Strawberry Avocado Smoothie With Basil

1. Milk of choice: I used unsweetened almond milk, but you can use any type of milk or plant-based alternative. I always try to opt for an unsweetened one, if possible, and then get the sweetness from the naturally-occurring sugars in strawberries. For a higher protein option, you may want to choose either cow’s milk or soy milk.
2. Strawberries: You can use fresh or frozen strawberries here. Either works!
3. Avocado: Similarly, you can use fresh or frozen avocados. They really help to thicken this smoothie, making it nice + creamy.
4. Plain Greek yogurt: An excellent source of filling protein for this smoothie. That said, you are welcome to use a plant-based alternative for a vegan option. If using a plant-based yogurt, do note that the protein content will be lowered – you may want to use soy milk or add a vegan protein powder in this case.
5. Chia seeds: When mixed with liquid, chia seeds will swell up and create a gel-like texture, which really helps to thicken this smoothie as well! You can use either black or white chia seeds.
6. Fresh basil: Never added basil to a smoothie? You’re in for a treat! It adds such a delicious punch of flavour 🙂
7. Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds some extra acidity to this smoothie, helping to balance out the flavours.
8. Vanilla: Vanilla extract pairs so well with strawberries! Plus, it helps add a sweeter flavour.
9. Honey: As needed, you can use some honey or maple syrup to add extra sweetness to this recipe. Whether you need it or not depends on how sweet your strawberries are, and your personal preference.

Full ingredient measurements and detailed instructions are located in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!

This strawberry avocado smoothie is PACKED with nutritious ingredients:

• Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C. They’re also a good source of fiber and other micronutrients, like potassium and B6.
• Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber. Plus, they’re a good source of other micronutrients, like vitamin E, vitamin K, and folate.
• Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein, gut-friendly probiotics, B-vitamins, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
• Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and plant-based protein. They’re also rich in minerals like magnesium, iron, and calcium.
• Basil is high in antioxidants and a source of vitamins, like vitamin C, A, and K.
• Lemon are also high in antioxidants, like vitamin C!

Avocados are one of my FAVOURITE ingredients to add to smoothies, for multiple reasons:

1. They help make your smoothies thick, creamy, and smooth.
2. They add healthy fats to your smoothies. This helps your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients AND keeps you feeling fuller and satisfied for longer.
3. They’re also a great source of fiber, which helps to fill you up and is important for gut health, heart health, and blood sugar control.
4. They have a pretty neutral taste when added to smoothies, so you hardly notice them in terms of flavour!

TIP: You can use either fresh or frozen avocados in smoothies. Personally, I love purchasing a big bag of frozen avocados from Costco. They’re great to keep in the freezer and add to your morning smoothies. That way, they never really go bad AND they help cool your smoothie without watering down the flavours with ice cubes 😉