why make this recipe
The Strawberry Avocado Power Smoothie is a delicious and nutritious drink that packs a punch. It’s perfect for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a quick meal on the go. This smoothie combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creaminess of avocado, creating a satisfying treat that is also filled with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Plus, it’s very easy to make!
how to make Strawberry Avocado Power Smoothie
Ingredients:
- Strawberries: 2 cups, frozen. Using frozen strawberries is key to achieving a thick, cold, and creamy smoothie without needing to add ice, which can water down the flavor.
- Avocado: 1 small ripe avocado (or ½ of a large one), peeled and pitted. This is our secret weapon for creaminess and healthy fats.
- Spinach or Kale: 1 large handful (about 1 cup, loosely packed). You won’t taste it, but it adds a significant boost of vitamins and minerals.
- Greek Yogurt: ½ cup, plain. Choose full-fat for extra creaminess and satiety, or non-fat for a lower-calorie option. This adds a protein punch and a slight tang. For a vegan option, use a dairy-free yogurt like coconut or almond.
- Milk: 1 to 1 ½ cups. You can use any milk you prefer: dairy milk (whole, 2%, skim), almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Start with 1 cup and add more until you reach your desired consistency.
- Protein Powder (Optional): 1 scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder (whey, casein, or plant-based) for an extra protein boost, perfect for a post-workout recovery shake.
- Chia Seeds or Flaxseed Meal (Optional): 1 tablespoon. These add a boost of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and help to thicken the smoothie.
- Natural Sweetener (Optional): 1-2 teaspoons of honey, maple syrup, or 1-2 pitted Medjool dates, if your strawberries aren’t very sweet. Taste the smoothie first before adding.
Directions:
- Pour 1 cup of your chosen milk into the blender. Adding liquids first helps the blades spin freely and prevents the solid ingredients from getting stuck at the bottom.
- Next, add the handful of spinach or kale. If you’re using protein powder, chia seeds, or flaxseed meal, add them now. Placing them near the liquid helps them incorporate fully without clumping.
- Add the ½ cup of Greek yogurt and the peeled, pitted avocado.
- Finally, add the 2 cups of frozen strawberries. Placing the heaviest, frozen ingredients on top helps weigh everything down and ensures a smooth, vortex-like blending action.
- Secure the lid on your blender. Start on a low speed for about 10-15 seconds to begin breaking down the ingredients. Then, gradually increase the speed to high and blend for 45-60 seconds, or until the smoothie is completely smooth, creamy, and free of any chunks or specks of green. If the smoothie is too thick for your liking, add the remaining ½ cup of milk and blend for another 10 seconds.
- Pour a small amount into a glass and taste it. If it’s not sweet enough for your preference, add your optional sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or dates) and blend for another 10 seconds to incorporate.
- Pour the smoothie into two large glasses and enjoy right away for the best taste and texture.
how to serve Strawberry Avocado Power Smoothie
Serve the smoothie immediately in large glasses. For a fun touch, you can garnish with a slice of strawberry or a sprinkle of chia seeds on top. This makes it look appealing and adds a little extra nutritional benefit.
how to store Strawberry Avocado Power Smoothie
If you have leftover smoothie, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, the smoothie is best when fresh, as the texture can change when stored.
tips to make Strawberry Avocado Power Smoothie
- Use very ripe avocados for the best creaminess.
- Blend longer if you want a super smooth texture — the longer you blend, the creamier it gets!
- Experiment with different greens like kale or spinach to find what you like best.
variation
You can swap strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries. You can also add a banana for even more creaminess and sweetness.
FAQs
Can I make this smoothie vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt and your choice of plant-based milk.
Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and blend them in the morning for convenience.
What if I don’t have frozen strawberries?
You can use fresh strawberries and add ice to achieve the same thickness, but keep in mind that this can dilute the flavor slightly.