Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spinach Banana Smoothie is a delicious, nutrient-packed drink that’s perfect for a quick breakfast or a healthy snack. The creamy Greek yogurt and ripe banana provide natural sweetness, while the fresh spinach adds a boost of vitamins and minerals. The chia seeds offer fiber and omega-3s, making this smoothie a great choice for energy and overall health. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for something energizing in the morning or a post-workout refreshment, this smoothie is a perfect go-to.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Peel the banana and break it into chunks.
- Measure out the spinach, Greek yogurt, almond milk, chia seeds, and honey or maple syrup.
- Blend the Smoothie:
- In a blender, combine the spinach, banana, almond milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and sweetener of your choice (honey or maple syrup).
- Add the ice cubes for a refreshing, chilled smoothie.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 1 large serving or 2 smaller servings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Blend Time: 1-2 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free yogurt (such as coconut or almond yogurt) and maple syrup to make this smoothie vegan-friendly.
- Nut Butter: Add 1 tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter for extra creaminess and a protein boost.
- Other Fruits: Swap the banana for other fruits like mango, pineapple, or berries for different flavors.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth and spice.
- Protein Boost: For an added protein kick, include a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Fresh smoothies are best enjoyed immediately for the best taste and texture. If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, though it’s best fresh.
- Freezing: You can freeze the smoothie for later by pouring it into ice cube trays or popsicle molds. Blend the cubes with a little almond milk when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
- Reheating: This smoothie is meant to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works well in this smoothie. Just be sure to thaw it before blending, or add it directly to the blender with extra ice cubes for a colder smoothie.
Can I use other types of milk instead of almond milk?
Yes, you can substitute almond milk with other plant-based milks such as oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. You can also use dairy milk if you prefer.
Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
While smoothies are best fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the freezer. Simply blend everything together when you’re ready to drink it.
How do I make the smoothie sweeter?
If you like your smoothie sweeter, you can add extra honey, maple syrup, or a natural sweetener like stevia or agave syrup. Adjust to taste.
Can I add other leafy greens to this smoothie?
Yes! You can easily add other leafy greens like kale or swiss chard for a different taste and additional nutrients. Start with a small amount if you’re new to adding greens.
Can I add protein powder to this smoothie?
Absolutely! You can add a scoop of protein powder (such as whey, pea, or hemp protein) to make this smoothie even more filling and suitable as a post-workout snack.
How can I make this smoothie thicker?
For a thicker smoothie, you can add more frozen fruit, such as frozen banana slices or mango, or use less almond milk. Chia seeds also help thicken the smoothie as they absorb liquid.
Can I use other sweeteners besides honey or maple syrup?
Yes, you can use other natural sweeteners like agave syrup, coconut sugar, or stevia to suit your preferences.
Conclusion
This Spinach Banana Smoothie is a simple, nutrient-dense option that’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s a refreshing, delicious way to start your day or fuel up post-workout. The creamy texture and balance of sweet and savory flavors make it a favorite for anyone looking for a healthy, energizing drink. With endless customization options, you can adjust this smoothie to fit your tastes and dietary preferences, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion!
Print
Spinach Smoothie
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 large serving or 2 smaller servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Spinach Banana Smoothie is a refreshing and nutrient-packed drink that’s perfect for breakfast or as a post-workout snack. Made with fresh spinach, ripe banana, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds, it’s naturally sweetened and full of fiber, vitamins, and omega-3s. Easy to make, customizable, and delicious, this smoothie is a great way to fuel your day!
Ingredients
2 cups fresh spinach
1 ripe banana
1 cup almond milk
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1/2 cup ice cubes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Peel the banana and break it into chunks. Measure out the spinach, Greek yogurt, almond milk, chia seeds, and sweetener of your choice. -
Blend the Smoothie:
In a blender, combine the spinach, banana, almond milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and sweetener. Add the ice cubes for a colder, refreshing smoothie.
Blend on high until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add more almond milk to reach your desired consistency. -
Serve:
Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately!
Notes
Storage: Best enjoyed immediately, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Freezing: Freeze the smoothie in ice cube trays or popsicle molds. Blend the cubes with almond milk for a quick smoothie later.
Sweetener Options: Adjust the sweetness with honey, maple syrup, or a natural sweetener like stevia or agave syrup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Healthy
