Don’t leave me!

This smoothie is seriously delicious — think avocado chocolate pudding without the chocolate. Instead of rich chocolate notes, this drink is light, bright and refreshing. It’s a great green option for St. Patrick’s Day or any morning you want something different from toast, salad or boozy brunch fare.

I first started adding avocado to smoothies years ago, back when frozen avocados were available at some stores. Those frozen packs were small and expensive, but the idea stuck. Nowadays avocados are easier to find — and worth the small splurge — because they add a rich, creamy texture without feeling heavy.

Would you toss your avocados into the blender with me? The result is almost like soft-serve ice cream: smooth, silky and satisfying. If you’ve ever made banana “nice cream” (frozen bananas blended until creamy), this is along those same lines — but with avocado for extra creaminess and a subtle, nutty flavor.
It’s filling and refreshing at once.

For a milkshake-like smoothie, I blend these staple ingredients:
- Frozen banana — for sweetness and thick texture
- Hemp seeds — for nutty flavor and added protein
- Light coconut milk (from a can) — I prefer the canned light version because it blends smoothly without making the drink too heavy; if your coconut milk is cold it helps keep the smoothie chilled
I finish with a bit of vanilla bean paste for warmth and aroma. The frozen banana usually provides enough sweetness on its own, but you can add a pitted date, fig, or a little honey if you want it sweeter.
Grab a straw, a spoon and, if you’re feeling indulgent, a few chocolate chips to sprinkle on top.

Avocado Vanilla Bean Smoothie
2
10 mins
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review »
Ingredients
- 2 avocados
- 1 large frozen banana
- 1 handful of ice
- 1 (14-ounce) can light coconut milk, chilled if desired
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
-
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe?
Be sure to follow @howsweeteats on Instagram and tag #howsweeteats. You can also share a photo on the Facebook page. I appreciate you so much!

My pot of gold at the end of this smoothie would be a Lisa Frank notebook.