Spinach Smoothie With Banana Recipe

I love this smoothie recipe because it combines the goodness of fresh spinach and creamy Greek yogurt, making it a perfect way to sneak in some greens while enjoying a deliciously satisfying treat. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up, giving me a health boost without sacrificing any of my precious time.

Start your day with my nutrient-dense Spinach Smoothie with Banana. Fresh spinach is completely undetectable in this creamy, dreamy smoothie.

You would never guess there was spinach in it if I didn’t tell you—and honestly, I’m not sure I would have guessed it myself, after trying my way through many variations of this recipe. The version you see here is an adaptation of one I found in the Oh She Glows cookbook, which has an incredible array of plant-based recipes.

Ingredients

Fresh Spinach Leaves:
Replete with vitamins A, C, and K; abundant with antioxidants.

Ripe Banana:
Delivers a naturally sweet flavor and is an excellent source of potassium.

Greek Yogurt:
High in protein and probiotics; smooth and creamy.

Almond Milk:
Contains very few calories; presents a delicate, nutty taste.

Honey or Maple Syrup:
Optional natural sweeteners for added sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1/2 cup ice cubes (optional for a thicker texture)

Instructions

1. Wash the fresh spinach leaves very well in cold running water to clear away any dirt or debris.

2. Remove the peel from the ripe banana and cut the fruit into chunks to make blending easier.

3. Put the spinach leaves in the blender first so that they blend smoothly.

4. Put the banana pieces in the blender first, so they are on top of the spinach.

5. Include the Greek yogurt to give it a creamy consistency and to increase the protein content.

6. Add the almond milk, or milk of your choice, to help blend the ingredients smoothly.

7. If you want a sweeter, more balanced flavor, you may add honey or maple syrup to taste.

8. To achieve a smoothie with a thicker and colder texture, ice cubes can be added to the blender.

9. Tightly secure the lid on the blender and blend at top speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping the sides and top, if necessary.

10. Sample the smoothie and adjust sweetness or consistency to your liking, then pour into a glass and enjoy right now.

Equipment Needed

1. Blender
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Measuring cups
5. Tablespoon
6. Glass

FAQ

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?Affirmative, you can employ frozen spinach. Just ensure that it is thawed slightly prior to blending.
• Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?Use either traditional yogurt or a plant-based substitute, such as coconut or almond yogurt.
• What can I use instead of almond milk?Milk of any kind can be used, including cow’s milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
• How can I make the smoothie sweeter without adding honey?A second banana or several dates can be added for extra sweetness.
• Is the ice necessary for the smoothie?Ice is not necessary and is used to thicken the smoothie; you may leave it out if you wish.
• Can I add protein powder to this smoothie?Without a doubt, you can add a scoop of your preferred protein powder to obtain an additional boost of protein.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green option when fresh spinach leaves are not available.
Mango or pineapple: Use 1 cup of this tropical fruit to replace 1 cup of ripe banana in a recipe.
Coconut yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt can be used as a vegan alternative to Greek yogurt.
Almond milk: Swap with oat milk or coconut milk for a flavor diversion.
Honey or maple syrup: Replace with agave nectar or a few pitted dates for natural sweetness.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-Freeze the Banana For an extra creamy and chilled smoothie, slice the ripe banana and freeze the pieces ahead of time. This will give your smoothie a thicker, ice cream-like texture without needing extra ice.

2. Layering Order To achieve a quicker blend without stopping to stir, layer your ingredients by placing the softest ones, such as almond milk and yogurt, at the bottom, then the spinach, and finally the frozen banana slices on top. This helps pull the ingredients down smoothly into the blades.

3. Enhance the Flavor Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract for an extra flavor dimension. These subtle additions can elevate the overall taste.

4. Boost Nutrients For added nutritional benefits, consider including a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds. These can add Omega-3s and fiber without altering the taste much.

5. Check Spinach Freshness Make sure the spinach leaves are fresh and vibrant. Using leaves that are starting to wilt or yellow can affect the flavor and texture of the smoothie.