Pistachio Banana Avocado Smoothie

Pistachio Banana Avocado Smoothie

This recipe creates a smooth, slightly nutty, and incredibly satisfying smoothie.

Yields: 1 large smoothie Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, frozen
• ½ ripe avocado
• ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, pistachio milk would enhance the flavor!)
• ¼ cup plain or vanilla yogurt (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 tablespoons shelled pistachios, plus more for topping
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• A pinch of ground cardamom (optional, enhances the pistachio flavor)
• Ice cubes (optional, if you prefer a colder, thicker smoothie)

For Topping (as seen in the image):

• Chopped pistachios
• A slice of fresh banana

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a blender, combine the frozen banana, avocado, milk, yogurt, pistachios, honey or maple syrup (if using), and cardamom (if using).
2. Blend Until Smooth: Blend all the ingredients until the smoothie is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a few times to ensure everything is well incorporated.
3. Adjust Consistency: If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If you’re not using a frozen banana and prefer a colder smoothie, add a few ice cubes and blend again.
4. Pour and Garnish: Pour the smoothie into a glass. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top and garnish with a slice of fresh banana.
5. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious and nutritious pistachio banana avocado smoothie right away!

Tips and Variations:

• Pistachio Flavor Boost: For a more intense pistachio flavor, you can use pistachio milk or add a few drops of pistachio extract (use sparingly as it can be strong).
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your liking. You can also use other sweeteners like dates or agave nectar.
• Nut Butter: For extra creaminess and protein, you can add a tablespoon of pistachio butter or almond butter.
• Greens: Sneak in some spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost. The avocado and banana will help mask the green color and flavor.
• Spice it Up: A tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can also complement the flavors.

Enjoy