Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups frozen blueberries
- ½ medium ripe avocado (about ¼ cup mashed)
- ½ medium ripe banana (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup milk of choice (almond, oat, coconut, or dairy milk)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 3-4 ice cubes (optional, only if using fresh blueberries)
- Pinch of sea salt (enhances sweetness)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup fresh spinach (for extra nutrients)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (for protein boost)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed
Instructions
- Prepare Your Avocado – Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. You need about ¼ cup (half a medium avocado). Make sure it’s ripe but not overly soft or brown. A perfectly ripe avocado should yield to gentle pressure but still feel somewhat firm.
- Prepare Other Ingredients – Peel the banana and break it into chunks. Measure out your frozen blueberries. Having everything ready makes blending quick and easy.
- Add Liquids First – Pour your chosen milk into the blender first. This is important – liquid at the bottom helps the blender blades move freely and prevents the motor from straining.
- Layer Remaining Ingredients – Add the avocado chunks, banana pieces, frozen blueberries, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. If you’re adding spinach, yogurt, or other optional ingredients, add them now. Add ice cubes last if using fresh berries instead of frozen.
- Blend on Low, Then High – Secure the lid and start blending on low speed for about 10 seconds to break down the larger pieces, then gradually increase to high speed. Blend for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth, creamy, and uniformly purple with no avocado chunks or blueberry bits remaining.
- Scrape Down Sides if Needed – If you see ingredients stuck to the sides of the blender, stop and scrape them down with a spatula, then blend for another 15-20 seconds.
- Check Consistency – Your smoothie should be thick and creamy but still pourable – think milkshake consistency. If it’s too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons more milk and pulse briefly. If it’s too thin, add a few more frozen blueberries or ice cubes and blend again.
- Taste and Adjust – Give it a taste test! If it needs more sweetness, add honey or maple syrup 1 teaspoon at a time and blend briefly. If it’s too sweet, add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
- Serve Immediately – Pour into tall glasses and enjoy right away while it’s perfectly cold and creamy. Garnish with fresh blueberries, a few avocado slices, or a sprinkle of chia seeds if you’re feeling fancy!
Notes
- Avocado Ripeness: This is crucial! An unripe avocado won’t blend smoothly and will taste chalky. An overripe avocado may have brown spots that affect flavor. Look for one that yields to gentle pressure.
- Frozen vs. Fresh Berries: Frozen blueberries create the best thick, frosty texture. If using fresh, definitely add ice cubes and expect a slightly less thick result.
- Sweetness Level: The sweetness varies based on your blueberries and banana ripeness. Very sweet berries may need no added sweetener at all. Taste before sweetening!
- Color Note: The smoothie will be a beautiful deep purple. If you add spinach, it may turn more blue-purple, which is still gorgeous!
- Make it a Meal: Add protein powder and/or nut butter to make this substantial enough for a complete breakfast replacement.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie (approximately 12 oz)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg