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 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!
A very unhealthy drink. Lemon and lassi mixture makes an adverse effects on health. However ginger and haldi powder is good. Omit lemon.
Could you elaborate on how lemon and “lassi mixture” creates adverse effects on your health? I’ve made this drink multiple times and have never had any problems.
I can explain a little here! Lassi comes from Ayurveda, and ayurveda advises against combining lemons and yoghurt together. This may not cause adverse effects immediately, but will cause a build up of toxins or “ama”, and would disrupt your digestive fire- “agni”. So, I would recommend this recipe without the banana and lemon. That way, you would actually have a healing drink instead of one that may cause further difficulties down the road. Hope that helps a little!
Everything is very open with a very clear clarification of the issues.It was truly informative.
Your website is extremely helpful. Thank you for sharing!
Just made this for breakfast and I loved it! I added chia seeds for a little bulk. The flavors are divine–turmeric is my go-to spice these days, so I was happy to get the big boost that this smoothie offers. Will definitely be making again (like probably tomorrow morning). Also a great use for my overabundance of homemade kefir. Thanks for a great recipe!
I have been drinking Lassi for as long as I can remember. In India, people mostly drink it plain as in yoghurt and sugar at home. And restaurants have a few versions of mango, strawberry and saffron. The flavours you have added are unique and looks stunning. The Lassi Gods would be proud of you.
This is my breakfast tomorrow. Thank you!!!!
Yippy!!! Let me know how you like it!
I’ve never had a lassi like this and this sounds deliciously fun. Your writing made me laugh so much today!
Thanks Nik! This was actually the first lassi I had ever made, so I’m new to the drink too! Let me know if you try ‘er out! 🙂
haha you crack me up! Sayonara smoothie, bring on the lassis 🙂
Honestly, the tumeric has thrown me for a loop. I’ve not had it in a drink; but since I love all the other ingredients, and because I trust your judgement Julia, I’ll give it a shot!
Now that you got me thinking about it, I have only had mango lassis and nothing else. I only thought of mangoes when someone mentioned “lassi”…well, okay, and Lassie, my favorite black and white show ever…but I’m stoked about this turmeric and all it’s crazy health qualities. It DOES in fact live in my spice cabinet, spending its days hoping I will use it in something liquidy with ginger and yogurt, I bet. Yum.
So, I am a total weirdo and have never tried a lassi. Oh the horror! Must try this turmeric lassi ASAP!!
I had no idea that was the difference between a smoothie and a lassi! In any case, I want like a gallon of this to sip on all day long. It sounds delish!
I have never had lassi with turmeric! I am very curious to try this out.
Julia, this sounds so stinking good! Love the ginger and turmeric going on in here!
Thanks deary! I think you’d love it!!! Hope you had a fun weekend!
Good to know the difference between lassis and smoothies! The Indian restaurant near me has super tasty lassis, but it’s hard to justify eating one while I’m already shoveling a huge bufffet of food in my mouth. Thanks for the recipe, can’t wait to try it out.
You know what’s scary-scary? The thought that our brains work a lot in the same way. I see the word Lassi and all I can think is “Lassie, come home”. I’m intrigued by all of the anti-oxidants components and anti-inflammatory ingredients (which drives a certain daughter nuts). Can’t wait for your cookbook to come out. In the meantime, I’ll make this for lunch and then live forever and be able to write weird things on blogs for years!
LOL, we really are connected at the brain, that’s pretty funny! Yup, it’s definitely a tasty drink and while I’m not altogether sure just how large my anti-inflammatory needs are at the moment, I like to think the lassi’s doing great things for my body 😉 Hope you had a great weekend!
Oh lordy, this is getting freaky. I think you are totally the daughter she didn’t realize she had.
Not that I thought of the dog when I read lassi or anything…*cough*
Sounds like we need to have a family reunion! 😉
You know, I trust that everyone’s body has some sign of inflammation – even something as small as a pimple, or a rash. Our atmosphere has pollutants that the body has to process, which can raise the level that our body has to work to cleanse. The whole notion is giving the body the nutrients it needs to fight disease – whether you have signs of it or not. Why wait until something goes wrong? And sadly, that is how most of us find ourselves… we don’t know we are sick until a Sign shows up. In the meantime, our body does what it can do to survive – it is Made so well in repairing itself. But even that can wear down over time. It’s not until you get older, for many…that you realize that “hey, I need to do something”! Good news, is that the body responds very well to the Good Stuff needed. This is something I’ve started learning over the past few months. There is so much good information out there, you just have to do your research. 🙂 Thank God, I’m learning too! Juliana
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment, Juliana! I definitely wish more people took the preventative approach to food, too! It’s hard to see people close to you charging through life without taking the time to stop and research what they’re doing to their body. I guess that’s the product of a society that constantly stays busy and is always looking for a quick fix rather than a long-term solution. It worries me to think that the people close to me who don’t pay a whole lot of attention to their diet will one day have a wake-up call and have to retrace their steps. For now, we can do our part in educating our loved ones on how to cook a simple yet healthy meal. One step at a time! 🙂 Thanks again and best of luck!! xoxo
I have never had any drink like this, but I am loving those flavors!! Plus, for some reason I like the word Lassi! It sounds fun, so I need to make this!