My Go-To Avocado Banana Smoothie

I’m always on the lookout for quick, healthy, and delicious breakfast or snack I can drink on the go. And let me tell you, I’ve struck gold with this Avocado Banana Smoothie. It’s packed with nutrients, super easy to make, and tastes surprisingly amazing, even with the spinach! Don’t let the green color scare you – this smoothie is a creamy, dreamy avocado banana delight.

Why this Smoothie Rawks

This avocado banana smoothie recipe is a winner for anyone who craves a delicious, healthy, and easy breakfast or creamy snack. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and refreshing, with the sweetness of mango and banana perfectly complementing the subtle earthiness of spinach and the richness of avocado.

It’s a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, healthy fats, and fiber to fuel your day. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – easily customizable with ingredient swaps to suit your taste and what you have on hand. Whether you’re a smoothie newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredient Notes

This avocado banana smoothie recipe is perfect for those busy mornings when you need something fast and nutritious. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra greens, especially if you’re not a big fan of salads (I’m not either). Plus, the combination of avocado and banana creates a wonderfully smooth and creamy texture that’s hard to resist.

Fresh Spinach

For the smoothest spinach smoothies, start with a good blender for smoothies and add liquids first to create a vortex. Don’t overpack the blender; add spinach gradually, and avoid using store-bought frozen spinach if possible since it’s often blanched and has a weird flavor. Blend until completely smooth, removing stems beforehand, and consider using milder baby spinach. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavor of the smoothie if you’re still terrified of spinach. If you don’t like spinach, try another leafy green.

Water

Ditch the almond milk drama and the yogurt yuppies – water is the unsung hero of the smoothie world. It’s cheap, it’s readily available, and it lets the actual flavors of your fruits and veggies shine. Plus, it keeps things light and refreshing, perfect for a post-workout boost or a sweltering summer day. So, embrace the H2O, my friend, and let your blended creations truly shine.

Avocado

Avocado in a green smoothie? Absolutely! This creamy, green powerhouse isn’t just for toast. Adding avocado transforms your average green smoothie into a nutritional superstar. Its healthy fats provide sustained energy and a satisfying richness that keeps you full longer, while also helping your body absorb all the vitamins from your leafy greens. Learn how to cut an avocado like a pro.

Banana

Bananas are the perfect partner for spinach in a smoothie. Their natural sweetness beautifully complements the sometimes earthy or slightly bitter notes of spinach, creating a balanced and delicious flavor profile. Beyond taste, bananas lend a creamy, smooth texture that transforms even the most fibrous spinach into a drinkable delight. This creamy consistency also helps to mask any lingering “green” taste that some find off-putting.

Mango

Mangoes contribute a luscious, creamy texture, transforming your smoothie into a velvety smooth treat. This creaminess helps to mask any lingering “green” taste, making it perfect for picky eaters or those new to green smoothies. Plus, mangoes are packed with vitamins C and A, boosting the nutritional profile of your drink and adding an extra dose of healthy goodness to your already vitamin-rich spinach. Check out this post to learn how to cut a mango.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Want to shake things up? This smoothie is super versatile! Swap the banana for mango or pear for a different sweetness profile, or try Greek yogurt (dairy or non-dairy) for added creaminess and a protein boost. If you’re not a fan of avocado, soaked cashews or even coconut cream can create a similar rich texture.

For the mango, consider using pineapple or peach for a tropical twist, or berries for a burst of antioxidants and a different flavor. Even the liquid base can be customized – try coconut water or cashew milk instead of plain water for added flavor and nutrients. The possibilities are endless!

Step by Step Instructions

Here are helpful step-by-step instructions for your avocado banana smoothie:

1. Prepare your ingredients: Wash your spinach thoroughly if it’s not prewashed. No need to chop it too finely, as the blender will take care of that. Halve your avocado and remove the pit. You can roughly chop it to make blending easier. Have your frozen mango chunks and half a banana ready.
2. Combine liquids and greens: Add the water to your blender first. This helps create a vortex and ensures the spinach blends smoothly. Then, add the spinach.
3. Blend the greens: Secure the lid on your blender and start blending. If you have a high-powered blender (like a Vitamix blender), blend on high until the spinach is completely liquified and no chunks remain. With a regular blender, you might need to stop and scrape down the sides a couple of times to ensure everything is blended. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the remaining ingredients: Add the avocado, frozen mango, and banana to the blender.
5. Blend until smooth: Secure the lid again and blend until everything is completely smooth and creamy. Since you’re using frozen mango, this might take a little longer in a regular blender. Again, stopping and scraping down the sides might be necessary.
6. Check the consistency: If your smoothie is too thick, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, and blend again until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add a few more pieces of frozen mango and blend.
7. Taste and adjust: Give your smoothie a taste. If you’d like it sweeter, you could add a little honey or maple syrup. If it needs a little zing, a squeeze of lime or lemon juice can be a great addition. Blend again briefly to incorporate any additions.
8. Serve immediately: Pour your smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately. Smoothies are best consumed fresh.

Tips for Boosting this Recipe

Feel free to experiment by adding other ingredients to this smoothie. Here’s a few I would suggest trying with this avocado banana smoothie recipe:

1. Chia seeds: A tablespoon or two adds a boost of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. They have a mild flavor and thicken the smoothie slightly.
2. Kale: Don’t be afraid to add more greens! Kale is a nutritional powerhouse with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and antioxidants.
3. Ginger: A small piece of fresh ginger adds a zesty kick and has anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Protein powder: add a plant-based protein powder to thicken your smoothie and make it extra creamy.