This Green Smoothie is an energizing breakfast or snack that will fill you up without weighing you down! It’s easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
Over the years, I’ve made A LOT of green smoothies. I started making this version years ago, and it’s now my go-to green smoothie recipe, the one that I find myself making again and again. It’s cool, creamy and refreshing, the perfect pick-me-up on a busy morning or low energy afternoon. This base recipe is extremely versatile, and you can swap in your favorite ingredients to make your best green smoothie. I’ve given you lots of ideas below!
Green Smoothie
Green smoothies get their name because they’re made with leafy greens, which typically give them a beautiful green color, depending on what else you add to the smoothie. This green smoothie recipe gets its green hue from fresh spinach. Spinach is the perfect leafy green to use if you are just getting started with green smoothies because it has a mild flavor that you won’t taste in the smoothie. The tender texture of spinach helps it to blend up smoothly so it won’t alter the texture of your smoothie. Once you’re ready to move onto other greens, try subbing in kale or swiss chard for the spinach.
Green Smoothie Ingredients
- Fresh Spinach: To put the green in this healthy green smoothie! You won’t taste the spinach in the smoothie, promise!
- Banana: It’s best to use a banana that is fairly ripe because it will add more sweetness to the smoothie than a less ripe banana. Since we’re using other frozen fruits in the smoothie, the banana can be fresh or frozen.
- Frozen Fruit: The frozen fruit thickens the smoothie. I like to use a combination of mango and pineapple for a sweet, refreshing flavor. Frozen peaches also work well. Strawberries are also delicious in this smoothie, but they will alter the color.
- Avocado: The satiating healthy fats and fiber in avocado give the smoothie more staying power. Avocado also helps to give the smoothie a creamy texture.
- Milk: I usually use unsweetened almond milk as the liquid in this smoothie. Feel free to use another nondairy milk such as oat milk, or dairy milk. You can also use coconut water for a light, refreshing flavor. Using milk in the smoothie gives it a creamier taste.
How to Make a Green Smoothie
Find the full printable recipe with ingredient amounts below.
Add all of the ingredients to a blender.
Blend until partially combined and then scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula.
Blend again, gradually increasing the blender speed, until fully combined and smooth.
How to Thicken a Smoothie
If you find that your smoothie is too thin after blending, you can blend in frozen banana or other frozen fruit. Blending in ice is not the best way to thicken a smoothie because ice can water down the smoothie.
Recipe Tips
- Use a high powered blender, such as a Vitamix, if possible. If you don’t have a high powered blender, blend the liquid and spinach together first until smooth and then blend in the other ingredients. This will help to prevent large pieces of spinach in the smoothie.
- If the smoothie is too thick, blend in a little more milk (or your liquid of choice).
- If the smoothie is too thin, blend in another 1/4 of an avocado, some frozen banana or other frozen fruit.
Recipe Variations
There are many possibilities for changing up this smoothie to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Pear or Apple: You can add a pear or apple to this green smoothie instead of frozen mango and pineapple. If doing so, use a frozen banana to thicken the smoothie.
- Greek Yogurt: Add plain Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein.
- Nut Butter: I’ve tried this smoothie with a spoonful of almond butter and prefer it without, but if you love nut butter and are looking to boost the protein content of your smoothie it’s worth a try. Peanut butter is another option.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a refreshing tang and brightens up the flavors.
- Fresh Ginger: You can blend in a little fresh ginger for a zingy, slightly spicy flavor.
- Ground Flaxseeds or Chia Seeds: For added fiber and nutrients.
Make-Ahead Smoothies
Smoothies are best served right after blending. If you’d like a make ahead or meal prep option, you can measure out the smoothie ingredients, except for the liquid, and store in an airtight container in the freezer. Then to make the smoothie all you have to do is add the prepared frozen ingredients and liquid to your blender and blend.
More Healthy Smoothie Recipes
Try one of these delicious smoothie recipes next!
Best Green Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ medium banana, fresh or frozen
- ½ cup frozen mango*
- ½ cup frozen pineapple*
- ¼ avocado
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk, or milk of choice: oat, dairy, etc., or coconut water
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend, starting on low speed, until partially combined.
- Scrape down the sides of the blender. Blend, gradually increasing the speed, until fully combined and smooth.
- If the smoothie is too thick, blend in a little more almond milk (or your liquid of choice). If it is too thin, blend in a little more frozen fruit or frozen banana. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You may substitute other frozen fruits for the frozen mango and/or frozen pineapple. Try frozen peaches or strawberries. Note that strawberries will alter the color of the smoothie.
- If you don’t have a high powered blender (like a Vitamix), blend the liquid and spinach together first until smooth and then blend in the other ingredients.
You definitely know how to start the new year off right, Kristine! This green smoothie is seriously SO pretty! I want to be sipping on this all day! 🙂
Thanks, Sarah!
This smoothie looks so refreshing ♥
Thank you, Summer!
I definitely need to get some healthy smoothies going in the new year!! This one looks awesome– I love the mango in it, one of my fave fruits. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you, Jess! I think you’d love this one! 😉
This smoothie is perfection! I’ve been wanting to start making a green smoothie for breakfast some mornings to switch up my usual yogurt/berries/granola routine, so I’m definitely going to try this. I know I have some frozen mango hidden in the back of my freezer!
You are too sweet, Rachel! Yogurt and granola is another of my favorite snacks!
It’s been far too long since I’ve had a green smoothie in my life. I’m keeping this one to try out soon! This looks so refreshing, Kristine!
Thank you, Danielle!