Refreshing Green Smoothie Recipe

About the Green Smoothie Recipe

A green smoothie is a nutrient-dense beverage made by blending leafy greens (such as spinach, kale, or lettuce) with fruits, liquids (like almond milk, coconut water, or juice), and optional ingredients like seeds, protein powder, or spices. The aim is to create a delicious, easy-to-consume drink that is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

While the base typically includes greens, the other ingredients usually consist of fruits like bananas, berries, mangoes, or apples, which balance the flavor and add natural sweetness.

Many people enjoy green smoothies as a quick breakfast, snack, or post-workout recovery drink because they are easy to prepare, highly customizable, and a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables and fruits into your diet.

This Green Smoothie Recipe was inspired by a concept I encountered in a book focused on healing. Although I can’t recall the exact title, the idea resonated with me, and over time, I made several personal adjustments.

It has become one of my favorite morning blends, ideal for days when I need something quick, nourishing, and energizing.

I’ve created two versions of this smoothie: one includes blueberries, while the other does not. As depicted in the images, the blueberry version boasts a deeper color compared to the one without.

This Green Smoothie was once part of my detox routine, and I still relish it with either fresh or frozen spinach and celery. The vibrant green hue is derived from the spinach.

If using fresh spinach, I recommend blanching it in hot water for 2 to 3 minutes before blending.

The natural sweetness comes from ripe bananas and, optionally, blueberries. As I prefer sweeter smoothies, I sometimes add a drizzle of maple syrup or agave.

Feel free to make this smoothie with any fresh seasonal fruits available to you. Bananas are not the only option; consider using apples, pears, mangoes, pineapples, avocados, cherries, or papayas.

This Green Smoothie is both nutritious and versatile—packed with fiber from flax meal, spinach, and fruit, and providing a good source of plant-based protein from moringa powder or any protein powder of your choice.

It’s rich in antioxidants thanks to the blueberries and cinnamon, and naturally sweetened with bananas and dried berries. The recipe is easily adaptable to your taste or the season, and it’s dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and gentle on digestion.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Bananas: Choose ripe bananas for a naturally creamy texture and sweetness. For a chilled Green Smoothie, freeze them in advance.
• Spinach: Fresh, tender spinach leaves are ideal. Baby spinach blends smoothly, but you can also mix it with kale, beet greens, collard greens, Swiss chard, cilantro, mint, arugula, or lettuce for added greens.
• Celery: Adding celery is optional, but it contributes a crisp, refreshing flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the banana and blueberries.
• Blueberries: They add depth and a delightful fruity flavor. If using dried blueberries, soak them in warm water for 15 minutes before blending. Fresh blueberries or other dried fruits like cranberries are excellent alternatives. You could also use fresh strawberries, mulberries, blackberries, or raspberries.
• Flax meal: This boosts fiber and healthy fats, helping you feel full longer. You can substitute it with chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or hemp seeds if desired.
• Moringa powder: Known for its antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory benefits. Feel free to use your favorite protein powder instead—almond, hemp, pea, or other plant-based options all work well. You could also add spirulina or wheatgrass powder.
• Maple syrup: Optional—add only if the bananas aren’t sweet enough or if you’re using unsweetened almond milk.
• Ginger & cinnamon: These spices aid digestion and impart a subtle warmth that beautifully complements the fruit flavors.
• Almond milk: Adjust the quantity based on how thick or runny you want your Green Smoothie. You can also use oat milk, coconut milk, or even substitute with plant-based yogurt for a creamier texture.

How to Make a Green Smoothie

1. In a blender, add the following ingredients:

• 2 medium to large bananas, chopped
• 1 cup frozen spinach or 2 cups fresh spinach (feel free to add more spinach if desired)
• ⅓ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen), optional

2. Next, add 1 tablespoon flax meal, 1 tablespoon moringa powder or any protein powder, ½ teaspoon chopped fresh ginger, and 1 stalk of celery, chopped.

3. Add 1 to 2 pinches of ground cinnamon.

4. Pour in 1 to 1¼ cups of almond milk and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup (optional).

5. Blend until smooth and creamy.

6. Serve the Green Smoothie immediately.

Expert Tips

1. Using spinach: Spinach can be used fresh or frozen. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out any excess water.
2. How to use fresh spinach: For fresh spinach, blanch it in hot water for 2 to 3 minutes, then drain thoroughly before blending.
3. Using blueberries: You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries. If using dried ones, soak them in water for a few minutes to rehydrate. Blueberries are optional and can be omitted or swapped with other berries.
4. Choice of fruits: While banana is the classic smoothie fruit, you could opt for pineapple, apple, pears, mangoes, cherries, avocado, papaya, berries, or peaches.
5. Sweetness customization: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Choose from maple syrup, agave syrup, honey, or sugar based on your preference.
6. Blending: If your blender isn’t very powerful, blend in stages—start with the leafy greens and milk, then add the remaining ingredients.
7. Consistency of Green Smoothie: To achieve your desired consistency, adjust the quantity of almond milk as needed.
8. Serving suggestions: For the freshest taste and maximum nutrient benefit, drink the smoothie right after making it. Add a few ice cubes or use frozen bananas for a refreshing, chilled version.

FAQs