Morning routines can be tough. Honestly, finding something quick that also gives you energy? Not easy. That’s why this lemon ginger smoothie with banana and turmeric has become my go-to breakfast lately. It’s got that perfect balance – not too sweet, kinda zingy, and packed with stuff that makes you feel good.
I started making this lemon ginger smoothie with banana and turmeric last winter when I kept getting those annoying seasonal colds. My neighbor mentioned something about turmeric and ginger being good for that, so I threw them in my regular banana smoothie. Game changer.
Why You’ll Seriously Love This Lemon Ginger Smoothie with Banana and Turmeric
If you’re like me and hate complicated morning recipes, this one’s for you. Takes like 5 mins max. Plus it actually tastes good – not like some health drinks that make you hold your nose while drinking.
My teenage son who literally survives on pizza and energy drinks actually asked for this smoothie the other day. That’s when I knew this lemon ginger smoothie with banana and turmeric recipe was special.
The best part? You can prep everything the night before. Just throw it all in the blender in the morning. I’ve made this for friends who came over for brunch and they all wanted the recipe after.
What You’ll Need for This Smoothie
Here’s what goes into this lemon ginger smoothie with banana and turmeric:
- Bananas – Ripe ones work best. If they’ve got some brown spots, even better. They’re sweeter. If you don’t have ripe ones, add a bit of honey.
- Fresh lemon – The juice and a bit of zest really wake up the flavors. In a pinch, bottled juice works but fresh is way better.
- Ginger root – Fresh is best. I keep mine in the freezer and just grate what I need. Makes it last forever. Pre-minced ginger from a jar works too tho.
- Ground turmeric – This gives that golden color and lots of health benefits. Start with less if you’re not used to the flavor. You can use fresh but honestly the powder is easier.
- Plant milk – I usually use almond but coconut milk makes it creamier if that’s your thing. Regular milk works fine too.
- Ice cubes – Optional but makes it more refreshing. Skip if you’re using frozen banana.
- Honey or maple syrup – Just a touch if needed. Usually the banana has enough sweetness.
- Pinch of black pepper – Sounds weird but it helps your body absorb the turmeric better. You won’t taste it.
How to Make It
- Peel and chop your banana. If using frozen, let it thaw slightly so it doesn’t kill your blender.
- Wash a lemon and grate some zest first. Then cut it and squeeze out the juice. I use about half a lemon but adjust if you like it more or less tangy.
- Peel some ginger and grate it. About a thumb-sized piece is good. More if you’re feeling brave or fighting a cold.
- Add everything to your blender – banana, lemon juice and zest, grated ginger, about 1/2 tsp turmeric, milk, ice if using, honey if needed, and that tiny pinch of pepper.
- Blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add more milk. If not cold enough, throw in more ice.
- Pour and drink right away. The flavors start changing if it sits too long.
Sometimes I don’t measure anything tbh. Just throw it all in and adjust to taste. That’s the beauty of smoothies.
Make It Your Own – Variations
This recipe is super flexible. Here are some ways to switch it up:
Tropical Version – Add some pineapple chunks. Goes amazing with the ginger. Our Pineapple Turmeric Smoothie is similar if you want to check that out.
Green Boost – Throw in a handful of spinach. You won’t taste it but you’ll get extra nutrients.
Protein Packed – Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder and this becomes a perfect post-workout drink.
Creamy Dreamy – Use coconut milk and add half an avocado for the smoothest texture ever.
Spiced Up – Add a dash of cinnamon and cardamom. Gives it a chai vibe that’s perfect in colder months.
If you like fruity drinks, you might also enjoy our Coconut Orange Julius or Peach & Guava Lemonade Punch for something different.
Lemon Ginger Smoothie with Banana and Turmeric
Equipment
- Blender
- Grater (for ginger and lemon zest)
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana or frozen banana
- 1/2 fresh lemon juice and zest
- 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger or pre-minced ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 cup plant milk almond or coconut milk
- 3-4 ice cubes optional
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup optional
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Peel and chop your banana. If using frozen, let it thaw slightly.
- Wash and grate some zest from the lemon. Then cut and squeeze out the juice.
- Peel and grate the ginger (about a thumb-sized piece).
- Add the banana, lemon juice, lemon zest, grated ginger, turmeric, plant milk, ice cubes, honey, and black pepper to the blender.
- Blend until smooth. If the smoothie is too thick, add more milk. If it’s not cold enough, add more ice.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately. The flavor is best fresh.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ: Everything You Wanted to Know
What does ginger turmeric and lemon do for your body?
This combo is pretty powerful. Ginger helps with digestion and can settle your stomach. Also good for inflammation. Turmeric has this compound called curcumin that’s super anti-inflammatory. The lemon adds vitamin C and helps your body absorb the other good stuff. Together they’re like a wellness triple threat.
When I feel a cold coming on, this is literally the first thing I make. Can’t say it’s a miracle cure but definitely seems to help.
What are the benefits of a banana and turmeric smoothie?
Bananas bring potassium, fiber and natural sweetness. They’re good for muscle recovery and energy. Turmeric is the real star tho with its anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies show it might help with joint pain and even improve brain function.
My mom started drinking this lemon ginger smoothie with banana and turmeric for her arthritis. Says it helps more than she expected. Plus it’s easier than taking supplements.
What are the benefits of ginger and turmeric in a smoothie?
Both are powerful anti-inflammatories. Ginger has gingerol and turmeric has curcumin – both compounds that fight inflammation in the body. They’re also easier for your body to absorb when blended up with other foods vs taking supplements.
In smoothie form, you’re getting the whole food benefits plus they taste better. The smoothie format makes these strong flavors more approachable.
Do banana and ginger go together in smoothies?
Absolutely! Might sound weird but they’re actually perfect together. The banana smooths out ginger’s intensity and adds necessary sweetness. Ginger gives banana some zing so it’s not boring.
This combo is popular in Jamaica where they make a drink called “Irish moss” with these ingredients. Totally different but shows these flavors have been paired for generations.
Can you put turmeric in a banana smoothie?
Yep and it’s actually really good. Start with just 1/4 teaspoon if you’re new to it. Turmeric has a slightly earthy flavor that banana’s sweetness balances perfectly. The color is amazing too – golden sunshine in a glass.
Just remember that turmeric can stain. I learned this the hard way with my favorite white shirt. Maybe don’t make this in your Sunday best.
The Easiest Healthy Habit You’ll Ever Start
This lemon ginger smoothie with banana and turmeric has become more than just breakfast for me. It’s like a morning ritual that actually makes me feel good. On days when I skip it, I definitely notice the difference.
The best easy homemade smoothies are the ones you’ll actually make again. This recipe hits that sweet spot between simple ingredients, quick prep, great taste and actual health benefits. No wonder it’s become my most-requested recipe when friends come over.
If you’re looking to add more healthy habits without complicated recipes, start here. And when you get bored, check out our Banana Lemon Ginger Smoothie (a slight variation) or 3 Ingredient Banana Weight Loss Recipe for something super simple.
Would love to hear how you customize this recipe. The best version of this lemon ginger smoothie with banana and turmeric is the one that becomes your own morning ritual.