Avocado Smoothie Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium banana, peeled and frozen</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml milk (or plant-based alternative)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">8-10 ice cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Mint leaves for garnish (optional)</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">High-powered blender</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rubber spatula</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Select a perfectly ripe avocado – it should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be too soft. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into your blender. Adding a tablespoon of lemon juice immediately will prevent any browning and add a subtle brightness to your smoothie.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the frozen banana chunks to your blender. Using frozen banana creates a thicker, creamier texture without diluting flavors as additional ice might. The natural sweetness of banana complements the subtle flavor of avocado perfectly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Pour in the milk and add the Greek yogurt. These dairy components provide protein and create a silky-smooth consistency. The yogurt adds a pleasant tanginess that balances the richness of the avocado. Make sure these ingredients are cold for the best texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Drizzle in the honey and add the vanilla extract. The honey's floral sweetness enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them. The vanilla adds complexity and warmth to what would otherwise be a purely fresh-tasting smoothie.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Add the ice cubes and blend everything on high speed for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth. Use your spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed. You're looking for a texture that's thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Perform the quick texture test: dip a spoon into your smoothie – it should be velvety with no detectable pieces of avocado or banana. If it's too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, add a few more ice cubes and blend again briefly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Pour immediately into chilled glasses. Sprinkle with chia seeds if using – they add a wonderful textural contrast and extra nutrition. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation and refreshing aroma that complements the smoothie's flavor profile.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve your avocado smoothie right away for optimal texture and flavor. If you need to make it ahead, store in an airtight container filling it to the top (to prevent oxidation) in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours, giving it a quick blend or vigorous stir before serving.</li></ol>