Ginger Banana Smoothie

When I first started my healthy lifestyle journey, this Ginger Banana Smoothie was among the first healthy smoothies I ever made. It's a quite simple recipe compared with the smoothies I create and make now. But still, this creamy beauty is one of my favorites even today.

Over the years, I've discovered many new healthy ingredients and I started using them for making healthy smoothies. Also, I discovered many new delicious flavor combos and superfoods. So I uplifted the old recipe and bring it to another level. That is how this simple banana smoothie evolved too.

Today, I'm sharing a new upgraded recipe with new photos and a newly upgraded formula.

Ingredients used

You will need only a few simple ingredients for this banana ginger smoothie.

• Milk of choice. I used unsweetened almond milk, but you can use any milk you like in this recipe, dairy or plant-based.
• Banana. It's full of important nutrients, especially gut-friendly fibers, very filling, and great for energy. I used an overripe banana.
• Fresh ginger root. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. It's great for boosting digestion, and immunity. Also, ginger added amazing flavor punch. 
• Probiotic yogurt. Yogurt is all responsible for amazing smoothie creaminess. But yogurt added some gut-friendly probiotics too, transforming this smoothie into a powerful metabolism-boosting drink. I used coconut probiotic yogurt but you can use any probiotic drink you like.

I always like to add some extras to my smoothies, to uplift the flavors but also to make them more nutritious. In this smoothie I added:

• Hemp seeds. They are an excellent source of Omega-3s and a great source of proteins.
• Vanilla extract.

How to make Ginger Banana Smoothie

Making this healthy ginger smoothie is super easy. All you need is a good blender.

Step by step instructions

• Start with preparing and measuring all the ingredients. I like to use measuring cups.
• Peel and grate ginger root.
• Take the blender and add all ingredients. Note: add wet ingredients first for easier blending.
• Turn on the blender and mix at high speed until you get a smooth texture.
• If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more liquid – milk or water. Blend again until the smoothie is smooth.
• Taste the smoothie and add additional sweetener if you like. (See the "Sweetener recommendation" section for suggestions)
• Transfer the smoothie into a smoothie glass. 
• Add toppings (optional): I used goji berries and bee pollen. Be creative here and add toppings you like. 
• Serve and enjoy!

Makes 1 serving that serves 1 person as a full meal, or 2 servings as a light meal.

Substitutions

• You can use any dairy or plant-based milk here.
• You can use any dairy or plant-based probiotic here. Extra tip: look for products without added flavors and sweeteners.
• You can substitute hemp seeds with ground flax seeds, or chia seeds. 

Smoothie variations

Make it without banana: Use ½ of avocado. Note: avocado will change the smoothie color to more green. Also, banana is added for natural sweetness so if you omit banana you have to add some extra sweetener. See the "Sweetener recommendation" section for my suggestions.

Make it weight-loss friendly: Use only half a banana to cut calories.

Make it vegan: Use plant-based milk and probiotic yogurt.

Tips for storing

• Store in a smoothie cup with a lid and keep refrigerated for up to one day.
• If you left the smoothie standing long it will set. Don't forget to shake or stir it before drinking!
• Remember, all smoothies oxidate when left standing. That's not bad. But it's best to have the smoothie fresh.

Recipe tips

When you're adding ingredients to a blender, always add the liquids first. Doing this will help your blender run easily and it will prevent lumps.

Use a high-power blender to ensure everything blends well and the smoothie is silky smooth. 

Frozen banana is the best for making this ginger smoothie. It blends into a thick very refreshing drink with a cold punch.

If you don't have a frozen banana at hand, just slice the banana and pop it in the freezer for at least 1 hour.

If you don't want to bother with freezing banana, just use ice cubes.

If the smoothie is too thick, add more liquids, water (recommended), or milk, until you achieve desired consistency. It should be creamy, but not too dense. 

Sweetener recommendation

This smoothie uses bananas as a natural sweetener. I don't recommend adding any extra sugar. But if you find the smoothie not sweet enough, you can add some. Be mindful though.

• Use 1-2 dates, date syrup, liquid honey, or maple syrup.
• If you are using dates, make sure you soak them in warm water for at least 10 minutes. Drain them before using them.
• Use liquid stevia or any liquid low-carb sweetener for the low-carb option.
• Coconut sugar or any other cristal sugar won't work well here. It will not dissolve well in a cold smoothie mixture.

You may also like these smoothies too:

• Grapefruit Ginger Smoothie
• Strawberry Ginger Smoothie Bowl
• Pear Ginger Smoothie