Avocado Banana Smoothie with Almond Topping

Avocado Banana Smoothie with Almond Topping

This smoothie is creamy, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of avocado and banana provides a rich texture and natural sweetness, while the almonds add a delightful crunch and extra nutrients.

Yields: 1 serving Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
• 1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk) – adjust for desired consistency
• 1-2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener (optional, depending on ripeness of fruit and sweetness preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
• A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom (optional, for warmth)
• Ice cubes (optional, for a colder and thicker smoothie)
• 2 tablespoons chopped almonds or slivered almonds, for topping

Equipment:

• Blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving glass or cup

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruit: Ensure your avocado and banana are ripe. Ripe avocados will be slightly soft to the touch, and ripe bananas will have some brown spots.
2. Combine in Blender: Add the peeled and pitted avocado and sliced banana into your blender.
3. Add Liquids and Sweetener: Pour in 1/2 cup of your chosen milk. If you’re using a sweetener, add 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup now. If using vanilla extract or spices, add them as well.
4. Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula if needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
5. Adjust Consistency and Sweetness:
   • If the smoothie is too thick, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.
   • Taste the smoothie. If it’s not sweet enough for your liking, add another tablespoon of sweetener and blend briefly to combine.
   • If you prefer a colder or thicker smoothie, add a few ice cubes and blend until smooth.
6. Pour and Garnish: Pour the prepared avocado banana smoothie into your serving glass or cup.
7. Add Topping: Sprinkle the chopped or slivered almonds generously over the top of the smoothie.
8. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious and nutritious avocado banana smoothie right away!

Tips and Variations:

• Make it Colder: Freeze your banana slices before blending for an extra cold and thick smoothie without diluting the flavor with too much ice.
• Add Protein: Boost the protein content by adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder (vanilla or unflavored work well).
• Boost Nutrients:
  • Add a handful of spinach or kale for an extra dose of greens (the avocado and banana will mask the flavor).
  • Include 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds or flax seeds for added fiber and omega-3s.
• Different Toppings: Instead of or in addition to almonds, try other nuts like walnuts or cashews, shredded coconut, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of granola.
• Spices: Experiment with a tiny pinch of nutmeg or ginger for different flavor profiles.
• For a Dessert Smoothie: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate avocado banana smoothie.