Creamy Avocado Banana Green Smoothie: Your 5-Minute Plant-Based Power Drink
A plant-based blend that delivers lasting energy and keeps midday cravings at bay.
Creamy Avocado Banana Green Smoothie
If you crave a creamy, nutritious, and energizing drink to start your day or power through an afternoon slump, this avocado banana green smoothie is your new go-to recipe. Inspired by Minimalist Baker, this smoothie comes together quickly with only a handful of plant-based ingredients, filling you up with fiber, healthy fats, and protein while delivering a refreshing taste and vibrant green hue.
Why You’ll Love This Smoothie
- Quick & Easy: 5 ingredients, 1 blender, and 5 minutes—your healthy smoothie is ready in no time.
- Creamy & Satisfying: The combination of frozen banana and ripe avocado creates an irresistibly smooth texture.
- Nutritious: Packed with leafy greens, healthy fats, and protein for lasting energy and satiety.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins, protein powders, or adaptogens.
- Plant-Based: 100% vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with fruit.
Ingredients
This smoothie is all about simplicity and nutrient-dense ingredients. Choose high-quality produce for best results.
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1 large frozen banana | Ripe, peeled, and sliced; frozen for ultra-creamy texture |
| 1/4 – 1/2 medium ripe avocado | More avocado yields a creamier, thicker smoothie |
| 1 scoop protein powder | Plain or vanilla; see below for protein powder tips |
| 1 large handful leafy greens | Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard; frozen or fresh |
| 3/4 – 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk | Almond milk is classic, but oat, soy, or coconut work too |
Optional Add-Ins
- Seeds: Hemp, chia, flax, sunflower, or sesame for extra fiber and healthy fats
- Adaptogens: Try maca or ashwagandha for a wellness boost
- Extra fruit/veg: Sliced cucumber or berries (fresh or frozen)
- Spices & Flavors: A splash of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon works wonderfully
Nutrition Highlights
This smoothie is an excellent source of natural energy and plant-based nutrients:
- Calories: ~200 per serving (without add-ins)
- Protein: ~16g (with protein powder)
- Fiber: ~5g
- Healthy Fats: From avocado, seeds, and non-dairy milk
- No Cholesterol or Trans Fats: Ideal for heart-healthy diets
Full nutrition facts will depend on the specific products and quantities you use.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this smoothie is as easy as it gets—follow these simple steps for the perfect result every time:
- Add Base Ingredients: Place the frozen banana, avocado, protein powder, leafy greens, and non-dairy milk into a high-speed blender.
- Add Optional Boosts: Sprinkle in your chosen add-ins, such as seeds, adaptogens, or extra fruits and veggies.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed until perfectly creamy, scraping down sides as needed. Pause to check the consistency.
- Adjust Consistency: If too thick, splash in a bit more non-dairy milk. If too thin, add more frozen banana or avocado.
- Taste & Modify: Want more sweetness? Add extra banana or a touch of vanilla protein. For more greens or a deeper color, toss in extra greens.
- Serve: Pour into glasses and enjoy fresh. This smoothie also keeps in the refrigerator (up to 24 hours) or freezer (up to 2 weeks).
Tips for the Perfect Smoothie
- Freeze Your Fruit: Always use frozen banana for a thick, creamy base—slice and freeze ripe bananas in advance.
- Choose Your Greens: Baby spinach is mild and blends effortlessly, while kale and chard offer more earthy notes.
- Protein Powders: Both plant-based and dairy-based work. Vanilla adds natural sweetness, while plain keeps the flavor more neutral.
- Milk Alternatives: Almond, oat, and soy milk all work. Choose unsweetened for best control of sweetness.
- Consistent Texture: If you prefer extra thickness, use slightly less milk and more avocado or frozen banana. For a thinner drink, simply add more milk.
Substitutions & Variations
- No Banana? Use frozen mango or pineapple for sweetness and creaminess (the flavor profile will shift slightly).
- No Avocado? Silken tofu, a scoop of nut butter, or frozen zucchini can mimic avocado’s creamy texture.
- Low-Carb: Use less banana and add low-sugar berries or extra greens.
- Nut-Free: Choose a nut-free milk like oat or rice and skip nut butters.
- Extra Protein: Double the protein powder or add a tablespoon of seeds.
Benefits of Avocado and Greens in Smoothies
The magic of this smoothie is the smart use of avocado and greens:
- Avocado: Packs in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium for sustained fullness and energy.
- Banana: A natural sweetener and great source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium.
- Leafy Greens: Deliver vitamins A, C, and K, and support detoxification and immune health.
- Protein Powder: Adds satiety and muscle-repairing amino acids (choose a clean, high-quality powder).
Serving Suggestions & Storage
- Best Fresh: This smoothie is creamiest immediately after blending.
- On-the-Go: Pour into a portable jar or insulated cup for a ready-made breakfast, snack, or post-workout refuel.
- Meal Prep: Freeze individual smoothie portions in jars and thaw overnight in the refrigerator for easy mornings.
- Storage Times:
- Refrigerator: Up to 24 hours
- Freezer: Up to 2 weeks
How to Add More Greens to Your Diet (and Love It!)
Green smoothies are a simple, delicious way to boost your daily vegetable intake—with benefits such as improved digestion, increased energy, and enhanced immunity.
- Sneak in Veggies: The sweetness of banana and the creaminess of avocado make even robust greens taste mild.
- Experiment with Blends: Mix spinach (mild), kale (slightly peppery), or chard to discover your preference.
- Try Green Smoothie Bowls: Pour the smoothie into a bowl and top with granola, sliced fruit, coconut, or seeds for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does avocado add to a smoothie?
Avocado makes smoothies incredibly creamy, adds healthy fats that keep you full, and provides a silky richness without overpowering the flavor.
Can I prepare this smoothie ahead of time?
Yes—store in the refrigerator up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 2 weeks. Blend again after thawing for the best texture.
Do I need to use protein powder?
No, but adding protein powder increases satiety and turns your smoothie into a more complete meal or post-workout snack. If omitting, consider adding 2–3 tablespoons of hemp hearts or chia seeds for extra plant-based protein.
Will the smoothie taste “green”?
With spinach, the flavor is subtle and easily masked. Kale or chard create a more pronounced grassy taste but are balanced by the banana and avocado.
How can I make my smoothie sweeter?
Use a riper banana, add a splash of vanilla extract, or blend in a soft Medjool date. Vanilla-flavored protein powders also add sweetness.
Are green smoothies healthy every day?
Absolutely—when balanced with healthy fats, proteins, and a variety of fruits or vegetables, green smoothies provide a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Nutritional Facts Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Cholesterol | 0 |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Protein | 16g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 115mg |
Values are approximate; actual nutrition will vary based on brands and any optional add-ins.
Share Your Smoothie!
Tried this recipe? Share your result on social and tag @minimalistbaker to show off your green smoothie creations. Your feedback helps refine and perfect these healthy treats for the entire community.
Related Green Smoothie Ideas
- Peach Spinach Smoothie: Swap banana for frozen peaches and add a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Berry-Kale Smoothie: Use frozen mixed berries and kale for a tangy, antioxidant-rich option.
- Green Smoothie Bowls: Blend your favorite greens, banana, and coconut milk, then top with seeds, fruit, and coconut flakes.
Final Tips for Smoothie Success
- Prep smoothie packs with measured ingredients for busy mornings—just dump, blend, and go.
- Use high-speed blenders for the smoothest texture, especially when using tougher greens like kale.
- Balance your smoothie with carbs (banana), fats (avocado), protein (powder/seeds), and greens for all-around nutrition.
- Adjust flavors to suit your taste—make it sweeter, tangier, thicker, or thinner as you prefer.
References
- https://minimalistbaker.com/creamy-avocado-banana-green-smoothie/
- https://lesliebeck.com/recipes/creamy-avocado-banana-green-smoothie
- https://www.scribd.com/document/558161736/Avocado-Banana-Green-Smoothie-Minimalist-Baker-Recipes
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E86ZYfkJfIA
- https://minimalistbaker.com/easy-green-smoothie-recipes/
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