There are some ingredients that seem almost made for smoothies.
Ripe bananas are one of them.
They get softer.
Sweeter.
Creamier.
And just when they stop looking like the kind of banana you want to peel and eat on its own, they become perfect for blending.
That is exactly what happened with the bananas I had at home.
They were ripening quickly, and after dealing with some mold around the crown of the bunch, I wanted to use the bananas that were still perfectly good before they had any chance to go to waste.
So I made a smoothie.
But not just banana and milk.
I also had moringa.
Frozen avocado.
And strawberry-flavored Lasco powder.
It turned into one of those smoothies that looks a little unusual when you list the ingredients but makes much more sense once everything is blended together.
The ripe banana brought sweetness.
The avocado made it thick and creamy.
The moringa added that distinctive green flavor.
And the strawberry powder completely changed the direction of the drink.
The result was creamy, filling, refreshing, and a very easy way to turn several ingredients that needed using into something I actually wanted to drink.
Here is how I make a banana smoothie with moringa, along with several ways to adjust it depending on what you have at home.
Why Ripe Bananas Are Perfect for Smoothies
A firm yellow banana is great for eating.
A very ripe banana is often even better for blending.
As bananas ripen, their texture becomes softer and their flavor becomes sweeter.
That means they can add body and sweetness to a smoothie without requiring a lot of extra ingredients.
The softer the banana becomes, the easier it blends.
This is one of the reasons I would rather freeze a sound ripe banana than watch it continue deteriorating on the counter.
Use Bananas That Are Ripe, Not Spoiled
There is an important difference.
Brown spots are normal.
A dark peel can be normal.
Very soft fruit can still be excellent for blending.
But visible mold on the edible flesh, leaking rotten fruit, an unpleasant fermented or musty smell, or obvious decay means the banana should be discarded.
A smoothie is a good way to prevent food waste.
It is not a way to hide spoiled fruit.
What Moringa Adds to the Smoothie
Moringa has a distinctive green, earthy flavor.
Use too much and it can completely dominate the drink.
That is why banana works so well with it.
The natural sweetness of ripe banana softens the stronger green flavor and makes the smoothie much easier to enjoy.
If you are new to moringa, start with a small amount.
You can always add more.
Fresh Moringa or Moringa Powder?
Either can work depending on what you have.
Moringa powder is convenient because it keeps well and is easy to measure.
Fresh moringa leaves give the smoothie a fresher green flavor but may require more blending.
If using powder, start small.
If using fresh leaves, make sure they are properly washed and prepared before blending.
Frozen Avocado Makes It Extra Creamy
This is one of my favorite parts.
Frozen avocado does not always thaw back into the perfect texture for slicing.
But that does not matter in a smoothie.
Once it hits the blender, it adds creaminess and body.
It also helps make the drink cold without relying on a lot of ice.
Banana and avocado together create an especially thick smoothie.
Why I Freeze Avocado for Smoothies
Avocados can ripen almost as quickly as bananas.
Sometimes faster.
If I know I will not use one in time, freezing the flesh gives me another option.
I can then take out a few frozen pieces whenever I make a smoothie.
The texture change that comes from freezing is irrelevant because everything is being blended anyway.
The Strawberry Twist
I used strawberry-flavored Lasco powder in this smoothie.
That gave it extra sweetness and a strawberry flavor that balanced the green moringa surprisingly well.
It also changed the color of the smoothie.
You can leave this ingredient out completely if you prefer a less sweet drink.
Or replace it with fresh or frozen strawberries.
Ingredients
For one large smoothie, start with:
1 large very ripe banana
¼ to ½ avocado, fresh or frozen
½ to 1 teaspoon moringa powder, or a small handful of fresh moringa leaves
1 to 2 tablespoons strawberry-flavored Lasco powder, optional
1 to 1½ cups milk, water, coconut milk, or another preferred liquid
Ice, optional
These amounts are flexible.
The avocado determines much of the thickness.
The moringa determines how green and earthy the smoothie tastes.
The banana and strawberry powder determine sweetness.
How to Make the Smoothie
Add the banana to the blender.
Add the avocado.
Add your moringa.
Pour in about one cup of your chosen liquid.
Add strawberry powder if using.
Blend until smooth.
If the smoothie is too thick, add more liquid a little at a time.
Blend again.
Taste before adding any additional sweetener.
Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Start With Less Liquid
This is important if you like thick smoothies.
It is very easy to make a smoothie thinner.
It is much harder to make a watery smoothie thick again without adding more ingredients.
Start with one cup.
Blend.
Then increase gradually.
If You Are Using Frozen Banana and Frozen Avocado
Expect a very thick smoothie.
You may need slightly more liquid to get everything moving.
Use your blender’s frozen-fruit setting if it has one.
Stop and scrape down the sides if necessary, but always turn the blender off before putting a utensil inside.
If You Want It Colder
Use frozen banana.
Frozen avocado.
Frozen strawberries.
Or a small amount of ice.
Frozen fruit usually gives a better flavor than lots of ice because it cools the smoothie without watering it down.
If You Want It Sweeter
Before adding sugar, taste the smoothie.
Very ripe bananas can already be extremely sweet.
If using strawberry Lasco, that may add even more sweetness.
If you still want more, add your preferred sweetener gradually.
If You Want Less Sweetness
Leave out the strawberry powder.
Use plain milk or water.
Add more avocado.
Add a little extra moringa.
You can also use a banana that is ripe but not extremely spotted.
If the Moringa Taste Is Too Strong
Add more banana.
Add strawberries.
Add mango.
Add pineapple.
Add a little cinnamon.
Or simply reduce the amount next time.
The easiest mistake with moringa is using too much.
Banana and Moringa Smoothie With Milk
For a richer version, use regular milk.
Blend:
1 ripe banana.
¼ avocado.
½ teaspoon moringa powder.
1 cup cold milk.
Add more milk if needed.
This version is simple, creamy, and does not need strawberry flavoring unless you want it.
Banana and Moringa Smoothie With Water
Water works too.
Especially if you are already using avocado.
The avocado provides richness.
The banana adds body.
Start with less water than you think you need.
Blend.
Then adjust.
Banana and Moringa Smoothie With Coconut Milk
Coconut milk gives the smoothie a more tropical flavor.
It works especially well with banana.
If using a very rich canned coconut milk, dilute it according to taste.
For carton coconut milk beverages, you can usually use it similarly to ordinary milk.
Banana, Moringa, and Strawberry Smoothie
Skip the strawberry powder and use actual strawberries.
Blend:
1 ripe banana.
½ cup strawberries.
¼ avocado.
½ teaspoon moringa powder.
1 to 1½ cups milk or water.
This version tastes fruitier and less like a flavored milk drink.
Banana, Moringa, and Mango Smoothie
Mango is another excellent partner for moringa.
Use:
1 banana.
½ cup ripe mango.
¼ avocado.
A small amount of moringa.
Enough liquid to blend.
The mango adds sweetness and a strong tropical flavor.
Banana, Moringa, and Pineapple Smoothie
Pineapple brings acidity.
That can be very useful when the banana and avocado make the smoothie feel too rich.
Use frozen pineapple if you want it extra cold.
Banana, Moringa, and Peanut Butter Smoothie
Add one tablespoon of peanut butter.
This makes the smoothie heavier and richer.
It also gives the moringa another strong flavor to sit behind.
Banana and peanut butter are naturally good together.
Banana, Moringa, and Oat Smoothie
Add ¼ to ½ cup rolled oats.
Blend thoroughly.
The oats make the smoothie thicker and more substantial.
You may need additional liquid.
Banana, Moringa, and Cocoa Smoothie
Add one tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder.
Banana adds sweetness.
Avocado adds creaminess.
Cocoa gives the drink a chocolate direction.
Use only a small amount of moringa so the flavors remain balanced.
Banana, Moringa, and Cinnamon Smoothie
Cinnamon is one of the easiest additions.
Start with ¼ teaspoon.
Blend.
Taste.
A little goes a long way.
Add Nutmeg
Nutmeg works particularly well with banana.
Use only a pinch.
Too much can overpower the drink.
Add Ginger
Fresh ginger gives the smoothie some heat.
A small piece is enough.
It works especially well if you are also using pineapple or citrus.
Add Vanilla
A small amount of vanilla can make the smoothie taste richer and more dessert-like.
Add Chia Seeds
Chia seeds can make a smoothie thicker as they absorb liquid.
Start with a small amount.
Drink the smoothie soon after blending or expect it to continue thickening.
Add Flaxseed
Ground flaxseed can also be blended into the drink.
Use ground rather than whole seeds if you want them incorporated more smoothly.
Add Yogurt
Plain yogurt can replace part of the milk or water.
This makes the drink creamier and gives it a slight tang.
Use Greek Yogurt for a Thicker Smoothie
A spoonful or two can make the smoothie extremely thick.
If using frozen banana and avocado too, you will probably need additional liquid.
Use Fresh Banana for a Softer, More Drinkable Texture
A fresh banana creates creaminess without making the smoothie quite as thick as frozen fruit.
This may be preferable if your blender struggles with frozen ingredients.
Use Frozen Banana for a Milkshake-Like Texture
Peel ripe bananas before freezing.
Cut them into chunks.
Freeze the pieces in a container or freezer bag.
Then take out only what you need.
How to Freeze Bananas for Smoothies
Use bananas that are very ripe but still sound.
Peel them.
Cut into chunks.
Arrange the pieces on a lined tray.
Freeze until firm.
Transfer to a sealed freezer bag.
Remove excess air.
Label with the date.
Now you have smoothie banana ready at any time.
How to Freeze Avocado for This Smoothie
Cut a ripe avocado.
Remove the pit.
Scoop out the flesh.
Cut into chunks.
Freeze the pieces separately on a tray if you do not want them sticking together.
Once frozen, transfer to an airtight freezer bag.
Then grab a few pieces whenever you make the smoothie.
Do Not Freeze Fruit After It Has Spoiled
Freeze it while it is still good.
That is the key.
Freezing preserves usable food.
It does not turn rotten fruit back into good fruit.
What If the Banana Peel Is Almost Black?
Peel it.
Look inside.
If the flesh looks normal for a very ripe banana and smells sweet rather than rotten or musty, it may be perfect for blending.
The skin often looks much worse than the fruit.
What If the Banana Has Brown Spots Inside?
Small brown areas can come from bruising.
You can remove them if you do not like the texture.
If the fruit is slimy, rotten-smelling, moldy, or breaking down abnormally, discard it.
Can I Use Bananas That Had Mold Around the Crown?
Only after carefully evaluating the individual fruit.
Mold on exposed edible banana flesh is a reason to discard it.
If a banana was separated from a bunch with crown mold but the peel remained intact and the edible portion looked and smelled normal after peeling, that is a different situation.
Handle it carefully to avoid transferring mold from the stem area to the fruit.
When in doubt, discard it.
Wash Your Hands After Handling Moldy Produce
If you were sorting a bunch with visible mold, wash your hands before preparing the smoothie.
Clean the knife and cutting surface too.
This keeps the preparation area hygienic.
Wash Fresh Moringa Properly
If using fresh leaves, rinse them thoroughly under clean running water.
Remove damaged leaves.
Dry or shake off excess water.
Use clean hands and equipment.
Do Not Wash Moringa in Soap
Fresh produce should not be washed with dish soap or household cleaner.
Clean water is the appropriate starting point.
Blend Fresh Leaves Thoroughly
Moringa leaves can leave small green particles.
A good blender helps produce a smoother result.
Blend longer if necessary.
Moringa Powder Is Easier
The powder disappears into the smoothie more readily.
But it is also concentrated.
Start with less.
Why the Smoothie May Turn Brownish or Greenish
The final color depends on the ingredients.
Banana creates a pale base.
Moringa adds green.
Avocado adds more green.
Strawberry powder can shift the color dramatically.
Once these colors mix, the smoothie may not look like a bright green juice or pink strawberry drink.
That is normal.
Do Not Judge the Smoothie Only by Color
Some of the tastiest smoothies are not particularly photogenic.
Taste matters more.
If you are photographing it, good natural light helps.
Drink It Soon After Making It
Banana and avocado can oxidize.
The smoothie may gradually darken.
The flavor is usually best when freshly blended.
If You Need to Store It
Pour the smoothie into a clean container with a tight lid.
Refrigerate promptly.
Fill the container fairly close to the top if possible to reduce air exposure.
Shake or stir before drinking.
Expect Some Separation
A refrigerated smoothie may separate into layers.
That does not automatically mean anything is wrong.
Shake it.
Or blend briefly again.
Do Not Leave the Smoothie on the Counter All Day
If it contains milk, yogurt, or another perishable ingredient, refrigerate it promptly.
Even a water-based fresh fruit smoothie should not be left warm for hours.
Make Only What You Need
A freshly blended smoothie usually tastes better than one stored overnight.
Scale the ingredients to the number of servings you actually want.
Turn Extra Smoothie Into Popsicles
If you accidentally make too much, pour the rest into popsicle molds.
Freeze.
Now you have another snack instead of waste.
Freeze the Smoothie in Ice Cube Trays
Another option is to freeze leftover smoothie in cubes.
Later, add the cubes to another smoothie.
Use the Cubes to Thicken Smoothies
This is especially useful if you do not want to use ordinary ice.
The cubes add flavor rather than diluting it.
This Smoothie Is an Easy Breakfast
Banana makes it naturally filling.
Avocado adds richness.
You can add oats or yogurt if you want something more substantial.
Blend and go.
It Works as an Afternoon Snack Too
Especially when you want something cold but do not want a full meal.
Use It After Gardening or Yard Work
A cold smoothie can be especially refreshing after being outside.
Keep it chilled.
Add enough liquid so it is easy to drink.
Use Smaller Portions for Children
If serving children, adjust the ingredients to suit them.
Strong moringa flavor may not be popular.
Start with a tiny amount.
Do Not Force “Healthy” Ingredients Until the Smoothie Tastes Bad
A smoothie people refuse to drink is not useful.
Balance matters.
Banana can carry a lot, but it cannot hide an entire cup of moringa powder.
Start With Flavor First
Make something enjoyable.
Then adjust.
A simple banana smoothie with a little moringa is better than a complicated drink you never make again.
Why I Like Using Ripe Bananas This Way
The biggest reason is simple.
I hate wasting food that is still perfectly usable.
Bananas give you warning.
They get spotted.
Soft.
Sweet.
You can see that they need attention.
That is the time to act.
Not after they are rotten.
Ripe Bananas Are Easier to Use Than People Think
You do not need to make banana bread every time.
Blend them.
Freeze them.
Mash them into oats.
Make fritters.
Make pancakes.
The smoothie is simply one of the fastest options.
The Avocado Solves Another Food-Waste Problem
Avocados are notorious for all ripening at once.
Freezing the extra flesh means I can use it much later.
Smoothies are perfect because nobody expects frozen avocado to return as a beautiful slice.
Moringa Gives Me Another Way to Use What I Already Have
Instead of buying a special green smoothie mix, I can use moringa I already have.
That is another reason the combination makes sense.
The Strawberry Flavor Makes It More Fun
Not every smoothie needs to taste serious.
The strawberry powder made this one taste more playful.
It also helped balance the stronger green ingredients.
If You Do Not Have Strawberry Powder
Skip it.
The smoothie works perfectly well without it.
Or use:
Fresh strawberries.
Frozen strawberries.
Mango.
Pineapple.
Cocoa.
Peanut butter.
Whatever suits the direction you want.
My Favorite Basic Combination
If I wanted the easiest version without measuring too much, I would use:
One ripe banana.
A small handful of frozen avocado.
A small amount of moringa.
Milk or water.
Blend.
Taste.
Then decide whether it needs strawberry, cinnamon, peanut butter, or anything else.
My Strawberry Version
For a sweeter version:
1 ripe banana.
¼ avocado.
½ teaspoon moringa powder.
1 to 2 tablespoons strawberry Lasco powder.
1 cup milk.
Blend until smooth.
Add more milk if necessary.
My Greener Version
For something less sweet:
1 ripe banana.
½ avocado.
1 teaspoon moringa powder.
1 to 1½ cups water or unsweetened milk.
A pinch of cinnamon.
Blend.
My Thick Frozen Version
Use:
1 frozen banana.
¼ frozen avocado.
½ teaspoon moringa.
1 cup milk.
Blend.
Add additional milk slowly until the blender moves freely.
This can become extremely thick.
My Tropical Version
Blend:
1 banana.
½ cup pineapple or mango.
¼ avocado.
A small amount of moringa.
1 cup coconut milk or water.
Serve cold.
Take a Before Photo of the Bananas
If you are making this because the bananas are very ripe, photograph them before using them.
The spotted peel tells the food-waste story.
Photograph the Peeled Fruit
This helps show that an ugly-looking ripe peel can still hide good fruit.
Photograph the Frozen Avocado
Frozen avocado has an unusual appearance.
That creates curiosity.
Photograph the Moringa
Show the actual ingredient.
Especially if using fresh moringa.
Show Everything Going Into the Blender
Banana.
Avocado.
Moringa.
Strawberry powder.
This makes a great process photo.
Photograph the Blender Running
Action makes food content stronger.
Get a Pouring Shot
A thick smoothie pouring into the glass immediately communicates texture.
Photograph It From Above
Especially if the color is interesting.
Place some of the ingredients nearby.
Photograph the Smoothie Beside the Ingredients
This helps readers connect the finished drink with what went into it.
Do Not Hide the Real Color
Let the smoothie look the way it actually looks.
Real food is more convincing than an unnaturally edited green drink.
Use the Same Banana Story to Create Several Related Articles
This smoothie connects naturally to several other questions.
Why did white fuzzy mold grow on the banana crown?
Can bananas with stem mold still be eaten?
How do you store bananas so they do not mold?
How do you ripen green bananas?
Can avocados be frozen?
What else can you make with very ripe bananas?
One real kitchen situation can answer a lot of useful questions.
The Smoothie Is Better When the Ingredients Have a Reason to Be There
This is what I like most about this combination.
The banana was ripe and needed using.
The avocado had already been frozen to save it.
The moringa was available.
The strawberry powder gave it another flavor.
Nothing needed to be complicated.
Do You Need a High-Powered Blender?
Not necessarily.
Fresh banana and avocado blend very easily.
Frozen ingredients are harder.
If your blender struggles, allow the avocado or banana to soften slightly.
Cut pieces smaller.
Add enough liquid.
Do not overload the machine.
Add Liquid Before or After the Solid Ingredients?
Follow your blender manufacturer’s instructions.
Many blenders work well when liquid is added first because it helps the blades move.
Others have different recommendations.
Either way, make sure there is enough liquid to allow circulation.
Do Not Run a Struggling Blender Continuously
If the blades stop moving the food, turn the machine off.
Add liquid.
Rearrange ingredients.
Then continue.
Do not burn out the motor trying to force a frozen avocado brick through it.
Can You Make This Without Avocado?
Absolutely.
Banana alone creates plenty of creaminess.
Replace the avocado with:
Yogurt.
More banana.
Mango.
Oats.
Or simply leave it out.
Can You Make It Without Moringa?
Yes.
Then it becomes a banana-avocado smoothie.
The moringa is optional.
Can You Make It Without Milk?
Yes.
Water works.
Coconut water can work.
Plant milk can work.
Use whatever fits your preferences.
Can You Make It Without Added Sugar?
Definitely.
Use a very ripe banana.
Taste before sweetening.
If adding ripe mango or strawberries, you may need nothing else.
Can You Make It Vegan?
Use water or a plant-based milk and skip dairy ingredients.
The banana and avocado already give plenty of creaminess.
Can You Make It Thicker?
Use:
Frozen banana.
More avocado.
Oats.
Yogurt.
Less liquid.
Can You Make It Thinner?
Add more:
Water.
Milk.
Coconut water.
Do it gradually.
Can You Prepare It the Night Before?
You can refrigerate it, but freshly blended is better.
Banana and avocado can darken.
The mixture can separate.
For the freshest texture, prepare the ingredients ahead and blend in the morning.
Make a Freezer Pack Instead
This is a better make-ahead strategy.
Place banana and avocado portions into a freezer bag.
In the morning, empty them into the blender.
Add moringa.
Add your liquid.
Blend.
Store Moringa Separately
This makes it easier to adjust how much you want on any given day.
The Best Bananas for This Smoothie
Look for fruit that is:
Very ripe.
Sweet smelling.
Soft.
Heavily spotted if necessary.
But still sound inside.
The uglier the peel becomes, the sweeter the smoothie can become—up to the point where genuine spoilage begins.
Do Not Confuse Ripeness With Rot
That is the recurring lesson.
Brown is not necessarily bad.
Soft is not necessarily bad.
Black peel is not necessarily bad.
Moldy flesh is bad.
Rotten odor is bad.
Leaking decomposition is bad.
Learn the difference and you will waste far fewer bananas.
Banana Smoothie With Moringa Recipe
Ingredients
1 large ripe banana
¼ to ½ ripe avocado, preferably chilled or frozen
½ to 1 teaspoon moringa powder or a small handful of fresh moringa leaves
1 to 1½ cups milk, water, coconut milk, or plant milk
1 to 2 tablespoons strawberry Lasco powder, optional
Ice, optional
Cinnamon or nutmeg, optional
Instructions
Peel the banana and add it to the blender.
Add the avocado.
Add the moringa.
Pour in one cup of your chosen liquid.
Add strawberry powder if using.
Blend until completely smooth.
If the mixture is too thick, add more liquid gradually.
Taste.
Adjust the moringa, sweetness, or spices if necessary.
Pour into a glass.
Serve immediately.
How to Make It With Frozen Banana
Use one frozen banana cut into chunks.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Start with slightly more liquid.
Blend until smooth.
The result will be thicker and colder than the fresh-banana version.
How to Make It With Frozen Avocado
Take the avocado straight from the freezer.
Add only a small amount at first.
Blend with the banana and liquid.
Increase avocado if you want a thicker texture.
There is no need to thaw it for smoothies.
How to Make It Without Strawberry Powder
Leave it out.
Use a ripe banana for sweetness.
You can add fresh fruit if desired.
This version allows the banana, avocado, and moringa flavors to come through more clearly.
Why This Smoothie Works So Well for Ripe Bananas
The softer the banana becomes, the less appealing it may be for eating by hand.
But that same softness makes it perfect for blending.
The fruit disappears into the smoothie.
No strange texture.
No ugly brown peel.
Just sweetness and creaminess.
That is why I would rather use or freeze a ripe banana today than wait another day and hope it survives.
A Simple Way to Waste Less Fruit
When bananas become ripe:
Eat the firm ones.
Refrigerate the ones you need a little more time for.
Freeze the extras.
Use the softest sound fruit for smoothies.
Do the same with avocado.
Once you begin treating the freezer as a way to save good produce before it deteriorates, smoothies become incredibly easy.
And that is exactly what this drink became for me.
Not a complicated health recipe.
Not some carefully planned combination I had been thinking about all week.
Just a very good way to use what I already had.
Ripe banana.
Frozen avocado.
Moringa.
A little strawberry flavor.
Into the blender.
And instead of throwing away ingredients a few days later, I ended up with something cold, creamy, and worth making again.
