Description
A refreshing and creamy cilantro smoothie combining the fresh herbaceousness of cilantro with the natural sweetness of ripe banana and a touch of lime. This smoothie features Greek yogurt for a rich texture and almond milk for a dairy-light base, perfect for a nutritious and energizing snack or breakfast.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 1 cup Fresh Cilantro (packed leaves for strong flavor)
- 1 medium Banana (ripe for optimal sweetness)
- 0.5 lime Lime Juice (freshly squeezed for brightness)
Dairy
- 0.5 cup Greek Yogurt (plain for creamy consistency)
Liquids
- 1 cup Almond Milk (unsweetened as base liquid)
- 1 tbsp Honey or Agave Syrup (optional for sweetness)
Others
- 1 cup Ice Cubes (for chilled consistency)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the required ingredients, making sure the banana is ripe for natural sweetness.
- Prepare Cilantro: Wash the cilantro thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit, and pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
- Prepare Banana: Peel the banana and break it into smaller pieces for easier blending.
- Combine Ingredients in Blender: Add the banana pieces and fresh cilantro leaves to the blender jar.
- Add Greek Yogurt: Scoop the plain Greek yogurt into the blender to add creaminess and protein.
- Add Almond Milk: Pour the unsweetened almond milk into the blender as the base liquid to allow smooth blending.
- Add Sweetener: Include honey or agave syrup if you want additional sweetness, though the ripe banana may suffice.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze in fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors and add a slight tang.
- Add Ice Cubes: Toss in ice cubes to chill the smoothie and give it a refreshing texture.
- Blend: Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy without any chunks.
- Adjust Consistency: Check the smoothie’s thickness; if it’s too thick, add a little more almond milk and blend briefly to adjust.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste the smoothie and add more honey/agave or lime juice if you desire a sweeter or tangier flavor. Blend briefly after adjustments.
- Serve Immediately: Pour the smoothie into glasses and enjoy right away for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using ripe bananas is crucial to achieve natural sweetness without overloading with additional sugar.
- Fresh cilantro has a strong flavor; adjust the amount if you’re sensitive to its taste.
- Feel free to substitute almond milk with any other plant-based milk like oat or soy milk.
- For a vegan option, use agave syrup instead of honey.
- This smoothie is best consumed immediately as cilantro can oxidize and alter the flavor if stored too long.
- If you prefer a colder smoothie, freeze the banana pieces before blending.
