An Overlooked Ingredient for a Creamy Smoothie

Are you convinced that the only way to enjoy a perfectly smooth and creamy smoothie is a trip to the smoothie shop? While a good blender helps, I’ve found an ingredient that can turn any thin and icy smoothie into a super-rich and satisfying one — and no, it’s not a frozen banana.

Frozen bananas or thick Greek yogurt are often added to smoothies to make them creamier, but I prefer avocados! Bananas have a distinct flavor that not even the tartest berry can hide. And yogurt isn’t an option for anyone avoiding dairy, but this creamy smoothie with avocado can be made with nondairy milk.

Although you can add avocado to any smoothie of your liking, I prefer to blend it with mixed berries, spinach, milk (dairy or otherwise), and maple syrup, which creates a sweet-tart smoothie that is creamy beyond belief. Here’s how to make it.

Why you’ll love this creamy smoothie

• Avocados have the best texture for smoothies. They’re super creamy, but have a mild flavor that won’t overpower the drink. Avocados also add heart-healthy fats, helping to keep you fueled until lunch.
• Mixed berries add a sweet-tart flavor. Plus they add a vibrant hue that stays bright even after the spinach and avocado are blended in (which is important when serving kids who eat with their eyes first).

Key ingredients in avocado berry smoothies

• Frozen mixed berries: Frozen mixed berry blends, full of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are my favorite smoothie base. Ice-cold frozen berries are perfect here because they chill the smoothies without diluting the drink.
• Spinach: I use fresh baby spinach here, which is mild and easy to blend.
• Milk: You can use your choice of dairy or nondairy milk.
• Avocado: Mild-flavored avocados add a thick and creamy texture to smoothies without overpowering other flavors.
• Maple syrup: Sweeten the smoothies with a bit of maple syrup.

Avocado Berry Smoothie

Makes 2 1/2 cups; serves 2

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed berries, such as blueberry, raspberry, blackberry
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup dairy or nondairy milk
• 1/2 ripe medium avocado
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions:

Place ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Pour into two glasses and serve immediately.

Easy, Appealing, Three-Ingredient Strawberry Cloud Smoothie

Classic Guacamole from Your Kitchen 

Patty Catalano is a food editor for TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.

©2025 Apartment Therapy. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.