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My favorite green smoothie recipe is really a simple and healthy alternative to a tropical energy drink. I’ve made this smoothie almost every morning to boost my energy levels and nourish my body for the past 12 years. With over 1,900 5-star reviews, I can’t wait for you to blend it and vote (by leaving a review) to let me know if you think it’s the best green smoothie.

Overhead view of green smoothies in glass jars with straws.

Health Benefits of a Green Smoothie

Green smoothies are a delicious and convenient way to improve your health. Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, a green smoothie offers a wide range of benefits. Here’s a few of the benefits I’ve experienced:

  • More energy from the natural fruit sugars blended so it’s easily absorbed
  • I rarely get sick (my immune system is stronger thanks to the vitamins in the ingredients)
  • My digestive system is happy with all the fiber and hydration
  • My skin is glowing. Adding spinach to a smoothie boosts the phytonutrients and fiber, which then slows down the absorption of sugars into your body and makes it officially a “green smoothie”.
  • My kids are growing strong and healthy (they’ve been drinking green smoothies since they were little as you can see from the photos below).
Woman pouring a green smoothie from a blender into a glass cup.
Kids drinking the best green smoothie recipe.

I’m in my early 40’s and have two teenagersโ€” so life has worn me down a bit. ๐Ÿ˜œ Green smoothies keep me energized and fueled so I can still go after my bucket list adventures, like:

  • Run 47 miles across the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim (I’ve done this 5 times now)
  • Complete a 7-day motorcycle adventure race in Morocco (I slept in floors in random houses each night)
  • Hike Angelโ€™s Landing in Zion National Park with my family (that was intense!)
  • Complete a 4-day backpacking trip with my son in the Rocky Mountains last summer (my toenail still hasn’t grown all the way back)

I don’t share my adventures to brag. I share them to help you see what is possible when you nourish your body with fruits, vegetables and the best green smoothie recipe that we’ll get into now.

Labeled ingredients of pineapple, mango, banana and spinach for the best green smoothie recipe.

Best Green Smoothie Recipe Ingredients

Everything you need to make this recipe is found in a garden, farmerโ€™s market, or the produce section of your grocery store. I’ve found that the closer we eat to nature, the better we feel. This green smoothie recipe is a great way to start that journey. Here’s the ingredients you’ll need:

  • Fresh spinach: Baby spinach is the most mild version to use in smoothies, and also the most easy to find. I suggest using organic spinach because it’s one of the Dirty Dozen. The right ratio of spinach to fruit makes it sweet, as well as helps you reap all the health benefits of drinking green smoothies.
  • Pineapple: I buy frozen pineapple at Costco in bulk to make Frozen Smoothie Packs. If it’s on sale, I’ll cut up pineapple and freeze it myself.
  • Mango: You’ll find frozen mango next to the ice cream in the freezer section. I love how it’s already peeled and cut for you and ready to add to the blender. If fresh mango is on sale, you can always cut the mango and freeze yourself. Check out my guide on how to cut mango.
  • Fresh banana: Bananas add a creaminess to smoothies that is hard to replicate. It’s magic!
  • Water: The liquid base in the smoothie is water. Use filtered water to avoid any unnecessary chemicals or pollutants. I like using a Berkey Water Filter to filter my water.

Should I use Fresh or frozen fruit in a Green smoothie?

I prefer using frozen fruit because it chills down your smoothie without using ice, which can dull your blender blades overtime. I use fresh bananas in my smoothies because I like how creamy they make it.

Pouring a green smoothie from a blender into a glass cup.

How to Make a Green Smoothie

The only equipment you need to make this green smoothie recipe is a high-speed blender for smoothies. A juicer or food processor wonโ€™t work to get you a creamy drink youโ€™ll want to make over and over. Check out my list of the top 10 best blenders for smoothies. Once you have a high-speed blender, you can successfully make the best green smoothie recipe by following the steps below.

  1. Blend 1 cup of spinach (or other leafy greens of your choice) in a blender with 1 cup of liquid. Blend until all leafy chunks are gone. You can follow my leafy greens guide for help.
  2. Toss in frozen mango, pineapple, and bananas in the blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. If you want your smoothie to be extra chilly or possibly even turn it into a smoothie bowl, use more frozen fruit. (You can freeze your favorite fruits like ripe bananas, grapes, pineapple, or berries.)
  3. Add in superfoods once the smoothie is nice and creamy. Chia seeds, hemp hearts, and flax seeds are all great choices.
  4. In order to break down the cell walls of the plants, you need to blend at high speed. You shouldnโ€™t have any leafy chunks in your smoothie if your blender is powerful enough.
  5. Drink immediately. To get the maximum amount of nutrients from a smoothie, drink it immediately after blending it. The longer your smoothie is exposed to oxygen, the more it breaks down and the nutrients deteriorate. This is called oxidation. To minimize this, you can store your smoothie in the fridge with an air-tight lid for up to 48 hours, yet I think it tastes best if consumed within 4 hours after blending.

Beginner Blending Tip

When youโ€™re making your first few green smoothies, follow my Green Smoothie Formula to get the perfect blend. Don’t just throw spinach and kale in the blender. Chances are, it won’t taste as great if you wing it right out of the gate.

Close up of chia seeds and protein powder to add to a green smoothie recipe.


Best Green Smoothie Recipe Add-Ins

  • Protein powder: You can turn any green smoothie recipe into a meal replacement by adding a serving of my homemade protein powder to the blender.
  • Natural sweeteners: If you are wondering how to make a smoothie sweeter without processed sugar, explore my list of the best natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, bananas, or dates. 
  • Chia seeds: A simple way to add more healthy fats and protein is to add 2 tbsp chia seeds. It won’t alter the taste, but drink fast or it will congeal.
  • Collagen: Unflavored collaged is a simple way to add additional protein and support your gut health.
  • Banana swaps: Don’t care for bananas? You can substitute it with a quarter of an avocado.
  • Mango swaps: If you don’t have any mango, a full cup of frozen pineapple or peaches will work.

Common Questions

Can you taste the spinach in a green smoothie?

You won’t be able to taste the spinach if you use the proper ratio of fruit to spinach. This green smoothie recipe tastes like a mango pineapple smoothie with a hint of banana flavor.

Are green smoothies healthy?

Green smoothies are the healthiest fast food out there. Blending spinach and fruit into a smoothie is a great way to boost your immune system, increase fiber intake, and boost your energy levels. A kale or spinach smoothie has incredible health benefits with additional phytonutrients. What we eat can truly transform our bodies and our lives in powerful ways.

Most smoothies you buy or find online are made with just fruit and fruit juice. This makes them crazy high in sugar, which can cause inflammation and consuming excess calories. A green smoothie, on the other hand, is made with fruit, vegan milks and leafy greens, typically spinach or kale. They’re loaded with iron, potassium, fiber and vitamins galore. If you’re not sure which leafy greens to use in your smoothie, check out my Ultimate Leafy Greens Guide for Smoothies.

What blender do I need to make the best spinach smoothie?

Any blender will work, yet to get the creamiest green smoothie you’ll need a high speed blender. Check out myย Best Blenders for Smoothies 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.

Can I make a green smoothie ahead of time?

For busy weeks, you can create Frozen Smoothie Packs that you prep on the weekend and enjoy all week, or month. It’ll only take you 5 minutes every morning to have a green smoothie ready to go. You can also blend your smoothie the night before and store it in your fridge until ready to drink.

Are green smoothies fattening?

Green smoothies arenโ€™t inherently fattening. Theyโ€™re packed with nutrients and fiber. A basic blend of spinach, mango, pineapple, banana, and water has about 203 calories per serving. To keep them light, avoid added sugars and high-calorie extras like sweeteners or full-fat dairy. Stick to whole fruits, veggies, and water for a healthy, balanced drink.

Best green smoothie recipe in a mason jar surrounded by fresh baby spinach leaves.

6 More Green Smoothie Recipes

Once you try the recipe below, you’re gonna want more green smoothie recipes. It happens every day in my inbox! I love it! Here’s some of the most popular ones on my blog to try next:

  1. My son is obsessed with this Mango Orange Smoothie recipe.
  2. Try this vitamin-C packed Blueberry Spinach Smoothie to recharge the body.
  3. Boost your metabolism with these Fat-Burning Smoothies For Weight Loss.
  4. This Simple Kale Smoothie will surprise even the pickiest smoothie drinkers.
  5. I love this Glowing Green Smoothie with spinach and romaine lettuce for digestive support. 
  6. Escape with this tropical Detox Island Green Smoothie to heal from within.
4.85 from 1938 votes

Best Green Smoothie Recipe

Supercharge your morning with the best green smoothie recipe using sweet mango, creamy banana, and nutrient-packed spinach. Green smoothies come together in just 5 minutes to give you a delicious, energizing, and nourishing option to start the day.
Prep: 3 minutes
Cook: 2 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Author: Jen Hansard
Course: Smoothie
Cuisine: Plant-Based
Serves: 1

Ingredients  

  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1 cup water
  • ยฝ cup pineapple frozen
  • ยฝ cup mango frozen
  • 1 banana

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. Itโ€™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.
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Video

Notes

  • Try adding a serving of Homemade Protein Powder, it’s super clean and easy to make.
  • Not a fan of bananas? Swap it for 1/4 avocado, additional 1/2 cup mango or 1/2 cup peaches.
  • You can use 1 cup pineapple if you’re out of mango.
  • Frozen fruit is recommended to chill the smoothie (and save time cutting and washing).
  • Store in the fridge with a lid until ready to drink.

Nutrition

Calories: 203kcal, Carbohydrates: 51g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 38mg, Potassium: 818mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 34g, Vitamin A: 3829IU, Vitamin C: 88mg, Calcium: 63mg, Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Show me!Mention @SimpleGreenSmoothies or tag #SimpleGreenSmoothies!

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Comments

  1. Thanks so much for the 30 day smoothie challenge. I used to drink smoothies all thru the year, and it is a credit to me maintaining my trim figure. I have been de-toxing for years! I had high blood pressure and I ‘ve returned back to green smoothies. I no longer have cravings for sugar or coffee!!!! It was extremely hard to get off the coffee. Thank you for sharing your recipes!

    1. Really great to hear this, Sannimaria! Thanks for sharing how green smoothies have helped youโ€”encouraging!

  2. Hi, I’m signed up to start the next 30 day challenge this July and I’m excited! However, I have an allergy to pineapple and I notice several of your smoothie recipes, including this starter one, include pineapple. What fruit can I substitute for pineapple in this or any of the other recipes and still maintain the intent behind the flavor/nutrient combo? Thanks!

    1. Hi Dafina-Lazarus Stewart!
      You can really use anything else that’s sweet and juicy. With this specific recipe, there was no real nutritional intent other than it being fruit that’s great for your body! Here’s a list of things that might work: kiwi, doubling up on mango, grapes, berries, and more.

  3. are you meant to do one of these and still eat healthy ,or one one of these and cut out a meal?
    Thanks
    Lisa

    1. Hi Lisa!
      The goal is to drink one green smoothie a day in place of a meal or snack, and to keep eating normally the rest of the day ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Hi, I’m new to green smoothies. I know it’s best to use fresh or frozen fruits but can I use canned fruits? Will it effect my smoothies?

  5. Question..this is my first smoothie..im a newbie. Does the pineapple have to be fresh or can I use canned???

    1. Carrol did you ever get a reply to your question? I was wondering the same thing about canned food.

      1. We don’t recommend using canned, Shirley ๐Ÿ™‚ We would rather use fresh or frozen.

  6. I am just starting out on the green smoothie plan. My daughter and son-in-law have been on them for about 2 years now. They bought a Vitamix at our local kitchen store and they used my son-in-law as the “poster child” for Vitamix because he lost so much weight and felt so much healthier and energetic. Before that he was the typical beer swilling, hamburger eating guy. He has converted a number of people over to the smoothies now. We live in an area where there are plenty of huckleberries which I pick and freeze every summer so these are added daily to any smoothie that I make.

    1. Awesome to hear, Sheila! Welcome to the green smoothie world ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. Hello, I just wanted to add that I got two of my coworkers doing the challenge, one started several months ago and has been going every since and the other is doing the month of May with me and she got her fiance to do it as well, also tried them out on her 5 year old step-daughter and she hates veggies, but absolutely loved the green smoothies. The first one I had my coworkers try was “beginners luck”. So thank you, I’m continuing to spread the word, I got back on the green smoothie challenge to help kick my candy addiction and I am currently 2.5 weeks candy free, ๐Ÿ™‚ LOL! Thank you Jen and Jadah for this awesome website and support to help make my life greener and healthier! You two ROCK…! ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Way to spread the green smoothie love, Jamoya! Keep it up, and keep blending those green smoothies.

  8. Is this a one person-one meal recipe? I’m very new and don’t want to seem dumb. I’m desperate and feel like I found your site for a reason.

    1. Hiya, this is a 2 person’s recipe. I thought it was a one mans recipe too and ended up making a bit too much! But don’t fret, i just poured the rest into a jar and put it in the fridge for the next day, yum. Just halve this recipe and youve got a single serve ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. Im new to the green smoothie craze. I’ve been making a lot of fruit smoothie’s but never a green smoothie. What are the benefits? And what are some great recipe’s

  10. I’ve been doing the 30 day challenges for a year now and LOVE IT! But… My daughter is pregnant and her iron is low. What smoothies would you suggest for her. (she not particularly fond of fruits and veggies)

  11. thatโ€™s my meal replacement smooth for breakfast 1 banana 1 apple 1 pear 1 carrot 1 stalk of celery 1โ€ณ ginger 2 table spoons of flax seeds and the greens are 3 cups of spinach or kale or a full head of romaine only the romaine has a earthy taste thatโ€™s why i m asking because i like to rotate my greens.
    i wonder if i can mix spinach or kale with romaine, would i get the same nutrition value and there is not a nutrition conflict.

    1. Hi Sharon!
      Feel free to mix leafy greens if you’d like ๐Ÿ™‚ We prefer to stick to one leafy green at a time just to make it simpler, but it’s ok to mix.

  12. that’s my meal replacement smooth for breakfast 1 banana 1 apple 1 pear 1 carrot 1 stalk of celery 1″ ginger 2 table spoons of flax seeds and the greens are 3 cups of spinach or kale or a full head of romaine only the romaine has a earthy taste that’s why i m asking because i like to rotate my greens.
    i wonder if i can mix spinach or kale with romaine, would i get the same nutrition value and there is not a nutrition conflict.

    1. Depends what you’re using avocado in, Michelle ๐Ÿ™‚ If you’re using it in a smoothie, then 1/4 cup of coconut oil will do!

  13. i wonder if anybody tried a green smoothie with a full head of a romaine lettuce, i tried and i got this earthy taste , can anybody tell me how can i get rid of it.

    1. Romaine lettuce is definitely more bitter. That’s why it’s great to start with spinach for a more mild taste. Or try half and half. And I always add a banana to sweeten things up. ๐Ÿ™‚

  14. I’ve been making veggie/fruit smoothies for about 2 months now but I am really excited about taking part in the 30-day challenge. I do have to admit that I drink my smoothie all in one sitting (32 ozs), usually at breakfast. It’s filling enough to hold me over until lunch time and I don’t feel as overly full (and guilty) as I used to when I was eating bagels,etc. Love reading other participants posts too. It’s more fun in a group. :o)

  15. Hi, is it okay to drink the green smoothies on an empty stomach at breakfast? I ask because I’m pre-diabetic and I worry the sugar content may play havoc with body. Should I be eating protein first? Anything you would suggest? B