Strawberry, Banana, and Avocado Smoothie

Strawberry, Banana, and Avocado Smoothie

This smoothie is packed with healthy fats from the avocado, natural sweetness from the banana and strawberries, and a beautiful vibrant color. It’s a great option for a nutritious breakfast or a refreshing snack.

Yields: 1-2 servings (depending on desired thickness and glass size) Prep time: 5-7 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Smoothie:
  • 1 cup (about 6-8 large) fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled
  • 1 ripe banana, preferably frozen (for a thicker, colder smoothie)
  • 1/2 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
  • 3/4 to 1 cup (180-240ml) liquid of your choice (dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, coconut water, or even plain water)
  • 1-2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar (optional, adjust to your sweetness preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, enhances flavor)
  • A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice (optional, helps brighten flavors and prevent avocado browning)
  • A handful of ice cubes (if using fresh banana and strawberries, or if you prefer a colder, thicker smoothie)
• For Garnish (as seen in the preparation glass):
  • Sliced fresh strawberries
  • Sliced fresh banana
  • Diced fresh avocado

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   • If using fresh strawberries and banana, you might want to freeze them for at least 30 minutes to an hour beforehand for a colder, thicker smoothie. Otherwise, have some ice cubes ready.
   • Hull the strawberries.
   • Peel the banana and break it into a few pieces.
   • Pit and peel the avocado, then scoop out the flesh.
2. Combine in Blender: Add all the smoothie ingredients to your blender:
   • Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
   • Banana (fresh or frozen)
   • Avocado
   • Your chosen liquid (start with 3/4 cup and add more if needed)
   • Optional: Sweetener, vanilla extract, lime/lemon juice, ice cubes.
3. 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 necessary to ensure everything is incorporated.
4. Adjust Consistency and Sweetness:
   • If the smoothie is too thick, add more liquid (milk, water, or coconut water) a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
   • Taste the smoothie. If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener, and blend again briefly.
5. Pour and Garnish: Pour the finished smoothie into a tall glass. If you wish to replicate the presentation in the left glass of the image, you can layer slices of fresh banana, strawberries, and diced avocado in the glass before pouring the smoothie, or use them as a topping for the prepared smoothie.

Tips for Success:

• Use Frozen Fruit: Freezing the banana and/or strawberries beforehand is highly recommended. It eliminates the need for a lot of ice (which can dilute flavor) and results in a thicker, colder, and more satisfying smoothie.
• Ripe Avocado: Ensure your avocado is ripe but not overripe. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure. A ripe avocado will blend smoothly and contribute a creamy texture without a strong “avocado” taste.
• Adjust Liquid: The amount of liquid you add will determine the thickness of your smoothie. Start with less and add more as needed.
• Natural Sweetness: Ripe bananas and sweet strawberries provide a lot of natural sweetness. Taste before adding extra sweeteners.
• Storage: This smoothie is best enjoyed immediately. Avocado can oxidize and brown over time, so if you must store it, do so in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than a few hours, and add a good squeeze of lime or lemon juice to help prevent browning.

Enjoy your delicious and incredibly nourishing smoothie!