As with all fruits and vegetables, wash avocados before cutting. Check out our tips for how to choose and use California Avocados
I am a breakfast person. You won’t find me waking up to make a gourmet pancakes-and-eggs-benedict breakfast every day (although I’ve been known to take my time on weekend brunch); instead, I will often blend up a smoothie to kick-start my day. I typically make at least one smoothie with avocado per week at home and tend to also pick up one from my local juice bar sometime during the week. They are refreshing, filling but not heavy, and delicious fuel for my mornings. Can you tell I’m a fan of smoothies?
Studies show that eating a healthy breakfast can help with cognitive function (especially memory) and even improve mood. This is important to sustain me at work. I add California Avocados to my breakfast (in smoothies or any other morning recipe) because, while they taste light and refreshing, they’re also a nutrient-dense fruit with monounsaturated fats (that’s the good kind!)
EXPERIMENT WITH SMOOTHIE INGREDIENTS
With hundreds of thousands of combinations of fruits, veggies and natural sweeteners, smoothies make it easy to get the nutritional benefits of breakfast without getting boring. I’m always testing new recipes, but wanted to share my go-to smoothie (1 serving):
- 1 frozen banana (the riper the sweeter)
- ½ a California Avocado
- ½ cup almond milk
- A touch of honey or agave
I encourage you to try your own smoothie combinations – get creative! Here’s a general format I follow when experimenting:
- ½-1 cup of liquid (nut or dairy milk, juice, coconut water, or water)
- ½ California Avocado (added good fats from this superfood)
- Frozen fruit of your choice up to the top of the liquid (frozen makes it slushier)
- A handful of greens for added nutrients – you really won’t really taste it (spinach, kale)
- Optional boosters:
- 1 Tbs Chia seeds for added antioxidants
- Protein powder (I like pea protein) or almond butter if after a workout
- Optional sweetener (honey, agave, stevia, maple syrup)
Here are a few tried and tested recipes that will help get you started.
GET INSPIRED WITH AVOCADO SMOOTHIE RECIPES
Avocado and Melon Breakfast Smoothie
A delightful concoction of green fruit and fat-free dairy, this smoothie keeps well in the refrigerator up to 24 hours – so make a double batch! The recipe calls for honeydew, but I really like cantaloupe as well.
I discovered this smoothie by “Healthy Emma” on Instagram and can’t wait throw the ingredients – orange juice, avocado, frozen blueberries, raspberries, kiwi and banana – in my blender! She notes, “In California, they add avocado to everything, so why should we make a smoothie an exception?” I couldn’t agree more.
Power Hour Pick-Me-Up Smoothie
Nothing like an extra kick from cayenne pepper and ginger to get you out of bed in the morning, right? Frozen mango and Fresh California Avocado add a deliciously creamy balance to the smoothie. I recommend dialing back the cayenne (at least at first) until you’ve become more comfortable with it. It can be a bit overpowering.
This vegan green smoothie in a bowl by “mybowl_adri” on Instagram is proof that you don’t always have to drink your smoothie! Plus, everything is a little better with cherries on top.
Want to mix up your breakfasts? Find more recipes to help you rise and shine with California Avocados.
Share your go-to smoothie recipes below!
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