Ingredients
Scale
This recipe relies on simple, whole-food ingredients to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in making this smoothie not just delicious, but also deeply nourishing.
- 1 cup Mixed Berries, frozen: A vibrant blend of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Using frozen berries is key; it chills the smoothie and creates a thick, milkshake-like consistency without watering it down with ice.
- ½ large ripe Avocado: This is the secret to an unbelievably creamy texture. A ripe avocado adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which provide lasting energy and a rich, smooth mouthfeel.
- 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (or liquid of choice): This acts as the liquid base, allowing the ingredients to blend smoothly. Unsweetened almond milk keeps it light and dairy-free, but you can easily substitute with oat milk, coconut water, or regular dairy milk.
- 1 large handful of fresh Spinach: A fantastic way to add a powerhouse of nutrients without affecting the taste. The strong berry flavor completely masks the spinach, making it an invisible boost of vitamins and minerals.
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are nutritional giants. They add a boost of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, and also help to thicken the smoothie further as they absorb liquid.
- 1–2 teaspoons Honey or Maple Syrup (optional): For those who prefer a sweeter smoothie. The ripeness of your berries will determine how much, if any, you need. A ripe banana can also be used as a natural sweetener.
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional): A small amount of vanilla extract can elevate the flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic depth that complements the berries and creaminess of the avocado.
Instructions
Creating this smoothie is a straightforward process. For the best results and the creamiest texture, the order in which you add ingredients to your blender matters. This method, known as “layering,” helps the blender work more efficiently and prevents the blades from getting stuck.
- Prepare the Base: Pour the 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk (or your chosen liquid) into the blender first. Adding the liquid at the bottom helps the blades move freely and creates a vortex that will pull the solid ingredients down.
- Add the Greens and Seeds: Next, add the large handful of fresh spinach and the 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. Placing softer ingredients and seeds on top of the liquid ensures they get blended thoroughly from the start.
- Incorporate the Creamy Element: Halve your ripe avocado, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh directly into the blender. The avocado’s soft texture will blend easily with the liquid and greens.
- Top with Frozen Fruit: Finally, add the 1 cup of frozen mixed berries. Placing the heaviest, frozen ingredients on top helps to weigh everything down, ensuring a smooth, consistent blend without air pockets. If you are using an optional sweetener like honey or a flavor enhancer like vanilla, add them now.
- Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender. Start on a low speed to get things moving, then gradually increase to high speed. Blend for 60-90 seconds, or until the smoothie is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible specks of spinach or berry chunks. If the smoothie is too thick for your liking, you can add another splash of almond milk and blend for a few more seconds.
- Taste and Serve: Pour the smoothie into a tall glass and enjoy immediately. If you made a larger batch, you can store the remainder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 15g