Description
A refreshing green smoothie bursting with spinach, kale, fruit, and healthy fats. Quick, easy, and packed with nutrients!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup spinach, fresh
- 1/2 cup kale, stems removed
- 1/2 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 green apple, cored and chopped
- 1/2 banana, frozen
- 1/4 avocado
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
- 1/2 inch ginger, peeled
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1/2 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: 1 scoop protein powder (whey, soy, or plant-based)
- Optional: A few ice cubes for extra chill
Instructions
- Wash Your Greens Thoroughly: Wash spinach, kale, and romaine lettuce in cold water to remove dirt and grit.
- Prep the Fruits and Ginger: Core and chop the green apple. Peel the ginger. Slice the banana into smaller pieces before freezing (if it wasn’t already frozen).
- Measure Out the Seeds: Measure out chia seeds and flaxseed meal.
- Gather Your Liquids: Have almond milk (or other milk) and water ready.
- Layer Your Ingredients: Add liquids to the blender first, then greens, apple, banana, avocado, ginger, chia seeds, flaxseed meal, protein powder (if using), and lemon juice.
- Start Blending on Low: Begin blending on low speed.
- Increase the Speed Gradually: Gradually increase the speed to medium, then high. Blend until smooth and creamy (1-2 minutes). Add more liquid if too thick, or ice if too thin.
- Check the Consistency: Stop and check consistency. Blend longer if needed.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust sweetness with honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Add lemon juice if too sweet. Add more greens for a stronger green flavor.
- Pour and Enjoy Immediately: Pour into a glass or travel mug and drink immediately.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh berries, chia seeds, or a lemon slice.
- Clean Up: Rinse the blender immediately after use.
Notes
- Customize Your Greens: Experiment with collard greens, Swiss chard, or dandelion greens.
- Add More Fruit: Berries, mango, pineapple, and peaches work well.
- Boost the Protein: Add protein powder, nut butter, or nuts/seeds.
- Spice It Up: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper.
- Make It a Meal: Add oats or quinoa.
- Use Frozen Greens: Thaw slightly before blending.
- Make Ahead: Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake well before drinking.
- Freezing for Later: Freeze in ice cube trays or freezer-safe bags. Thaw before drinking.
- Smoothie is too thick: Add more liquid (water or almond milk) a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Smoothie is too thin: Add more frozen fruit (banana or berries) or a few ice cubes.
- Smoothie is not sweet enough: Add a little honey, maple syrup, or a few drops of stevia.
- Smoothie is too bitter: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a small piece of fruit.
- Smoothie is gritty: Make sure you’re washing your greens thoroughly. You can also try using a high-speed blender.
- Blender is struggling: Stop the blender and use a tamper (if your blender has one) to push the ingredients down towards the blades. You may also need to add more liquid.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes