Creamy without banana

Avocado supplies a smooth body without the sweetness and distinctive flavour of banana. Cucumber lightens it, while lime stops the combination from tasting heavy. The result sits between a conventional fruit smoothie and a chilled yoghurt drink: cool, gently tangy and not particularly sweet.

Use an avocado that is ripe but not brown or stringy inside. The prepared flesh weight is more reliable than half an avocado because sizes vary. Cucumber skin can remain if it is tender; a thick or waxy-feeling skin is better removed. Large mature seeds can make the drink watery and are easy to scoop out.

Keep the portions small

Avocado makes a dense mixture even when the liquid looks generous. Two small servings feel more balanced than one enormous glass. If the smoothie holds a mound instead of pouring, add cold water one tablespoon at a time. Adding more avocado to improve creaminess is unlikely to help.

The optional honey is there for people who prefer a sweeter finish, not to turn this into a dessert shake. Mint should be a background note. Blend it briefly at the end so you do not need to process the whole mixture for longer than necessary. Lime improves flavour but does not prevent the avocado changing colour indefinitely.

What you'll need

  • 100 g ripe avocado flesh
  • 150 g cucumber
  • 120 g plain yoghurt
  • 100 ml cold water
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 4 small mint leaves
  • 1 tsp honey, optional

Let's make it

  1. Wash the cucumber and remove a strip of peel if the skin is tough. Scoop out large watery seeds, then chop and weigh the prepared cucumber.
  2. Put water, yoghurt, avocado, cucumber and lime juice in the blender. Blend until completely smooth.
  3. Add mint and pulse briefly. Taste before deciding whether the optional honey is needed; this drink is intended to be only lightly sweet.
  4. Divide between two small glasses and serve immediately, while the colour and cucumber aroma are fresh.

Make it your own

Plain coconut yoghurt can replace dairy yoghurt, giving a slightly sweeter-tasting coconut version.

Leave out honey for a more savoury drink, or use a little maple syrup. Do not give honey to children under one year.

Keeping it fresh

Best served immediately. If holding briefly, cover closely and refrigerate at 5°C or below; use the same day. Prepare cucumber separately ahead of time rather than storing a large batch of finished smoothie.

Allergen notes

Milk

Further guidance: Food Standards Agency: safe chilling and freezing · NHS: honey and foods to avoid for babies