Our green smoothie recipe is far from the humdrum spinach health drinks of yore. It’s nutrient-packed and bursting with bright flavors. What’s more, the recipe uses just five ingredients, making it a simple way to elevate your energy levels as you start your day or whenever you need a pick-me-up.
Are green smoothies healthy?
Whether or not a smoothie is healthy depends on what you add to it. This green smoothie recipe is healthy because it’s made with whole foods and unsweetened almond milk.
You can sweeten this recipe with a bit of maple syrup or honey if you like, but adding extra processed or high-sugar ingredients can make it less healthy.
Should I use frozen or fresh fruit in smoothies?
Yes! Frozen fruit is the key to a fantastic smoothie. If you’ve ever made a smoothie with a bunch of fresh fruit and added ice for texture, you might have noticed that the smoothie tasted watered down or it lacked sweetness. The easiest way to avoid this is to use frozen fruit instead of ice cubes. Frozen fruit also keeps the smoothie consistency thick.
And while frozen fruit is preferred for this smoothie recipe, our Test Kitchen recommends saving frozen spinach for spanakopita or chicken Florentine meatballs. Instead, use fresh spinach in a green smoothie. Using frozen spinach could dilute the smoothie and affect the consistency. If frozen spinach is all you have, place it in a strainer to thaw and let any excess liquid drip away.
Green Smoothie Ingredients
- Fresh baby spinach
- Frozen pineapple chunks
- Frozen mango chunks
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Medium banana, halved
Directions
Step 1: Wash the spinach
Make sure to rinse your spinach before placing it in the blender. Spinach is part of the “Dirty Dozen,” so rinsing will reduce the chances of pests or dirt ruining your delicious smoothie.
Step 2: Blend
Using pre-chopped frozen fruits is a smart time saver. Simply pop all five ingredients into the blender, cover and process until blended. Stir if necessary, and serve immediately.
Editor’s Tip: Pour the smoothies into chilled glasses to keep them extra cold.
How to Meal-Prep Smoothies
Meal-prepping smoothies is a fun way to stay on top of healthy breakfast or snack choices. Add all the frozen items into portioned, freezer-safe containers and pop them in the freezer. You can even add fresh banana slices and they’ll freeze up with the pineapple and mango chunks.
When it’s time to make your smoothie, simply add milk and spinach to your blender, then dump in the portioned fruit cup and blend.
Green Smoothie Tips
Why is the texture of my smoothie off?
A few things could create oddly textured smoothies. If the smoothie is too watery, maybe you added too much milk and not enough frozen fruit. If the recipe is chunky, it might be time for a new blender that will chop every piece of fruit into a smooth consistency.
You might notice a more grainy texture in smoothies with added protein powders or seeds. That can’t be 100% avoided, but using more liquid or blending longer than normal can help thin the graininess.
Can I use other greens to make a green smoothie?
You sure can. Swap kale for spinach, though don’t expect the same taste. Kale is slightly more bitter than spinach, so you won’t have the same mild and smooth flavors.
This kale smoothie is a yummy alternative to the spinach-based smoothie if you want to try different fruits too. For a smoothie with a bite, opt for this ginger-kale smoothie.
How can I customize my green smoothie?
The best part of smoothies is that you can customize them to suit your tastes. To spin off this green smoothie recipe, try different types of milk. Add chia seeds or flaxseed for more nutrients. Mix in protein powder or Greek yogurt if you’re looking for more calories and protein to mend muscles after a workout.
