Name: Banana Lemon Ginger Smoothie
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Global
Ingredients: 1 medium ripe banana; 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or preferred milk; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric or freshly grated turmeric; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, optional; 4 to 6 ice cubes, optional

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This Banana Lemon Ginger Smoothie is a bright, invigorating drink that blends natural sweetness with citrusy freshness and gentle spice. It’s dairy-free, plant-based, and naturally nourishing, making it a wonderful choice for a quick breakfast, a post-workout refresher, or a light afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This smoothie is quick to prepare and uses simple, wholesome ingredients you may already have on hand. The banana provides natural sweetness and creaminess, while lemon and ginger add a refreshing zing that wakes up your senses. Turmeric brings a warm, earthy note and is well known for its supportive, anti-inflammatory properties. It’s customizable, refined sugar-free, and easy to adapt to your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 medium ripe banana
1 cup unsweetened almond milk or preferred milk
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric or freshly grated turmeric
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, optional
4 to 6 ice cubes, optional

Directions

Peel the banana and break it into chunks.
Add the banana, almond milk, lemon juice, ginger, turmeric, and optional honey or maple syrup to a blender.
Add ice cubes if you prefer a colder, thicker smoothie.
Blend on high speed for 30 to 60 seconds until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon juice if needed.
Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 serving.
Preparation time is about 5 minutes, with no cooking required.

Variations

You can add a pinch of black pepper to enhance turmeric absorption. For extra creaminess, blend in a tablespoon of almond butter or chia seeds. To boost the green content, add a small handful of fresh spinach without overpowering the flavor. If you prefer a thinner smoothie, add a splash of extra milk or water.

Storage/Reheating

This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh. If needed, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before drinking, as separation may occur. Reheating is not recommended.

FAQs

Can I use frozen banana instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen banana works very well and creates a thicker, colder smoothie without needing ice.

Is fresh turmeric better than ground turmeric?

Both work well. Fresh turmeric has a brighter flavor, while ground turmeric is more convenient and still effective.

Can I make this smoothie without sweetener?

Absolutely. If your banana is ripe, you may find it sweet enough on its own.

What milk alternatives work best?

Almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and soy milk all pair nicely with these flavors.

Is this smoothie suitable for breakfast?

Yes, it makes a light and energizing breakfast, especially when paired with a source of protein.

Can I add protein to this smoothie?

You can add a scoop of plant-based protein powder or a spoon of nut butter to increase protein content.

Does the lemon overpower the flavor?

No, when balanced with banana and milk, the lemon adds a refreshing brightness rather than sharpness.

Can I prepare this smoothie ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prepare it the night before and store it chilled for up to one day.

Is ginger optional?

Ginger adds warmth and spice, but you can reduce the amount or omit it if you prefer a milder taste.

Can kids drink this smoothie?

Yes, it’s made with natural ingredients and can be adjusted to be milder and sweeter for kids.

Conclusion

This Banana Lemon Ginger Smoothie is a simple yet vibrant drink that delivers refreshing flavor and nourishing ingredients in every sip. Easy to customize and ready in minutes, it’s a delicious way to energize your day while enjoying a wholesome, plant-based treat.