Save to Pinterest My roommate Sarah caught me dumping handfuls of spinach into the blender one morning and looked at me like I had lost my mind. Five minutes later she was asking for the recipe after one sip. That was the day I learned that the right combination of ingredients can make something nutritious taste like a treat instead of a punishment.
Last summer I started making these before my early morning yoga classes and noticed I actually had energy through the entire practice instead of fading halfway through. Now its become a weekend ritual with my partner where we take turns experimenting with different fruit combinations.
Ingredients
- Fresh baby spinach: Two cups might seem like a lot but you genuinely cannot taste it when blended with fruit, I promise
- Ripe avocado: This is what transforms an ordinary green smoothie into something luxuriously creamy and satisfying
- Ripe banana: Use one with some brown spots for natural sweetness and better texture
- Frozen mango: Frozen fruit eliminates the need for ice while giving that perfect slushy consistency
- Unsweetened almond milk: Any plant milk works but I keep coming back to almond for its subtle nutty flavor
- Fresh lemon juice: This tiny amount brightens everything and cuts through the richness of the avocado
- Chia seeds: Completely optional but they add protein and help keep you full longer
- Honey or maple syrup: Only add this if your bananas are not quite ripe enough
Instructions
- Start with your greens:
- Add the spinach to the blender first followed by the avocado, banana, mango chunks and almond milk
- Boost the flavor:
- Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle the chia seeds on top if you are using them
- Blend until completely smooth:
- Start on low speed then increase to high and blend for at least 45 seconds to eliminate any leafy chunks
- Taste and adjust:
- Give it a try and blend in honey or maple syrup only if it needs extra sweetness
- Perfect the texture:
- Toss in a few ice cubes if you want it colder and blend one more time
- Serve right away:
- Pour into two glasses and drink immediately while still cold and frothy
Save to Pinterest This smoothie became my go to post workout drink after a particularly grueling training session when I realized I was actually looking forward to it instead of forcing myself to eat something healthy. There is something satisfying about drinking something that tastes like a treat but is actually doing your body so much good.
Make It Your Own
I have tried this with frozen pineapple when mango was out of stock and honestly it might be even better. The tartness of the pineapple plays really nicely against the creamy avocado.
Timing Matters
Morning is when this smoothie shines brightest but I have also made it as an afternoon snack when that energy crash hits around 3pm. The combination of healthy fats and natural sugar provides steady energy instead of that jitters then crash feeling you get from caffeine.
Storage And Prep
You can portion all the ingredients except the liquid into freezer bags and keep them in the freezer for busy mornings. Just dump a bag into the blender add your milk and blend.
- Freeze your own overripe bananas in chunks to never waste bananas again
- Invest in a good blender bottle if you plan to take this to work or the gym
- Drink immediately because the texture changes significantly as it sits
Save to Pinterest Hope this bright green drink becomes as much of a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine. Cheers to feeling good from the inside out.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute the mango with other fruits?
Yes, frozen pineapple or peaches work well as alternatives to mango, providing a similar sweetness and texture.
- → Is it necessary to use almond milk?
Almond milk can be swapped with any plant-based milk, such as oat or soy, depending on your preference and allergen considerations.
- → How can I make the drink thicker or thinner?
Add more almond milk for a thinner consistency or include extra ice cubes or frozen fruit to thicken the texture.
- → What optional ingredients enhance nutrition?
Adding chia seeds boosts fiber and omega-3s, while a scoop of plant-based protein powder increases protein content.
- → Can this green drink be prepared ahead of time?
For best freshness and nutrient retention, prepare and consume immediately. If stored, keep refrigerated and stir before drinking.