Instructions

• Place a blender on a stable surface. If using the optional greens, add a handful of baby spinach, kale, or other dark leafy greens to the blender first.
• Add the 1 very ripe frozen banana (cut into chunks) to the blender.
• Add ½ cup cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt.
• Pour in ½ cup unsweetened almond milk or regular dairy milk.
• Add one scoop protein powder or collagen powder, if using.
• Add about ½ cup ice cubes (use more or less depending on preferred consistency).
• Secure the blender lid and blend on high until the mixture is smooth, stopping once or twice to scrape down the sides with a spatula if needed and to check texture.
• If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more milk and blend briefly; if it is too thin, add a few more ice cubes and blend until you reach the desired consistency.
• Pour the smoothie into a glass, garnish as desired with banana slices, mini chocolate chips, cacao nibs, a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder, or whipped cream, and enjoy immediately.