Avocado Shake
January means new year, new goals right? Nothing beats the satisfaction of accomplishment – from losing 10 lbs (and keeping it off) to running a record 10k race to finally finishing off that research article you’ve put off forever. As my friend pointed out, I have just enough “medical student” to make me a type A workaholic and just enough “artist” to give me a hyperactive, manic imagination – a nice combo.
So, in the spirit of heck yeah, I can do anything – I’m helping kick off Williams-Sonoma’s Smoothies of the Week! Williams-Sonoma thought I was crazy enough for their Not Your Typical Smoothie installment. Well, have some avocado shake!
Before you think, Eww, Natalie, avocados in shake? Did you make this up this nonsense? I promise you these are real and are very popular in the Philippines! This is a very easy recipe – just 3 basic ingredients plus ice.
Plus, avocados are good for the heart (I won’t bore you with with the cardiovascular biochemistry). If that’s not enough incentive, they’re great for getting awesome hair and skin. And they make me happy.
Most people associate avocados with guacamole, especially here in Texas, so when I tell people I drink my avocados, they usually give me a look of horror. People ask why would I combine milk, sugar and avocados, and I say why not? Avocados are fruits, and you put those same ingredients in smoothies. Heck, people put kale in smoothies, and that’s a bitter leafy green vegetable – never figured that one out.
My friends thought this would be “like drinking guac,” but I assure you this is sweet and creamy plus it’s very filling, not like typical smoothies where you’re hungry again 30 min later. You can make it thinner with more milk, but I like it super thick, so it tastes just like the avocado ice cream in Asian markets.
If you’re feeling adventurous this new year, check out some other fun ideas, such as my Azuki Red Bean and Watermelon Ginger. Happy blending!
Avocado Shake
Ingredients
8-10 ice cubes, crushed
1/2 small ripe avocado
3/4 cup milk, to desired thickness
2-3 tablespoons sugar, to taste
Directions
Crush the ice in a blender. Add avocado (the riper the better so it’s easier to blend), milk, and sugar.
You can add any milk of your choice (regular, almond, soy), though I usually go with plain milk. Depending on how thick and sweet you want it, adjust the milk and sugar. Some people add honey instead of sugar, but I prefer sugar because honey has a stronger taste and can take away from the avocado flavor.
Blend until creamy. Pour and serve right away, or you can keep it in the freezer for half an hour to make it even thicker like ice cream. Enjoy!
I can personally attest that the Chef drinks this often and she has beautiful hair and skin =)
Yum! This looks creamy good – how creative to eat avocados as a dessert!
yeahh for healthy fats!! I might add a little banana to this too, but have to give it a go without it!
HAVE to try this – I love avocados & keep hearing about all the ways you can have/prepare them that are WAY different than your standard guac recipes. I also have been meaning to make avocado brownies too; which I heard are great. Thanks for the smoothie recipe!
Wow, I love this! I wouldn't naturally think to put avocado in a smoothie, mostly because I forget they're actually a fruit!! But, I adore avocados, so am going to have to try this!
I haven't tried avocado brownies, yet – if you find a good recipe, let me know.
(I did try chocolate avocado mousse, which admittedly, was too healthy for me haha). Avocados are pretty awesome all around though 🙂
Yeah it's a southeast Asia thing. Hope you enjoy it 🙂
Yeah if the avocado flavor is a bit stronger than you'd like, bananas are a great idea. To add even more heathy fats, you could try coconut too
I recently started using a bullet blender for healthier breakfasts, and avocados are a wonderful way to make a creamy smoothy. Definitely want to try this yummy looking recipe to get the full flavor. Looks like you picked some nice avocados.
yeah, I once made a horrible mistake of trying to "use up" way overripe avocados. It wasn't green and it wasn't good haha. Nice avocados are the way to go
Avocado smoothies are fantastic and yours looks delish! Thanks for connecting with me, it's great meeting a future doc with similar culinary interests!
Oh yes, your ability to juggle medicine and cook and raise a family is highly inspiring. Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂
Hi! 😀 I found your blog from Sonali's About page and am super excited to find another 3rd-year med student who loves food as much as I do! (Foodies unite! <3)
Looking forward to reading about your adventures! :]
I'm not sure if my last comment posted…so trying one more time! I love avocado smoothies too, and to avoid watering the flavor down at all, it's nice to use frozen milk instead of ice sometimes 🙂 And condensed milk or honey can be subbed for sugar, or any combination of the three.
This time worked Chelsea! Good idea- I do freeze milk a lot since it's cheaper to buy the gallon. I also haven't tried it with condensed milk, but that's a Filipino staple so I'm sure it would go nicely together 🙂
Hey Farrah, awesome, I'm always looking for fellow med student bloggers 🙂 your site's name is too cute haha
I've never tried an avocado shake, I'm totally intrigued! Thanks for the recipe!