a high-powered blender.
  • Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides once or twice or as needed.
  • Add more liquid if necessary to blend, but only a splash at a time. Adding more liquid will result in a thinner smoothie bowl.
  • Serve right after blending with your favorite toppings.

Video

Notes

You can make this smoothie bowl less caloric by reducing the tahini to 2 tablespoons. Nutrition estimates don’t include toppings.
Use frozen fruit for a thick texture.
Use minimal liquid for thicker smoothie bowls.
Use a high-powered blender. I use the Ninja Home System.
Not a tahini fan? Try peanut butter or almond butter instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 678kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 39g | Sodium: 56mg | Potassium: 1217mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 330IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 269mg | Iron: 5mg
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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

A banana smoothie bowl with chia seeds, nuts, and banana slices on top with text for Pinterest.

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