Easy Banana Spinach Smoothie Recipe
Whipping up this spinach banana smoothie feels almost like a small but mighty act of self-care, blending the vibrant life of fresh ingredients into something deliciously rejuvenating. As the ice clinks together with creamy yogurt and a hint of vanilla, it’s not just a morning drink—it’s a little celebration of nourishment in a glass.
This Easy Banana Spinach Smoothie is a delicious, nutrient-packed way to start your day. I love how the ripe banana, creamy Greek yogurt, and almond milk come together to create a texture that’s almost too rich for a smoothie.
Meanwhile, fresh spinach is an under-the-radar superstar in the smoothie world, as its mild flavor means that it won’t overpower any other ingredients, while adding a significant nutritional punch.
Easy Banana Spinach Smoothie Recipe Ingredients
- Banana: Rich in potassium and fiber, adds natural sweetness.
- Spinach: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, increases nutrient density.
- Greek Yogurt: High in protein, adds creaminess and probiotics.
- Almond Milk: Low in calories, provides a dairy-free base.
- Honey: Natural sweetener, adds a hint of sweetness (optional).
Easy Banana Spinach Smoothie Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
How to Make this Easy Banana Spinach Smoothie Recipe
1. Take the banana, and chop it up small, so it will be easier to blend.
2. Rinse the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly and dry them gently.
3. Put the banana chunks and spinach leaves in a blender.
4. Put the Greek yogurt in the blender.
5. Add the almond milk or your choice of milk.
6. To add even more flavor, include honey and vanilla extract.
7. To chill the smoothie, add the ice cubes to the blender.
8. Ensure the lid of the blender is secure, then blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
9. Cease blending and sample the smoothie; if it lacks the desired degree of sweetness, increase the honey.
10. Enjoy the smoothie straight away after you pour it into a glass.
Easy Banana Spinach Smoothie Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Cutting board
2. Knife
3. Colander or salad spinner
4. Blender
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Glass for serving
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of milk?Absolutely, you can switch out the almond milk for any milk you prefer—
- Is the honey necessary?It is optional and there for sweetening. If you’re not into sugar or want something less sweet, you can skip it.
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?You can absolutely use frozen spinach. However, you will need to adjust the quantity since frozen spinach is much more concentrated.
- What does the vanilla extract do?Adding a gentle sweetness and aromatic flavor, vanilla extract is optional and can be left out.
- Can I add protein powder to the smoothie?Certainly! Adding a scoop of protein powder can boost the nutritional profile and make the smoothie even more satisfying.
- Is it okay to skip the ice cubes?Indeed, the ice cubes confer a cool refreshment and assist in rendering the smoothie thicker. If they are omitted, the consistency of the smoothie may tend toward the thin.
- Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?The simplest way to enjoy subpar green juice is to drink it fresh, but it can last in the fridge up to 24 hours. If you must drink it later, make sure to shake it vigorously—it has a sort of separation anxiety and likes to pretend it was never good to begin with.
Easy Banana Spinach Smoothie Recipe Substitutions and Variations
1/2 cup yogurt made from plants, or regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt
1/2 cup oat milk or coconut milk, alternative to almond milk
1 tablespoon of maple syrup—or agave syrup if you are substituting it for honey.
1/4 teaspoon almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon in place of vanilla extract
Pro Tips
1. Frozen Banana for Thickness For a creamier and thicker smoothie, freeze the banana chunks before blending. This will also help make the smoothie colder and eliminate the need for too much ice, which can sometimes water down the flavor.
2. Balanced Sweetness If you’re unsure about the sweetness, start by adding only half the amount of honey. Blend and taste before adding more. Ripe bananas are naturally sweet, so you might find that you need less additional sweetener.
3. Spinach Prep To avoid any gritty texture, make sure to chop the spinach leaves roughly and pack them loosely into the measuring cup before adding them to the blender. Blending spinach with a bit of the liquid first can ensure it’s well incorporated before adding the rest of the ingredients.
4. Boost with Protein or Fiber For added nutrition, consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or a scoop of protein powder to your smoothie. These additions can enhance the nutritional profile and keep you fuller for longer.
5. Adjust Consistency If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more almond milk (or your chosen milk) in small increments until your desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thin, a bit of extra Greek yogurt or a few more frozen banana pieces can thicken it up.
Easy Banana Spinach Smoothie Recipe
My favorite Easy Banana Spinach Smoothie Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Cutting board
2. Knife
3. Colander or salad spinner
4. Blender
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Glass for serving
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Take the banana, and chop it up small, so it will be easier to blend.
2. Rinse the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly and dry them gently.
3. Put the banana chunks and spinach leaves in a blender.
4. Put the Greek yogurt in the blender.
5. Add the almond milk or your choice of milk.
6. To add even more flavor, include honey and vanilla extract.
7. To chill the smoothie, add the ice cubes to the blender.
8. Ensure the lid of the blender is secure, then blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
9. Cease blending and sample the smoothie; if it lacks the desired degree of sweetness, increase the honey.
10. Enjoy the smoothie straight away after you pour it into a glass.