Layered Pistachio and Banana Smoothie

Layered Pistachio and Banana Smoothie

This recipe aims for three distinct layers: a creamy white base, a green “pistachio” layer, and a banana layer, topped with fresh fruit and seeds.

Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Creamy White Base Layer:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt alternative like coconut or almond)
• 1/4 cup milk (dairy, almond, or cashew milk)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A few black chia seeds or poppy seeds for speckling (optional, for visual appeal as in your image)

For the Green “Pistachio” Layer:

• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios (unsalted preferred)
• 1/2 large ripe avocado (about 1/2 cup sliced) – This gives the creamy texture and green color seen in your image
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy, almond, or cashew milk)
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
• A tiny pinch of spirulina or a few spinach leaves (optional, to enhance green color if desired)
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (enhances “pistachio” flavor)

For the Banana Layer:

• 1 large ripe banana, preferably frozen in slices (this makes it thicker)
• 1/4 cup milk (dairy, almond, or cashew milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste, if banana isn’t sweet enough)

For Garnishing:

• Sliced ripe banana
• Chia seeds (black, or white for contrast)
• Additional avocado slices (for the bottom layer visual, as in your image)
• A few whole pistachios (optional)

Equipment:

• Blender
• 2 tall glasses

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Creamy White Base Layer: * In your blender, combine the yogurt, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup/honey, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy. * If using, stir in a few black chia seeds or poppy seeds for speckling. * Divide this mixture evenly between the two tall glasses. * Optional: Carefully place a few slices of fresh avocado (as seen in your image) around the inside edge of the glass, on top of the white layer. This adds to the visual appeal.

2. Prepare the Green “Pistachio” Layer: * Rinse your blender. * Add the shelled pistachios, avocado, 1/2 cup milk, 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup/honey, and almond extract. If using, add spirulina or spinach. * Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides a few times to ensure the pistachios are fully blended. * Carefully spoon or pour this green mixture on top of the white layer in each glass. If it’s too thick to pour smoothly, add another tablespoon or two of milk and blend again.

3. Prepare the Banana Layer: * Rinse your blender again. * Add the frozen banana slices, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup/honey (if using). * Blend until smooth and thick. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, one tablespoon at a time. * Carefully spoon or pour this banana mixture on top of the green layer in each glass.

4. Garnish and Serve: * Top each smoothie with fresh banana slices and a generous sprinkle of chia seeds. You can also add a few whole pistachios. * Serve immediately and enjoy your beautiful and delicious layered Pistachio and Banana Smoothie!

Tips for Success:

• For distinct layers: Make sure each layer is thick enough. If a layer is too thin, it will mix with the layer below it. Using frozen banana for the top layer helps significantly.
• Clean blender between layers: This helps maintain the distinct colors and prevents mixing.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste each layer before assembling and adjust the maple syrup or honey to your preference.
• Nut Allergies: If you have nut allergies, you can substitute the pistachios with pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds for a similar texture, though the flavor will be different. For the “pistachio” flavor, you might need to rely more on almond extract.
• Make it Vegan: Ensure you use plant-based yogurt and milk.

Enjoy your homemade Pistachio Smoothie!