Avocado Smoothie

Name: Avocado Smoothie
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups oat milk; 1 tablespoon honey; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons chia seeds; 1 cup kale; 1 avocado ((peeled and pitted)); ½ frozen banana ((sliced))

JUMP TO RECIPE

Naturally sweetened with honey and banana, this avocado smoothie is a creamy treat. See how to make it in just 5 minutes at home.

Recipe Highlights

An avocado smoothie is cold pureed drink made in a blender. It takes just 5 minutes to prepare at home.
The creamy texture of this smoothie comes from oat milk, ripe avocado, and frozen banana.
This healthy drink is naturally green thanks to kale and avocado.
Packed with good fats and fiber, avocado smoothies are extremely filling. Enjoy one for breakfast or in between meals.

RELATED: Avocado Smoothie Bowl

6 Avocado Smoothie Benefits

1. Reduces High Cholesterol

High cholesterol can lead to heart disease but the ingredients in this avocado smoothie might help reduce the risk.

Avocado and chia seeds are sources of omega-3 fats. This type of fat has a cholesterol-lowering effect. The fiber in bananas can also reduce cholesterol. It works by removing extra cholesterol from the body.

2. Contains Antioxidants

Avocado, banana, chia seeds, and kale are full of antioxidants. Even the honey contains antioxidant compounds too. Antioxidants lower the risk of disease by protecting cells from damage.

3. Decreases Inflammation

The omega-3 fats in avocado and chia seeds are anti-inflammatory. This means they reduce inflammation in the body. High levels of inflammation can cause chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cancer. So it’s important to eat plenty of anti-inflammatory foods.

4. Helps Brain Function

Kale provides lutein, vitamin K, and folate. According to research, these nutrients can protect the brain as you get older.

5. Supports Good Digestion

Fiber is needed to promote regular bowel movements. A low intake of fiber can lead to digestive issues. This smoothie is a good source of fiber due to the avocado and banana.

6. Increases Fullness

The body digests fiber slowly, which keeps you full for a long time. Since this drink is high in fiber, it’s a great option for staying satisfied.

RELATED: 12 Benefits of Eating Banana

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients for avocado smoothie on a gray table.

Oat milk: Oat milk tastes great in banana-based smoothies. You can also use dairy milk, almond milk, or your favorite plant-based option.
Honey: Since avocado has a mild flavor, it’s a good idea to use a sweetener like honey. It will add depth of flavor to the drink.
Vanilla extract: To keep the smoothie healthy, use pure vanilla extract. It pairs well with oat milk, avocado, and banana.
Chia seeds: Chia seeds add thickness, healthy fats, and nuttiness to smoothies.
Avocado: Be sure to use ripe avocado for the best flavor and texture. Ripe avocados have dark green skin and firm texture with some give when you press it. Don’t use underripe avocados, as they’re too hard to cut and add to smoothies. Also, avoid overripe avocados, which are too mushy and brown.
Kale: The easiest option is to use baby kale. You can simply toss it in the blender. If you want to use regular kale, always cut away the hard stems first.
Frozen banana: Frozen banana will create a cold and thick consistency. Its natural sweetness also tastes great with avocado.

For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Variations

Nut butters: For a stronger nutty flavor, add 1 tablespoon of nut butter. Try cashew butter, peanut butter, or almond butter. If you want a nut-free option, choose sunflower seed butter.

Protein powder: To make this smoothie even more filling, add protein powder. Both unflavored and vanilla versions will taste good in this recipe. Protein powder will help your body build muscle and recover after exercise. Another option is powdered collagen. This type of protein supports skin and joint health.

Green powders: Green powders, including spirulina and wheatgrass, will add extra vitamins and antioxidants to this recipe. You’ll need about 1 tablespoon per smoothie. Be sure to check the packaging for the best amount.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Honey and vanilla being added to a blender with milk.

Step 1: Pour oat milk into the blender. Add honey and vanilla extract.

The liquid ingredient should be added first.

Banana, avocado, kale, chia seeds, honey, vanilla, and oat milk in a blender.

Step 2: Add chia seeds, kale, avocado, and frozen banana.

Step 3: Blend until smooth. Start on a low speed, then increase to high.

Step 4: Pour smoothie into a cup. Serve immediately.

My Splurge Blender Pick

Photo Credit: amazon.com

A high-end blender that comes with a "smoothie" button.

BUY ON AMAZON

Blender Tips

Add ingredients in the right order.

One of the easiest ways to make a good smoothie is to load ingredients correctly.

Always start with liquids and any liquid add-ins, like syrups or extracts. Follow with powders and seeds, leafy greens, and fresh fruits. Finish with heavy ingredients, like frozen fruit and ice.

Use a tamper as you blend.

A common smoothie mistake is not using a blender tamper. This is a tool that lets you push ingredients as the blades move, ensuring a smooth blend.

Slowly increase the speed.

Don’t start blending on high too soon. Begin on low speed, then quickly increase to high for the listed time. This will protect your blender’s motor and blades.

Expert Tips

Smoothies with avocado are very thick and creamy. If you want a thinner texture, add a splash of oat milk and blend for 10 seconds.
Before freezing bananas, slice them into coins or chunks first. You can cut them into chunks if you have a high-powered blender.
Ripe bananas are the best choice for smoothies. Look for bananas with a yellow skin with some brown spots.
Skip the honey for a less sweet smoothie.
Drink your smoothie as soon as you make it. If you store leftovers, the ingredients will likely separate and turn brown from the avocado. Be sure to keep it in an airtight jar and enjoy within 1 or 2 days.

Questions You May Have

What fruits go well with avocado?

The mild flavor of avocado makes it a great pairing for many fruits. Some of the best choices include banana, pineapples, and berries.

What do avocados do in smoothies?

Avocados make smoothies very thick and creamy. If your smoothie is too thick, add a bit of liquid and blend for 10 seconds.

Why is my avocado smoothie bitter?

Unripe avocado has a bitter flavor. Make sure to use ripe avocados, which are dark green and have some give when you gently press it.

Why did my avocado smoothie turn brown?

Avocado turns brown when it’s exposed to oxygen. This is a natural reaction. It’s safe to drink a browned avocado smoothie, but the taste and texture might be off.

If you tried this Avocado Smoothie recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and let me know how you like it in the comments below.