When I started writing this post, I kept going back and forth on the name. Should I call it a “banana smoothie” or “banana shake”? Technically, there is no ice-cream involved here, but still, this tahini banana date shake deserves the title 100%! You don’t need ice-cream to achieve a creamy, rich, and decadent smoothie (our mango smoothie and green smoothie recipes are further proof!). In this date shake recipe, the combination of ripe frozen bananas and rich, nutty tahini takes care of the richness and creaminess without using heavy cream! (You already know how much a fan of tahini I am, and I’m super excited to share a new way to use it)! Whether you’re looking for an easy nutrition-packed breakfast smoothie or an afternoon pick-me-up, this tahini banana shake is so worth a try. It’s so delicious, I think of it as a feel-good dessert.
Tahini Date Banana Shake: A Mediterranean Inspiration
Mediterranean fresh markets in places like Alexandria, Egypt or somewhere like Tel Aviv, Israel, are made up of busy narrow streets that are brimming with merchants of every kind. Fresh produce and fruits including bananas, plums, and dates fill the air with bright and sweet aromas. Within those bustling streets, you will find several small stands and little cafes dedicated to fruit juices, smoothies, and shakes using the market’s fresh bounty. This simple banana shake, featuring nutty tahini and sweet Medjool dates, which are two prized Middle Eastern ingredients, is similar to something you might be served at a Mediterranean market. Let’s dig into what’s in this breakfast shake…
Ingredients for This Banana Shake
2- Medjool Dates
Medjool dates are a familiar Middle Eastern treat, where they’re often served as a snack. One medjool date provides a small amounts of over 16 nutrients including numerous B vitamins, potassium, manganese, calcium, magnesium and fiber! Considered nature’s candy, medjool dates are the perfect way to add natural sweetness to shakes and smoothie. (By the way, they’re great for baking like in this healthy banana bread!)
3- Tahini Paste
Ah, this is the secret ingredient you didn’t expect! Many people are familiar with something like peanut butter or even pistachio butter in smoothies and shakes, but if you haven’t tried tahini paste, you are in for a treat! Tahini paste is a creamy, rich vegan paste made by finely grinding roasted sesame seeds until buttery smooth. I personally prefer its taste over peanut butter (I like peanut butter fine, but tahini wins my heart!) Did you know that tahini is loaded with nutrition? Loads of protein (more than milk and most nuts!) It’s also a rich source of vitamin E, B vitamins–which can give you a great energy boost and help brain function–and important minerals, such as magnesium, iron and calcium!
4- Almond Milk
I chose un-sweetened almond milk here for a Mediterranean diet, vegan-friendly option that is also good for lactose intollerant people. I have no problem using cow’s milk in this shake on occasion, but the majority of the time, I will use almond milk. I also like it’s taste. And if you’re worried about the fact that almond milk does not offer enough protein, tahini provides a good amount to take care of that!
5- Pinch of Cinnamon
For just a little pizzazz and flavor, a pinch of cinnamon goes a long way. I love adding some in the shake and also as a garnish. It gives a little wake-me-up touch, while helping boost immunity!
6- Crushed Ice
I almost consider crushed ice here optional. I use only 1/4 cup of crushed ice in this shake intentionally. While I want to help the texture of the shake, I don’t want a watered down drink.
How to Freeze Bananas for Breakfast Smoothie or Shake?
I learned the hard way that you do not want to freeze whole bananas with the peel on; the peel will totally turn black in less than 1 hour in your freezer! There is a much smarter way to freeze bananas, and I would advice that you freeze more than the two bananas needed for this recipe, so you can use them as needed. Here is how to freeze bananas:
Can I Make this Tahini Banana Date Shake Ahead of Time?
While making this date shake takes about 5 minutes in a good blender , some of us may want to s prepare it in advance for a quick grab-n-go breakfast. You can totally do that! This recipe makes two good-size banana shakes. Once you blend the ingredients to make the breakfast shakes, simply pour into mason jars and close tightly. Store the shakes in the fridge for 1 to 2 nights. Separation may occur after the first night, but you can just give the shakes a stir and enjoy, totally fine! And if you want to make a larger amount of these banana breakfast shakes to freeze, you can! It requires a little more planning, freezer-safe mason jars, and enough freezer space. Once you prepare the smoothies or shakes, simply pour in freezer-safe mason jars. Tightly close the lids and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Take frozen shakes out of the freezer and thaw in the fridge one night before you plan to have them. Or, for quick defrost, leave at room temperature for a few hours. You may also like these breakfast recipes:
Creamy Mango Smoothie Homemade Granola (with Olive Oil and Tahini) Make-Ahead Breakfast Egg Muffins Healthy Banana Walnut Bread with Dates Mediterranean Breakfast Toasts with Hummus
Looking for Mediterranean diet friendly recipes? See our collection of Mediterranean diet recipes here. VISIT OUR ONLINE SHOP FOR QUALITY OLIVE OILS, ALL-NATURAL SPICES AND MORE 5 from 43 reviews Make it ahead of time for a nutrition-packed, dairy-free breakfast shake, or use as an afternoon pick-me-up. It’s so tasty, you’ll think you’re having dessert! (Vegan & Gluten Free)
