Boost your energy and start your day right with this vibrantly delicious green smoothie recipe.
We’ve all heard how important it is to eat enough fruits and vegetables. But what if we’re short on time and can’t always fill our plates with the recommended five daily portions? That’s where healthy smoothies like this one come in. These tasty drinks are an easy way to pack in nutritious fruits and vibrant greens. Even kids will enjoy them—and they probably won’t even notice the spinach!
Smoothies are also a great option for those looking to lose weight. When made with protein and fiber-rich ingredients, smoothies can keep you feeling full and prevent you from reaching for a mid-morning snack.
While there are countless ways to create a delicious and nutritious smoothie, the recipe below is a perfect place to start. You’ll love its mild taste and creamy texture!
Is This Smoothie Recipe Healthy?
By now, you’ve probably seen a few supposedly “healthy” products at the store that were not as good as the packaging claimed. In the case of this homemade “healthy smoothie,” however, you can rest assured it’s truly healthy!
Fruits like bananas, berries, and mangoes are a source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. You’ll also get a serving of greens from the spinach, along with healthy fats from almond milk, chia seeds, and nut butter. As a bonus, Greek yogurt provides gut-friendly probiotics and is a good source of protein.
If you’re following a lactose-free or vegan diet, you can easily substitute the Greek yogurt and protein powder with plant-based alternatives.
Can I use frozen fruits and vegetables in smoothies?
You don’t need to use the freshest produce from the supermarket to make a great smoothie. Frozen fruits and veggies are just as nutritious and can even help give your smoothie a thicker consistency.
Freezing fruits and vegetables in airtight, freezer-safe bags helps prevent food waste and ensures you can quickly whip up a smoothie whenever you need it. Consider preparing pre-mixed blends of your favorite fruits and veggies, so all you have to do is toss them in a blender for an easy, filling breakfast—especially when you’re still a bit sleepy. You can also buy frozen fruits and vegetables for added convenience.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 medium banana
- 1/2 cup mixed berries or mango
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup spinach
- 1 tablespoon nut butter (walnut or almond preferred)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine
Mix all ingredients in a blender.
Blend
Blend until smooth.
Serve
Enjoy your healthy smoothie.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
While smoothies can be made in minutes and taste best fresh, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You could even freeze your smoothies in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months
You may need to adjust the liquid-to-solid ratio as you experiment with smoothie recipes to achieve the perfect consistency. If your smoothie is too thick, simply add more liquid. If it’s too thin, mix in more fruits, veggies, or nut butter to thicken it up.
There’s debate over whether smoothies are better than juicing, but there’s no denying smoothies have more fiber. While juices might get into your bloodstream quicker, smoothies benefit from having whole foods (plus their fiber!) which will help keep you fuller longer.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re trying to slim down, this healthy smoothie may be all you have for breakfast or as a snack. However, you could add some other healthy options on the side, like a bowl of warm Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal or some Pancakes. It’s also a great idea to serve your smoothie in a bowl with healthy toppings such as Homemade Granola, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, and fresh fruit. This will add extra flavor and texture to your smoothie.
Finally, as a fun treat idea, consider pouring your smoothie into popsicle molds and freezing them to make a healthy summertime treat!
Healthy Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium banana
- 1/2 cup mixed berries or mango
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup spinach
- 1 tablespoon nut butter walnut or almond preferred
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder optional
Instructions
-
Place the banana, fruits, almond milk, Greek yogurt, spinach, nut butter, chia seeds, and optional protein powder in a blender.
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Blend on high speed until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
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Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
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