🥑🍌 Avocado Banana Almond Smoothie
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
Ripe Avocado: 1 medium, peeled and pitted
Why: Adds creaminess, healthy fats (monounsaturated), fiber, and potassium.
Banana: 1 large, peeled
Why: Natural sweetness, potassium, and smooth texture.
Almond Butter: 2 tablespoons
Why: Provides protein, healthy fats, and rich almond flavor.
Almond Milk (unsweetened): 1 ½ cups
Why: Dairy-free base that keeps the smoothie light and creamy.
Greek Yogurt: ¼ cup (optional)
Why: Adds protein, probiotics, and extra creaminess.
Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 teaspoon (optional, adjust for sweetness)
Ground Cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon (optional)
Why: Enhances flavor and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Ice Cubes: 4–6 cubes (optional for chilled smoothie)
Chia Seeds or Flaxseeds: 1 teaspoon (optional)
Why: Adds omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and boosts satiety.
Instructions:
Prepare Ingredients:
Peel and pit the avocado. Peel the banana and cut into chunks.
Add to Blender:
Place avocado, banana, almond butter, and Greek yogurt (if using) into a high-speed blender.
Pour Liquid:
Add almond milk gradually. Start with 1 cup, then adjust to reach your preferred consistency.
Flavor & Boost:
Add honey or maple syrup for sweetness, cinnamon for spice, and chia or flax seeds for extra nutrition.
Add Ice (Optional):
Add ice cubes if you prefer a chilled, thick smoothie.
Blend Until Smooth:
Blend on high for 1–2 minutes, until creamy and lump-free. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed to ensure even blending.
Taste & Adjust:
Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness or thickness as desired. Add more almond milk if too thick, or an extra teaspoon of honey if needed.
Serve:
Pour into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, sliced banana, or a few chopped almonds. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations:
Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder for a post-workout version.
Green Version: Add a handful of spinach or kale—flavor is mild and nutrients increase dramatically.
Nut-Free Version: Replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter and use oat milk instead of almond milk.
Frozen Version: Use frozen banana slices to make the smoothie naturally thick and cold without ice.
Superfood Boost: Add a teaspoon of cacao nibs, maca powder, or spirulina for extra antioxidants and energy.
Nutritional Benefits:
Healthy Fats: Avocado and almond butter support heart health and satiety.
Potassium & Minerals: Bananas and avocado help maintain electrolyte balance.
Protein & Fiber: Almond butter, Greek yogurt, and seeds promote fullness and digestion.
Antioxidants: Cinnamon, chia seeds, and optional cacao provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Energy & Recovery: Great pre- or post-workout due to balanced carbs, protein, and healthy fats.