Avocado Smoothie
This avocado smoothie takes the natural richness of ripe avocado and transforms it into a velvety, thick drink that tastes almost indulgent, yet it's packed with nutrients that actually fuel your body. It comes together in about five minutes, needs just one blender, and can easily be customized to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Equipment
- High-speed blender - Vitamix, Nutribullet, or similar
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Tall glasses - for serving
- Spoon or spatula - for scraping avocado
- Straw - optional but recommended for thick smoothies
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado - about 150g or 5.3 oz of flesh, peeled and pitted
- 1 medium ripe banana - about 120g or 4.2 oz, sliced, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup whole milk - 240ml, or milk of your choice
- 2 tablespoons honey - 30ml, or maple syrup for vegan option
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup ice cubes - 120g, reduce or omit if using frozen banana
- pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds - optional, for extra fiber and omega-3s
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder - optional, for a post-workout boost
- 1 cup fresh spinach - 30g, optional, you won't taste it
Instructions
- Prepare the avocado by slicing it in half lengthwise, removing the pit, and scooping the flesh directly into the blender.
- Peel the banana, break it into chunks, and add it to the blender.
- Add the milk, honey, vanilla extract, salt, ice cubes, and any optional ingredients to the blender.
- Blend on low speed for 10 seconds, then increase to high speed and blend for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth. Scrape down sides and blend again if needed.
- Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness with more honey or balance richness with a squeeze of lime juice. Adjust consistency with more milk or ice.
- Pour into tall glasses and serve immediately with a straw.
Notes
- Avocado ripeness: Use a fully ripe avocado that gives slightly when pressed. The flesh should be deep green to yellow-green with no brown spots.
- Frozen banana tip: Freeze your banana in advance for the thickest, creamiest texture without watering down the smoothie with excess ice.
- Prevent browning: Drink immediately or add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lime or lemon juice before blending to slow oxidation.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface. Shake or stir well before drinking.
- Vegan option: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar and use oat milk or almond milk.
- Make it thicker: Use a frozen banana, reduce the milk, or add half an avocado more. You can also add 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds which thicken as they sit.
- Make it thinner: Simply add more milk in small increments until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Freezing leftovers: Pour leftover smoothie into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Blend the frozen cubes with a splash of milk when ready to enjoy.
- Flavor variations: Try adding mango, cocoa powder, spinach, or coconut milk for different flavor profiles.
- Don't skip the salt: Just a pinch enhances sweetness and depth of flavor without making the smoothie taste salty.