For a quick energy boost, whip up this easy spinach smoothie. This healthy treat packs in various fruits and veggies like pineapple, banana, apples into each serving. A nutrient-rich combination of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in each sip.
When I think of spinach, I think Popeye the Sailor Man crushing open a can of gloppy green stuff and gulping it down for instant superhero strength. Although only a cartoon, the idea of this leafy green delivering health benefits isn’t far off.
Spinach is packed with nutrients and antioxidants like magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin C, and soluble fiber. In addition, the leaves have a very mild flavor, making it seamless to add to a green smoothie. The good news is that you can barely taste the spinach when it’s combined with diced apples, frozen banana, and pineapple.
Plus, these extra ingredients add a boost of fiber. Other elements like Greek yogurt and almond milk provide protein, creaminess, and probiotics in each glass. A refreshing and satisfying drink made in just 10 minutes to keep you energized.
Spinach selection
Unlike my sauteed spinach recipe, I use the baby variety because the leaves are extremely tender, require no extra preparation, and have very little bitterness. In addition, I often like to prepare individual freezer packs for a smoothie recipe for meal-prepping.
This makes it easy to grab the plastic bag with premeasured ingredients and blend. It works really well to add the fresh spinach leaves and freeze them along with the fruit. You won’t notice a taste change.
An extra boost of fiber
A chopped apple adds soluble and insoluble fibers to the smoothie. You can use any type of apple. However, varieties like Fuji, red, or gala provide more natural sweetness than tart green. The pureed pulp also helps to make the smoothie thicker.
Use frozen fruit
To make a more thickened smoothie consistency that stays chilly for longer, use a higher frozen fruit ratio. The ice crystals that form inside the fruit act like mini ice cubes inside the plant cells. When chopped down with the blender blades, the solidified juice crystals hold their shape and create a more substantial mouthfeel.
A bonus is that the fruit flavor doesn’t dilute as it melts compared to ice cubes. If you only have fresh fruit, cut the pineapple into 1-inch pieces and banana into ½-inch slices and freeze them in a single layer until completely solidified for at least 6 hours.
How to make a spinach smoothie
There is a high ratio of frozen ingredients in this recipe. Add the ice, pineapple, and banana slices first to break them down into smooth chilly particles. Next, add in the apple to break down the fibrous skin. Then layer in the spinach leaves as they are very tender and break down easier. Use a tamper if needed to push the greens down into the blades of the high-speed blender.
The yogurt is added, followed by the almond milk to help process the smoothie into a drinkable consistency. If you’re looking for a thick and creamy texture, if needed, gradually add in a small amount of liquid.
Customizing the smoothie
- Substitute coconut, almond, soy, or cashew yogurt for Greek yogurt to make the recipe dairy-free.
- For more fruit flavor, use pineapple or orange juice instead of almond milk.
- Add extra fiber and omega 3 fatty acids with chia seeds or flaxseed.
- Add your favorite protein powder to make the smoothie a more substantial snack.
- Finally, bump up the sweetness with pure maple syrup or honey.
Using frozen spinach
Frozen spinach can be used in the recipe, however, it has been blanched and that will give it a slightly cooked flavor. Frozen spinach is much more compact, so use ⅓ cup instead of 2 cups packed fresh spinach. Do not defrost, just add directly to the blender.
Spinach Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
- ½ cup frozen banana slices, about 1 medium banana
- 1 cup diced apple, Fuji, red, or green apple, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt, or dairy-free
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- Add ice cubes, pineapple, banana slices, diced apple, baby spinach, yogurt, and almond milk to the blender.
- Cover and process on medium speed for about 30 seconds, using the tamper as needed. Increase to high speed for 15 to 30 seconds until thick and smooth.
- Adjust with more almond milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Equipment
Notes
- Recipe Yield: 5 cups
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Make it VEGAN and DAIRY-FREE: Substitute Greek yogurt for plant-based yogurts like almond, soy, cashew, or coconut.
- For a sweeter taste: Add some pure maple syrup or honey, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the desired sweetness level is reached.
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
CC says
I started making smoothies a year ago after discovering i needed to take bone health supplements but we’re making fruit smoothies. I found this recipe and tweaked it to include only baby spinach (up’d it to 1/2 cup and sometimes add arugula) blueberries, half a banana, half a tablespoon honey along with the almond milk unsweetened and it’s the best! The banana really shines in this recipe and if you don’t add blueberries, the color is beautifully summer green! Thanks for the tips on using the spinach!
Kat says
Excellent recipe!
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you!
Sandra D says
This recipe makes 5 servings and I’m only making it for 1 person. So my question is if you store the remaining servings in the refrigerator for a quick grab-and-go breakfast?
Rebecca Richardson says
Can I freeze this smoothie and if so, what’s the proper way to do it?
Sophia says
Hi, it was really nice of you to put this on your website for those who want to try it! Though, I wanted to try it, but I didn’t have any Greek yogurt 😭😭😭