I just made the Best Green Smoothie and my jeans were suddenly way friendlier by lunchtime.

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I am obsessed with this Best Green Smoothie because it actually tastes like something I want at 7 a.m. and not a weird health ritual.

It’s bright, punchy, and makes my stomach settle instead of rebel. I call it my Mean Green Smoothie when I want to feel clean and a little ruthless about junk food.

Fresh pineapple shines through, and that zing from fresh grated ginger wakes up my whole face. And yeah, it’s simple enough to gulp on a rushed morning but interesting enough that I crave it on lazy afternoons too.

No guilt. Worth every sip, seriously.

Ingredients

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Pineapple: bright sweetness and tang, makes it taste like summer.
Basically banana: thickens and sweetens naturally, so it’s creamy and filling.
Kale: earthy green power, you’ll get fiber and a bitter kick.
Plus spinach: softens the green edge, adds iron without grassy punch.
Ginger: spicy zing, wakes up the whole drink and your senses.
Basically chia seeds: tiny protein and gel power, keeps you fuller.
Lemon juice: bright acid, it lifts flavors and keeps things fresh.
Coconut water: light hydration and subtle sweetness, not too heavy.
Almond milk: creamy base without dairy, keeps it smooth and mellow.
Ice: chills and thickens when you want it colder and frothier.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (fresh or frozen)

1 medium banana, frozen if you can

1 cup packed kale leaves, stems removed

1/2 cup fresh spinach (or more if you’re feeling brave)

1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger, about a 1 inch piece

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 cup coconut water (or plain water)

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/2 to 1 cup ice, optional for thickness

How to Make this

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1. Add 1 cup coconut water and 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk to your blender first so the blades can move freely.

2. Toss in 1 cup packed kale leaves and 1/2 cup fresh spinach on top of the liquids so they blend smooth.

3. Add 1 cup pineapple chunks and 1 medium banana (frozen if you can) for sweetness and creaminess.

4. Peel and grate about a 1 inch piece of fresh ginger and add 1 tablespoon to the blender for a zing.

5. Squeeze in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

6. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon chia seeds over everything; if you want it thicker let the chia sit in the liquid for a minute before blending.

7. Add 1/2 to 1 cup ice depending on how thick and cold you want it.

8. Blend on high for 45 to 90 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides once so no leafy chunks remain.

9. Taste and adjust: more almond milk or coconut water to thin, extra pineapple or banana to sweeten, or a little more lemon for acidity.

10. Pour into a glass, drink right away for best nutrients, or chill briefly; leftovers keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours but may separate, just shake or stir before drinking.

Equipment Needed

1. High-speed blender (big enough for leafy greens to move around)
2. Measuring cups and a 1 tbsp measuring spoon
3. Cutting board and a sharp knife for pineapple, banana and ginger
4. Fine grater or microplane for the ginger
5. Citrus juicer or fork to squeeze the lemon
6. Rubber spatula to scrape down the sides
7. Tall glass or mason jar for serving or storing
8. Ice scoop or small bowl for measuring ice if using it

FAQ

Q: Can I use baby kale or just spinach instead of regular kale? A: Yes you can, baby kale or extra spinach work fine. Baby kale is milder so the flavor will be less bitter, which some people prefer.

Q: How long will this keep in the fridge? A: Best eaten right away, but you can store it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. It may separate a bit, just shake or stir before drinking.

Q: Can I skip the chia seeds? A: Sure you can, but chia adds fiber and a little thickness. If you skip them add a tbsp of oats or a spoon of nut butter for texture and staying power.

Q: Is coconut water necessary or can I use plain water? A: Coconut water adds electrolytes and a subtle sweetness, but plain water works perfectly fine especially if you want fewer calories.

Q: I dont have fresh ginger what can I use? A: Ground ginger can be used in a pinch, use about 1/4 teaspoon. Fresh is better though, it gives a brighter flavor.

Q: Will this make me "detox" or help with weight loss? A: It's not a magic fix, but it's nutrient dense, low in added sugars and can help you feel full and hydrated which may support healthy eating habits. Think of it as a healthy choice not a cure all.

The BEST Green Detox Smoothie Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Pineapple:
- Mango, same volume, adds sweetness and tropical flavor
- Peach, fresh or frozen, slightly less tangy so add a splash of lemon
- Green apple, cored and chopped, for more fiber and a tart bite
Banana:
- Avocado, 1/2 to 1 small, for creaminess and extra healthy fats
- Frozen cauliflower florets, 1 cup, for thickness with fewer carbs
- Rolled oats, 1/4 to 1/3 cup, blend longer to avoid grit, adds body
Kale or Spinach:
- Swiss chard, same volume, mild flavor and just as nutrient dense
- Romaine lettuce, 1 to 1 1/2 cups, lighter taste and more hydration
- Baby spinach mix, increase to 1 1/2 cups if swapping for mature kale
Coconut water / Almond milk / Ginger / Chia:
- Coconut water substitute: plain water plus a pinch of sea salt for electrolytes
- Almond milk substitute: oat milk or cashew milk, same amount, slightly sweeter
- Fresh ginger substitute: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or a small piece of grated turmeric
- Chia seeds substitute: ground flaxseed, same tablespoon, mix well to avoid clumps

Pro Tips

1. Freeze the banana ahead of time if you can; it makes the smoothie creamy like soft-serve and means you can use less ice so the flavor isnt watered down.

2. Grate the ginger fine and taste before you add the whole tablespoon; fresh ginger varies a lot and a little too much will overpower the fruit.

3. If you want a silkier texture, blend the liquids and greens first for 10 to 15 seconds, then add the fruit and ice; saves you from leafy bits and it blends faster.

4. Let the chia sit in the liquid for a minute or two before you blend if you like thickness, or skip the wait and add after blending for a looser drink.

The BEST Green Detox Smoothie Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

I just made the Best Green Smoothie and my jeans were suddenly way friendlier by lunchtime.

Servings

servings

Calories

176

kcal

Equipment: 1. High-speed blender (big enough for leafy greens to move around)
2. Measuring cups and a 1 tbsp measuring spoon
3. Cutting board and a sharp knife for pineapple, banana and ginger
4. Fine grater or microplane for the ginger
5. Citrus juicer or fork to squeeze the lemon
6. Rubber spatula to scrape down the sides
7. Tall glass or mason jar for serving or storing
8. Ice scoop or small bowl for measuring ice if using it

Ingredients

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (fresh or frozen)
1 medium banana, frozen if you can
1 cup packed kale leaves, stems removed
1/2 cup fresh spinach (or more if you're feeling brave)
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger, about a 1 inch piece
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup coconut water (or plain water)
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 to 1 cup ice, optional for thickness

Directions

Add 1 cup coconut water and 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk to your blender first so the blades can move freely.
Toss in 1 cup packed kale leaves and 1/2 cup fresh spinach on top of the liquids so they blend smooth.
Add 1 cup pineapple chunks and 1 medium banana (frozen if you can) for sweetness and creaminess.
Peel and grate about a 1 inch piece of fresh ginger and add 1 tablespoon to the blender for a zing.
Squeeze in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon chia seeds over everything; if you want it thicker let the chia sit in the liquid for a minute before blending.
Add 1/2 to 1 cup ice depending on how thick and cold you want it.
Blend on high for 45 to 90 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides once so no leafy chunks remain.
Taste and adjust: more almond milk or coconut water to thin, extra pineapple or banana to sweeten, or a little more lemon for acidity.
Pour into a glass, drink right away for best nutrients, or chill briefly; leftovers keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours but may separate, just shake or stir before drinking.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.