Avocado Smoothie – Eating Bird Food

Made with frozen avocado, spinach, dates and protein powder this avocado smoothie is thick, creamy and packed with protein. It’s the perfect healthy breakfast or post-workout snack. Vegan + dairy-free.

When it comes to smoothie ingredients, avocados may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But let me tell you, avocados are a such a great smoothie addition.

Not only do avocados add a variety of nutritional benefits, but they also add a creaminess that makes smoothies feel more like a luxurious milkshake. Trust me, once you try this avocado smoothie, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Smoothie

• This smoothie is made with only 5 simple ingredients And no frozen banana needed!
• It has a delicious creamy texture that tastes like a milkshake.
• Loaded with healthy fats and plenty of vitamins and minerals.
• Can be enjoyed as a meal replacement for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or as a mid-day pick-me-up.

Avocado Nutrition

Avocados are a nutrition powerhouse. They are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats which are good for heart health and can help lower bad cholesterol levels. They are also packed with fiber, aiding in digestion and helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Additionally, avocados contain a wealth of vitamins and minerals including potassium, vitamin K, vitamin E, and vitamin C. But that’s not all – avocados also have high levels of antioxidants, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin, which are incredibly important for eye health.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• unsweetened almond milk – this acts as a liquid base for your smoothie, helping to blend the other ingredients together. I prefer to use almond milk, but feel free to use your favorite dairy-free milk. Soy milk, cashew milk, oat milk and coconut milk are all great options. I would just recommend using unsweetened milk so you can control the sweetness of this smoothie.
• avocado – the star of this smoothie! Avocado provides a thick and creamy texture while also supplying a good dose of healthy fats and fiber. I used frozen avocado chunks to make this smoothie colder, but if you don’t have frozen avocado on hand you can use fresh avocado. You’ll probably just want to add more ice, depending on how cold you like your smoothie.
• vanilla protein powder – the main source of protein and what gives this smoothie its milkshake-like flavor. I personally love Nuzest protein powder. It’s plant-based, has minimal ingredients and tastes delicious. (Use code eatingbirdfood for 15% off your order). That said, feel free to use your favorite brand of protein powder.
• medjool dates – a natural sweetener that adds a hint of caramel flavor to this smoothie. Medjool dates also high in fiber, which aids digestion. If you don’t have medjool dates on hand you can use another sweetener like maple syrup, honey or stevia.
• spinach – what gives this smoothie its deep green color. Adding a handful of spinach to your smoothie is a great way to get some extra nutrients in your diet. Plus, its flavor is mild enough that it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. If you don’t have spinach on hand you can use kale or another leafy green of choice.
• ice cubes – if you’re using fresh avocado or if you prefer your smoothie extra chilled, you may want to add a few ice cubes. They’ll help to make your smoothie cold without watering it down.

How to Make

This avocado smoothie recipe is super easy to whip up! Place all the ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.

Taste and add more liquid or ice cubes if needed and blend again.

Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy!

Avocado Smoothie Variations

• Chocolate avocado smoothie – use chocolate protein powder or add a scoop of cocoa powder for some chocolatey goodness.
• Banana avocado – add a frozen banana to the mix for an extra creamy and thick smoothie. If you do add banana you might not want the medjool dates, as the banana will add sweetness.
• Tropical blend – turn this into a tropical avocado smoothie by using coconut milk as the liquid and adding frozen mango or pineapple to this smoothie.
• Add superfoods – consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds, flax seeds or hemp seeds for added fiber and nutrients. You could also add a teaspoon of spirulina or matcha powder for a superfood boost.
• Add more veggies – want to amp up the nutrition in this smoothie? Add a handful of frozen cauliflower or zucchini instead of the ice. Both of these veggies will add nutrients and help make the smoothie colder without adding a ton of flavor.
• Swap the protein powder – if you don’t have protein powder or just aren’t a fan you can add protein in another way. Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and/or nut butter are all great protein sources.

Tips For Success

• Make sure your avocado is ripe. A ripe avocado blends better and provides a creamy texture.
• Add ice cubes if using a fresh avocado. This helps to give your smoothie a colder, thicker consistency.
• Add the liquid first. When adding ingredients to your blender, always add the liquid first. This will help the other ingredients blend more easily.
• Adjust sweetness to your liking. Feel free to add more or less dates depending on how sweet you like your smoothies.
• Enjoy immediately. This smoothie is best enjoyed right after blending to ensure optimal flavor and texture.

More Healthy Smoothie Recipes

Be sure to check out all of the smoothie recipes as well as the full collection of drink recipes on EBF!