Almond Milk Smoothie
This almond milk smoothie is the perfect dairy-free breakfast or snack, blending creamy unsweetened almond milk with frozen banana and berries for a thick, naturally sweet, and silky-smooth result every time.
Equipment
- High-speed blender - A Vitamix or Nutribullet works especially well for frozen fruit
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife - For slicing banana before freezing
- Tall glass or mason jar - For serving
- Reusable straw - Optional for serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk - 240ml
- 1 medium frozen banana - about 120g or 4 oz, sliced before freezing
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries - 150g, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
- 1 tablespoon honey - or maple syrup, optional, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon almond butter - optional, for extra creaminess and protein
- fine sea salt - pinch, balances sweetness and enhances flavor
For Serving (Optional)
- fresh berries - or banana slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Peel a ripe banana, slice into 1-inch rounds, and freeze in a single layer for at least 2 hours until solid.
- Pour 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk into the blender, adding liquid first to help everything blend evenly.
- Add the frozen banana slices directly from the freezer along with 1 cup of frozen mixed berries.
- Add honey, vanilla, almond butter if using, and a pinch of sea salt to the blender.
- Blend on low for 10-15 seconds, then increase to high for 30-60 seconds until completely smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness as needed, then pour into a tall glass and serve immediately.
Notes
- Always freeze your banana first. This is the single most important tip for a thick, creamy smoothie.
- Use unsweetened almond milk to avoid making the smoothie cloyingly sweet.
- Layer ingredients properly: liquid first, then soft ingredients, then frozen on top. This protects the blender motor.
- Don't over-blend. 45-60 seconds on high is usually enough to avoid warming up the smoothie.
- Taste before adding sweetener. A ripe banana is often sweet enough on its own.
- For a vegan version, swap honey for maple syrup or a ripe Medjool date.
- To make it higher in protein, add a scoop of vanilla protein powder, 1-2 tablespoons of nut butter, or 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds.
- Store leftovers in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Shake or stir vigorously before drinking.
- For meal prep, portion frozen fruit into bags and add almond milk when ready to blend for a fresh smoothie every time.