Sure, I know a spinach smoothie doesn't sound that appealing, but when made right it can be beyond delicious. With hundreds of 5-star reviews, it's time for you to see why this is the best green smoothie recipe.
Are you wondering why anyone would be excited to drink something as green as this? I hear ya— I've been right where you are. And so have 1 million+ others who've blended this smoothie in our Free Smoothie Challenge. You should join!
Drinking a daily smoothie is what helped me get the body and energy to do some incredible things, such as run 47 miles of the Grand Canyon, ride motorcycles through Morocco, publish two best-selling recipe books and create a backyard garden for my kids. This daily habit has kept my kids healthy when we didn't have health insurance, energized us in between school and sports and nourished us so we rarely get sick. And when we do, we can usually bounce back with some of my own natural remedies.
When I created this green smoothie recipe...it changed my life in more ways than I ever imagine. It was love at first sip for me, my two kids and over 1 million others who were scared of spinach smoothies.
I've published an entire recipe book on Simple Green Smoothies, and then went on The Doctors to blend a few green smoothie recipes live on stage! I was nervous with all the cameras and lights, but I knew I had to share green smoothies with the world! They truly are magical for your health.
Are green smoothie recipes healthy?
What we eat can truly transform our bodies and our lives in powerful ways. Especially with this smoothie recipe as I've seen in the lives of so many of my friends, family and community online. Blending spinach into a fruit smoothie is a great way to boost your immune system, as well as naturally energize you.
Most smoothies are made with just fruit and liquid, which is high in sugar and can cause inflammation. A green smoothie, on the other hand, is made with fruit, plant-based liquids and leafy greens.
This recipe is full of iron, potassium and vitamins galore— and tastes like a tropical treat from all the island fruit. Yet the best part is how simple as well as quick it is to make! You only need 4 ingredients and all of them can be found at your local grocery store (they don't cost a fortune either!). As I say all the time— I'm all for making healthy eating affordable so it's sustainable.
A green smoothie can taste just as good as a regular smoothie, and also have incredible health benefits.
How to make a spinach smoothie
All you need to make a tasty green smoothie is a blender, fruit and leafy greens. The right ratio of spinach to fruit makes it sweet, as well as helps you reap all the health benefits of a green smoothie. The key is to use recipes that actually taste good and follow my simple tips below.
Ingredients you'll need:
- fresh spinach
- frozen pineapple
- frozen mango
- fresh banana
- Blend 1 cup of spinach (or another leafy greens of your choice) in a blender. Adding leafy greens to your smoothie boosts the phytonutrients and fiber, which then slows down the absorption of sugars into your body.
- Next, add 1 cup of liquid and blend well (until all leafy chunks are gone).
- Toss in fruit, such as frozen mango, pineapple and bananas in the blender.
- Next, blend again until smooth and creamy.
- Serve smoothie immediately for maximum nourishment.
- Looking to turn your smoothie into a meal replacement? Adding clean protein + healthy fat does the trick. I realized that none of the protein powders on the market were what I wanted when it came to pure protein with no weird gums or fillers. So I made my own! The result is my Protein Smoothie Boost -with only organic hemp + chia + flax seeds, in a perfectly smooth, smoothie worthy powder. Give it a blend and see what you think!
Can you taste spinach in a green smoothie?
You wouldn't be the first to look at this recipe and say "No way!" Green! Spinach! Yuck! Yet don't walk away! These bright green smoothie recipes will actually delight your taste buds. You'll even have an extra pep in your step when you realize how great you feel!
Even kids LOVE this spinach smoothie recipe! I started blending this recipe in my daughter Clare's kindergarten class four years ago. Now every year, I visit her school to blend this recipe with each new class. That's how delicious this recipe is!
Not sure if your blender can handle the greens? I've created The Ultimate Blender Guide, where I reviewed countless blenders to find the best ones for green smoothies. The key is to get rid of leafy chunks, blend quickly and provide tons of value for the price. Hint: not all of them cost $400+. 🙂
Top 5 Smoothie Blending Tips
- Follow the 60/40 formula. When you’re making your first few green smoothies, don't just throw things in the blender. Chances are, it’ll taste nasty if you wing it right out of the gate. To save you a few smoothie-fails, bust out those cute lil’ measuring cups to learn how to make your own green smoothie.
- Blend in stages to avoid leafy chunks. Chewing your green smoothie is no fun! To get a "smooth" spinach smoothie experience, blend up your leafy greens and liquid-base first. Then add your remaining fruits and blend again.
- Ditch the ice and freeze some fruits. Want your green smoothie to be extra chilly? Freeze your favorite fruits like ripe bananas, grapes, pineapple or berries. You can also freeze your leafy greens in a freezer-safe bag. Just make sure to add your frozen greens straight to the blender.
- Use raw natural sweeteners. Add naturally sweet fruits to any smoothie that tastes bitter or a bit too “green.” My favorite naturally sweet fruits are bananas, mango, apples, pears or pitted dates.
- Make smoothies ahead for the perfect fast food. Life is crazy busy— especially in the morning. That’s why we think green smoothies are the healthiest fast food for people who are constantly on the go. You can smoothie prep, or even blend the night before and store it in your fridge.
More spinach smoothie recipes
- My son is obsessed with this Mango Orange Smoothie recipe
- Try this tropical Pina Colada Spinach Smoothie to head to the beach asap
- Want to boost your metabolism? Then this is a great fat burning green smoothie recipe
- This kale smoothie will surprise even your taste buds
If you have any questions about the green smoothie world, feel free to join my Free Smoothie Challenge and get an incredible guidebook with 10 spinach smoothie recipes and access to my support group.
Best Green Smoothie Recipe
Rate this Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup pineapple (frozen )
- ½ cup mango (frozen)
- 1 banana
- 1 serving Protein Smoothie Boost (optional)
Instructions
- Measure: Tightly pack spinach in a measuring cup.
- Add: Put spinach to blender with water. Blend together until all chunks are gone. (Should resemble green water when blended well).
- Toss: Pineapple, mango and banana to blender. I like to use frozen pineapple and mangos to chill the smoothie down and save time cutting and prepping. It’s a win-win!
- Blend: It all together until smooth and creamy. Depending on your blender, this could take as little as 30 seconds or as long as 2 minutes.
- Pour: Into a glass and serve immediately.
- Store: In the fridge with a lid until ready to drink.
Video
Notes
- Not a fan of bananas? Swap it for ¼ avocado, additional ½ cup mango or ½ cup peaches.
- You can use 1 cup pineapple if you're out of mango.
- Frozen fruit is recommended because it's easy and chills the smoothie.
HT
The green smoothie is our family favorite. Everyone was afraid to taste it because of the spinach in it. I told them “Just try it. You will be surprised”. They loved it and ask for a green smoothie everyday. It tastes like bananas. You can’t even taste the spinach in it. Definitely a great way to get your greens. Thank you! We are looking forward to trying out some more of your recipes.
HT
The green smoothie is our family favorite. Everyone was afraid to taste it because of the spinach in it. I told them “Just try it. You will be surprised”. They loved it and ask for a green smoothie everyday. It tastes like bananas. You can’t even taste the spinach in it. Definitely a great way to get your greens. Thank you! We are looking forward to trying out some more of your recipes.
Sue
First ever smoothie and I loved it
Megan
Really enjoyed this one! I added some vital protein to make it a complete meal for breakfast. Good way to start my day!
Chuck
Yummy green smoothie! Mixed in some moringa powder this morning and the taste was still tropically delicious. Thank you for the love you’ve poured into this site. Great resource that I’ll visit often.
Jen
Skipped the banana (because I forgot to put it in) and thought it was great. Skipped the protein powder as well so my little could have some. Perfect amount of sweetness. Great way to get our veggie intake up.
Simple Green Smoothies
Some feel bananas make smoothies too sweet, so I always recommend adding an avocado in it's place. Cuts down on the sweetness, but it'll make your smoothies super creamy!
Since you liked it without the banana, maybe this is a substitute you'd like to try. Glad you liked it!
Alyssa
I add cucumber and carrots to mine, still delish!
Lily Jane
i made it and it was okay, think i should add orange juice instead of milk next time.
Simple Green Smoothies
Orange juice would be great to swap in for the this recipe! Keep in mind that it will increase sugar and calories vs. plant based milk, if that's important to you.
D Alicia
Delicious, thank you! I don't like bananas but I used them anyway but added just a little or mango so that it would supersede the taste of that. Also, I used a green mix (spinach, kale, lettuce) instead of just spinach because that's what I had on hand. Again, thank you 🙂
Simple Green Smoothies
Fantastic swaps! So glad you gave this a blend. Which recipe will you try next?!
Caron Kirkland
Don’t do a lot of smoothies, but trying to get ready for my wedding I decided to try it out. Great taste I used a little pineapple juice and little water for liquids.
Thumbs up
Simple Green Smoothies
So awesome Caron! And congrats on your big day!
Olivia
Just made this into a sorbet for dinner last night (no liquid, lots of blending) and it was a family hit!
Jen
This is absolutely delicious! I just had bariatric surgery four months ago and needed a green smoothie recipe that tastes good with some protein powder added in. I’m in love with this smoothie
Elsa
Yummy! Very tasty!!!
Dana
Blueberries and bananas, great combo! Was gifted a box of grapefruit this week, so, anyone have a good smoothie recipe for grapefruit? Thanks for this 10 day smoothie challenge. I enjoyed trying the new recipes!
Erin
These are great grapefruit smoothie recipes:
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/fat-burning-smoothie
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/grapefruit-smoothie
Barbara Harvey
Ohhhhhhhh,did I enjoy my spinach, banana,Greek yogurt, avocado and a little honey.thank you...I'm going to try all these recipes in time...love my smoothies every day.thank you. Barbara.x
Blanca
The last day smoothie was delicious according to my husband. Yes it was. Happy to have experienced all the smoothies.
Kevin
Good! I used raw milk instead of water.
Raj iyer
Very good drink. Could have been a little sweeter. So added maple syrup
Chilly
I love it
Raelene
Very delicious I used fresh ingredients because they were in the fridge to use up. Great afternoon snack
I
Jean
Very good healthy smoothie, blueberries are awesome! Looking forward to keeping up the routine.?
Dana
What a flavor burst this morning! Love this blend of flavors although I did use butternut squash in lieu of carrots due to allergies. Excellent pick me up in the morning!
Blanca
Smoothie #8 was very tasty. My husband’s favorite
Shayna
Fantastic! I was blue to get my other half to down a green drink. No questions asked. WootWOOT!
manuel
Today’s smoothie was smooth and creamy-really enjoyed
Cindi Craig
This is one tasty smoothie. Great for breakfast for me.
I am behind on the challenge but working on it anyway!
Dana
Banana is my favorite! Love today's smoothie!
Jean
Day 8 so creamy and smooth, vanilla extract brought out flavor
Jean
Day 8 so creamy and smooth, added handful of spinach because had it convenient for added nutrients
Jean
Day 7 was perfect for staying energized for workout
Blanca
We did a small workout after just perfect.
Blanca
Smoothie #7 was great. We did a small workout after just perfect.
Dana
Today's smoothie is delicious! I wouldn't change a thing!
Daniela
Best smoothie ever!
Manuel
Day 6 was a chocolate treat, switched peanut utter for almond butter, as I am not eating PB.
Jean
Day 6 was perfect being a chocolate and peanut butter lover. Used peanut butter powder in place of creamy peanut butter. Was a mid morning treat.
Blanca
Smoothie #6. A bit too sweet but loved the flavor. I used almond butter and almond milk.
Blanca
I loved day 5 smoothie. Almonds are my favorite. Forgot to post it yesterday.
Dana
Today's smoothie is definitely for chocolate lover's! I did substitute sunbutter for peanut butter and cow milk for oat milk. No sweetener needed as I like bitter chocolate. For fans of milk chocolate, try adding a soon of honey.
Michelle Gong
It's green color and light sweet make me feel fresh and comfort. All my kids love it.
Leslie Shaw
Love it!!! I even got my sons to try it we all love it....thank you for sharing
Dana
Yesterday was so hectic that I feel asleep before reviewing the epic almond smoothie. So, again, I substituted core milk for almond milk and used sunflower seeds instead of almonds. The strawberries were replaced with mango. I blended the milk and seeds first before adding the other ingredients and it is a definite improvement from last effort with seeds. I tasted the smoothie after all was blended and it seemed the sunflower flavor overpowered the fruits. I then added a teaspoon of the optional honey. Then, it was just right!
Heidi
I made this one this morning, I’ve been sick and needed some greens .
Chose to replace the banana with avocado. Excellent taste and texture!
jean
Day 5 Epic Almond so quick and easy to put together, added protein powder for added benefit
Lexi
One of my favorite on the go meal replacement smoothies. It is quick, easy and yummy.
Raj iyer
It was one of the good smoothie.. Loved it
Gayle Brown
Light and refreshing.
Dana
Well, I had doubts about this smoothie based on the flavors of the ingredients. It was pleasantly surprised! Every flavor was really distinguished in this smoothie and they worked together very well. I will try a chai style option with this one next time and add a few other spices, including a little bit of choices.
Dana
Sorry, I meant cloves, not choices.
Manuel Sanchez
This was a light and delicious shake, so easy to get down. Also these shakes help with swallowing morning pills so much easier.
Blanca
Interesting smoothie but still tasty . Just perfect for this time of the year.
Debbie Little
I did not care for this smoothie. Even though I know that turmeric is good for you, I just do not like the taste, regardless of what recipe has it. I am glad I tried it, but I will not make this one again.
Valerie Rodriguez
Day 4- January 13
Perfect Lemon Smoothie
I do love Lemon, Ginger, Honey and peaches... and a little bit of turmeric! I added more honey and frozen peaches...
And still 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric was a little over powering.
I think next time I will use 1/4 teaspoon!
It is a yummy way to fight inflammation and build immune system!
I read that turmeric needs to have pepper added for your body to absorb it properly... what fo you think? Thanks!
Patty
The lemon smoothie is really refreshing. Tart, but I like tart.
Patty
The lemon smoothie is really refreshing. Tart, but I like tart. Am a big fan of ginger.
Mary
Day 4 - I enjoyed this smoothie. Can’t wait to have it again after the 10 days are up. I was tempted to add spinach but decided to make it per recipe. Glad I did.
Claire
Day #4 - I'm thinking that this would have been better if I had a Vitamix blender. I wasn't able to get a smoothie texture even with blending for a long time on high with my Ninja blender. It was a little heavy on the lemon and was missing something that I can't quite put my finger on.
Wendy
Good but tart but not a deal breaker!! I can handle the tartness.
Raj Iyer
It is bit tart.. So it may be better if The lemon is reduced
Garnetta
Day 4 - Lemon Smoothie was Great ~ Tart, Tasty and Refreshing.
Kathryn Mullane
Lemon Smoothie is so pretty! Love the color! Refreshing drink—added ice because better cold. Wanted to taste recipe w/o changes but would add some veggies or greens next time for more nutrients. Recipe could make a nice cocktail ! Most original smoothie for me thus far!
Teresa Viramontes
Yummy, just as is. Have to make some for the family now!
Dana McDaniel
Okay, more substitutions due to allergies. I used cow milk rather than almond milk and use sunflower seeds in place of almonds and used milled flaxseed in place of rolled oats. I'm refining my blending technique a bit more each day. Today, I blended the milk and spinach before adding other ingredients. This broke the spinach up better than adding all the ingredients at once. I think I will try adding the sunflower seeds next and blend again to try but having tiny bits of seeds in the smoothie, or maybe I just need to blend longer. In my morning rush today I missed adding the banana, but the smoothie still tasted good and I ate a non-frozen banana on the way to my appointment as an accompaniment to the smoothie. The seeds, as mentioned above, did not blend as well as hoped, so plan to try refining the technique better.
Michelle
A little tart, but I like tarr
Mary
Day 3 is as good as the others. I forgot the protein but was plenty filling with the oatmeal.
Darcy & Manuel Sanchez
So love smoothies for breakfast!! All the simple green smoothie recipes are fabulous.
Debbie Little
Very good smoothie and filling for a meal replacement 🙂
Marcus Rodriguez
I may have to add this to the permanent breakfast rotation
Blanca
Amazing and so fulfilling. We loved it.
Raj Iyer
It was filling..Loved it
Starla
Day 1 smoothie was very tasty.