Creamy, lightly spiced, and just the right amount of sweet, this turmeric lassi isn’t just yummy, but also packed with nourishing ingredients like fresh ginger, lemon, banana, and honey.
It tastes like sunshine in a glass, and bonus – it’s loaded with antioxidants and probiotics.
I first stumbled across the idea of a turmeric lassi during a deep dive on Pinterest (a.k.a. the black hole of all good things), and I’ve been hooked ever since.
There’s even a variation of this recipe in my cookbook, Delicious Probiotic Drinks! Slightly different, equally delightful.
Whether you’re looking to mix up your morning routine or want something refreshing to sip mid-afternoon, this turmeric lassi delivers.
What is a Lassi?
A lassi is a traditional Indian drink made primarily with yogurt (or buttermilk), often blended with spices or fruit. You’ve probably seen mango lassi on Indian restaurant menus, but turmeric lassi deserves just as much love.
The key difference between a lassi and a smoothie? In smoothies, fruit takes center stage. In lassis, yogurt is the star of the show.
So this is a yogurt-forward drink, with optional fruit, and a smooth, luxurious texture that makes it feel extra indulgent, without being over the top.
Why You’ll Love This Turmeric Lassi
Not only is this lassi creamy and comforting, but it also brings the heat (in a good way) thanks to fresh ginger and a kiss of lemon juice.
Turmeric is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger is a digestive aid, honey is a natural antibiotic, and bananas just taste great.
Blend them and… holy healthy ramalamadingdong! Here are a few more reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
- Creamy, rich, and spicy
- Subtly sweet and naturally sweetened
- Packed with gut-healthy probiotics
- Anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting
Ingredients for Turmeric Lassi
Plain kefir or yogurt: The base of the drink! You can use regular yogurt, Greek yogurt, or a dairy-free option like coconut milk yogurt.
Frozen banana: Adds natural sweetness and makes the lassi extra creamy. You can swap in frozen mango for a mango turmeric twist.
Fresh ginger: Brings zing and a little heat! Great for digestion and overall immune support.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
Ground turmeric: The star of the show! Use more or less depending on how strong you like it.
Honey: Naturally sweetens and balances the spice. You can swap with maple syrup or agave.
Orange zest (optional): For extra citrus vibes and a little depth.
How to Make a Turmeric Lassi
Making this lassi is as easy as it gets!
Just add all your ingredients – yogurt or kefir, frozen banana, ginger, lemon juice, turmeric, honey, and optional orange zest – into a high-powered blender.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice to your liking.
If you want a thinner consistency, you can add a splash of water, or even coconut water, if you have it on hand.
Serve immediately while it’s fresh and frosty!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just use coconut milk yogurt or any other non-dairy yogurt you like.
Can I use fresh turmeric instead of ground?
Yes! Start with ¼ teaspoon and go up to 1 teaspoon and go up to 1 teaspoon of fresh turmeric root. Keep in mind the flavor may be slightly stronger.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick shake or stir before drinking.
Is this sweet or savory?
This version is lightly sweetened, but you can make it more savory by skipping the banana and honey, and adding a pinch of salt.
Recipe Adaptations and Additions
- Not a banana fan? – No problem, swap it out for ½ to 1 cup of frozen mango for a tropical twist.
- Add black pepper – Add just a pinch to help your body absorb curcumin from the turmeric!
- Make it frosty – Blend in a few ice cubes for a chilly, smoothie-like texture.
- Spice it up – Add a dash of cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg for warm, cozy vibes.
- Garnish it – Sprinkle with orange zest, chia seeds, or shredded coconut for texture and flair.
What to Serve with Turmeric Lassi
Golden, creamy, and just the right amount of zippy, this turmeric lassi fits into your day like it was meant to be there. Whether you’re building out a full meal or just need a quick sippable boost, it knows how to play its part.
It pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes, making it a versatile addition to any menu. It’s perfect as a nourishing breakfast drink, a standout on a brunch spread, a refreshing afternoon treat, or a soothing sipper to wind down with in the evening. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- 6-Ingredient Healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
- Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats
- Roasted Eggplant and Mushroom Curry
- 30-Minute Thai Green Curry with Avocado
Other Nourishing Drinks to Try
Turmeric Lassi
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain kefir or plain yogurt*
- 1 frozen banana**
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric**
- 2 teaspoons honey to taste
- 1/2 tsp orange zest optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high powered blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy immediately!
you need some fat and some black pepper to get the benefits of turmeric, so use a full-fat milk yogurt or kefir, or somethign like coconut milk with a good fat content, and add a couple of grinds of black pepper – it should work fine with the ginger and stuff, and will maximise the benefits.
This sounds like such a gut-healthy drink! Probiotics and turmeric sounds amazing. Definitely want to try making this one at home to be sure the family and my stomach health is in tip top shape!
Wow! I just made a vegan version of this with coconut yogurt and stevia. So much flavor. It’s not like anything I have ever had before. I’m in love with this little lassi! Thank you for posting this recipe.
What a great idea! I had been meaning to whip up a lassi using an almond milk or coconut milk yogurt and am so happy you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for the feedback! 😀
YOU are hysterical! I just made your ginger carrot smoothie – love it! Then I looked at the Turmeric lassi recipe – I just love reading your “commentaries” – can’t help but laugh and enjoy! going to definitely be following you, and did I see you have a cookbook, or it’s in the works? Gotta check that out, man.