Deliciously creamy Avocado Banana Smoothie recipe made with healthy ingredients that can be served for breakfast or snack and are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly.
Even though you are not a smoothie person, you’re bound to love this nutritionally rich avocado and banana smoothie that is both silky and delicious and takes five minutes to make. My toddler daughter Dhwani also loves this drink.
I remember drinking this avocado smoothie, also known as Butternut Fruit, in India while working in the Cognizant cafeteria post-lunch. It is also known as an avocado banana milkshake.
Avocados are loaded with mono-saturated fatty acids, suitable for a healthy heart. Besides, avocados are rich in potassium, fiber, antioxidants, and many vitamins like B, K, C, and E
I love avocados, and this green drink is becoming our staple breakfast smoothie. I also sometimes add chia seeds or flaxseed meal while blending for a nutritional boost.
Why I Love this Avocado Banana Smoothie Recipe
Ready in under 5 minutes.
Full of vitamins and minerals
No refined sugar
Keeps you full
Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Soy-free, Vegan, and Vegetarian
Ingredients for Avocado Smoothie
You need very few ingredients to make this healthy avocado breakfast smoothie.
Avocado: should be very ripe to get a smooth and velvety texture. Fresh or frozen, both work.
Banana: It adds sweetness and makes this smoothie even creamier. Fresh or frozen, both work.
Milk: I’ve used almond milk in this smoothie, but you can use dairy, soy, oat, or any other type of milk. You can also use yogurt in place of milk.
Sweetener: add a sweetener of your choice, like maple syrup, honey, agave, or dates. It’s optional.
Toppings: I’ve used pistachios, you can top it with any nuts of your choice.
How to Make Avocado Banana Smoothie
Firstly, add all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. You can also use a high-speed blender like Vitamix Blender, as it blends a super smooth and creamy smoothie in a few seconds.
Garnish with pistachios and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this nutrient-dense smoothie as a snack or a healthy breakfast. You can also enjoy this with sandwiches or pancakes.
Variations and Add-Ins
Protein Powder: If you are drinking this smoothie post-workout, add one scoop of protein powder and blend.
Greens: For an extra boost of vitamins and minerals, add a handful of fresh spinach or kale while blending.
Nut butter: You may want to add peanut butter or almond butter as they add creaminess and nutty flavor to this smoothie recipe.
Seeds: Chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds are great choices. They are packed with plant protein, healthy fats, and omega-3s.
Toss in some other fruit: You can also add seasonal fruits like mango, blueberries, and strawberries along with avocados and bananas in this smoothie.
Chocolate: Add one tablespoon of cocoa powder to make a chocolate avocado smoothie recipe.
Yogurt: You can use either plain greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt (like coconut yogurt)
Vegan: use almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, and substitute honey with maple syrup.
This healthy Avocado Tomato Onion Cucumber Salad recipe is light, fresh, and ready in minutes! Good side dish for pot lucks or summer picnics and is Vegetarian + Vegan + Whole30 + Paleo + Keto.
It’s really easy to make this avocado salad. It’s just a matter of chopping up your veggies and tossing them together in a bowl. Salads like this one and my Cucumber Salad with Greek Dressing are easy to whip up and don’t require any cooking, and come together in 15 minutes.
I also like to add canned or cooked chickpeas and mixed greens to this salad to make it more healthy and protein-rich. Check my favorite Chickpea Cucumber Salad from my blog.
Why You Will Love Avocado Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ready in 10 minutes.
Quick & easy to make
Refreshingly light & delicious
Perfect for summer potlucks, parties, and barbecues
vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb.
Ingredients for Avocado Salad Recipe
Avocado: Be sure to use a good quality ripe avocado but not a mushy or too firm texture for this recipe. I have used 1 Hass Avocado.
Cucumber: Choose cucumbers with low-seed or seedless variety. I like to use English cucumber for this recipe. Persian cucumbers work too.
Tomatoes: Grape or cherry tomatoes are my favorite, but diced regular, or Roma tomatoes also work well. They add sweetness and acidity to the dish.
Onion: red onion works best in salads, so that’s what I used. If you don’t like it, feel free to substitute green onions instead.
Herbs: Fresh Cilantro is a must for this recipe. If you don’t have cilantro feel free to use dill leaves, parsley, or basil instead.
Extra-VirginOlive oil: a good quality extra virgin olive oil is a must as it brings out flavors.
Lime juice: Be sure to use fresh lime/lemon juice if you can, which has the best flavor and adds a bit of tang.
Seasoning: salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How to Make Avocado Cucumber Tomato Salad
Chop all your veggies, removing any seeds/skin/stems needed.
In a large serving bowl, Add all the ingredients and toss well until all the ingredients are well combined & seasoned.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Toss again before serving. Enjoy Healthy Avocado Cucumber Salad!
How to Serve Avocado Cucumber Salad
This simple salad makes a great side dish and pairs with any main dish. Few suggested pairings are
Alongside Soups
Burgers
Pasta
Proteins like grilled Paneer tikka, Tofu
Roasted Potatoes
Rice and Black beans
Make Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: You can prep the veggies (except for avocado), herbs, and dressing a day before serving. When you’re ready to serve, cut the avocado and toss the veggies, herbs, and dressing together.
Storage: This avocado salad is best enjoyed when served fresh. Leftover salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours when stored in an airtight container. After that, avocados will be quite brown.
Tips for the best Avocado Salad
Use firm, ripe avocados: Choose good quality ripe avocados but not mushy, otherwise, they will get squishy in the salad.
Cut veggies into the same size: Cutting into the same sizes improves the visual appeal of the salad and also ensures that all the flavors make it into each forkful.
Prepare with fresh ingredients: Choose fresh ingredients like veggies, herbs, and lime juice for the best flavor.
Be gentle while tossing the salad: Toss the salad gently with a spoon so that you don’t mash the avocados.
Popular Substitutions & Additions
Add other vegetables: Try adding other vegetables of your choice, like bell peppers, sweet corn, carrots, olives, green onions or radishes.
Cheese: Add some crumbed or cubed feta cheese just before serving for a Mediterranean touch. You may also add baby mozzarella.
Substituteother fresh herbs: If you are not a fan of cilantro, then try other fresh herbs like dill leaves, parsley, basil, or mint.
Greens: Try adding some greens like romaine lettuce, baby spinach, kale, or arugula.
Protein: Add ½ of canned or cooked chickpeas for extra protein.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the salad last in the refrigerator?
Avocado turns brown faster due to oxidization, hence it is recommended to serve this salad fresh. However, you can prep all the veggies, except the avocado, and store them in the refrigerator. Before serving, cut the avocado and toss everything well.
How to keep an Avocado from turning brown?
Avocados will oxidize and turn brown when exposed to air. To prevent cut avocados from turning brown, add acids like lemon juice, lime juice, or any kind of vinegar over them.
Can you use a different type of acid?
Yes, you can substitute lime/lemon juice with white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar instead.
What other veggies can I add to this avocado salad?
Sweet Corn, bell peppers, carrots, and green onions would all be great additions.
Avocado Raita is an easy and healthy raita recipe made with yogurt (curd), avocado, and spices. You can serve it with Vegetable Pulao, Veg Biryani, or eat it as is. This Indian-style Avocado Yogurt dip is Low Carb and Kids friendly.
Avocado is a favourite food among fitness enthusiasts. Ever questioned why? Fibre, protein, good fats, folate, minerals, and vitamins B6 and C are all abundant in it. In addition to being loaded with nutrients, it has a distinct nutty flavor and is creamy and buttery.
Have you ever heard of avocado raita when we are talking about avocados? You already know that avocados and yoghurt go well together. So, here we bring you a delectable Avocado raita recipe for you all to try at home.
This raita is all you need to make your day special. Enjoy your favourite healthy raita with avocados to turn it into a nutrient-dense meal. To enhance the flavour, combine yoghurt, avocado, and the following: onions, tomatoes, cucumber, green chilies, herbs, and spices. You may either serve it as is or with your typical meal.
Jump to:
Avocado Raita Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Avocado Raita
Serving Suggestions
Variations
Tips
More Avocado Recipes
More Raita Recipes
Avocado Raita
Avocado Raita Recipe Ingredients
This Indian avocado raita recipe requires only a few simple ingredients.
Avocado: Use good quality, fresh ripe avocado to make the raita creamy and have great flavor. I have used 1 medium Hass Avocado.
Yogurt (or greek yogurt): I have used full-fat dairy yogurt, whisk until smooth. If you are a vegan, use dairy-free yogurt.
Vegetables: onion, tomato, cucumber, and green chili, finely chopped.
Spices: I have used roasted cumin (jeera) powder and chaat masala.
Lime juice: freshly squeezed lime/lemon juice.
How to Make Avocado Raita
Using your knife, cut around the seed and twist, separating them into two halves. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh.
In a mixing bowl, use a fork or a potato masher to mash the avocados to nearly smooth. Then add the whisked yogurt.
Add chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, green chilies, lime juice, coriander, spices like roasted jeera powder, chat masala powder, and salt. Mix it very well. Serve it immediately or chilled.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Indian-style avocado raita as a side dish with Biryanis, Pulao, Indian flatbreads or parathas, curries, or lentils. You can also serve with tortilla chips, and veggies as a dipping.
Avocado, the versatile superfood, brings a wealth of health advantages to the table. Packed with essential nutrients and unique properties, here are nine remarkable benefits that this fruit offers:
Nutrient Richness: Avocado is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that contribute to overall well-being.
Heart Health: Its monounsaturated fats help lower bad cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and promoting cardiovascular health.
Weight Management: The combination of healthy fats and fiber keeps you feeling full and satisfied, aiding in weight management and control.
Skin Nourishment: Avocado’s antioxidants and vitamins contribute to skin health, promoting a youthful glow and helping to combat the signs of aging.
Eye Care: Lutein and zeaxanthin, found in avocados, support eye health by reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
Bone Health: A rich source of vitamin K, avocado plays a role in maintaining strong bones by enhancing calcium absorption and mineral density.
Digestive Support: The fiber content aids digestion, promotes a healthy gut, and reduces the risk of digestive disorders.
Diabetes Management: Avocado’s low carbohydrate and high fiber content can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The antioxidants and healthy fats in avocados have anti-inflammatory effects that can contribute to reducing chronic diseases.
Incorporating avocados into your diet can provide an array of health benefits, supporting your overall wellness journey.
Avocado, often referred to as a “superfood,” has gained immense popularity for its remarkable health benefits and versatile culinary applications. Packed with essential nutrients and healthy fats, avocados offer a wide range of advantages that contribute to overall well-being. Let’s delve into why avocados are considered good for you.
1. **Nutrient Richness:** Avocados are a nutritional powerhouse, boasting an impressive array of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. They are particularly rich in vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as folate and potassium. These nutrients play crucial roles in various bodily functions, from immune support to heart health.
2. **Healthy Fats:** Avocado’s high content of monounsaturated fats sets it apart from other fruits. These heart-healthy fats help lower bad cholesterol levels while increasing good cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.
3. **Heart Health:** The combination of monounsaturated fats, potassium, and fiber contributes to cardiovascular health. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while fiber supports healthy cholesterol levels.
4. **Weight Management:** Avocados are relatively calorie-dense, but their rich fiber and healthy fats content can help control appetite and reduce overeating. Including avocados in meals may aid in weight management.
5. **Eye Health:** Avocados contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that accumulate in the eyes and help protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
6. **Bone Health:** Vitamin K, present in avocados, is essential for bone health as it enhances calcium absorption and contributes to bone mineralization.
7. **Digestive Support:** The dietary fiber found in avocados supports healthy digestion and promotes regular bowel movements. It also aids in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
8. **Anti-Inflammatory Effects:** Avocados contain various antioxidants, including tocopherols and carotenoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases, and a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help mitigate this risk.
9. **Skin Nourishment:** The monounsaturated fats in avocados help keep the skin moisturized and healthy. Additionally, the antioxidants and vitamins contribute to maintaining a youthful appearance and combating skin aging.
10. **Blood Sugar Regulation:** Avocados have a low glycemic index and are rich in fiber, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels. This is beneficial for individuals with or at risk of diabetes.
11. **Brain Health:** Avocados contain vitamin E, which is associated with cognitive function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline as we age.
12. **Nutrient Absorption:** Some nutrients are fat-soluble, meaning they need to be consumed with dietary fat to be effectively absorbed. Adding avocado to meals can enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
13. **Versatile Culinary Uses:** Avocado’s creamy texture and mild flavor make it a versatile ingredient in various dishes. It can be used in salads, spreads, smoothies, and even desserts.
14. **Satiety and Fullness:** The combination of healthy fats, fiber, and water content in avocados can help increase feelings of fullness and satisfaction after meals.
Incorporating avocados into your diet can be an excellent way to enhance your overall health and well-being. However, moderation is key, as avocados are calorie-dense. Adding them to a balanced diet rich in a variety of nutrients from different sources will maximize their benefits and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
