Spinach Banana Smoothie Recipe – Easy Protein-Packed Blend

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spinach Banana Smoothie Recipe – Easy Protein-Packed Blend

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, mornings can be… chaotic. Between getting ready and tackling the day, a quick, healthy breakfast is a must. And honestly? This Spinach Banana Smoothie has been my absolute go-to for years. It’s packed with goodness, tastes amazing (promise, you won’t even taste the spinach!), and takes just 5 minutes to whip up. Let’s get blending!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another green smoothie. It’s a powerhouse of nutrients, perfect for a quick breakfast, post-workout recovery, or even a healthy snack. It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and keeps me feeling full and energized for hours. Plus, it’s super adaptable – I’ll share all my favorite tweaks later!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:

• 1 medium frozen banana
• 1 packed cup spinach
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon hemp protein powder
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• ?? cup ice
• ?? cup water

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference in how this smoothie turns out.

Frozen Banana: Choosing the Right Ripeness

This is key! Using a frozen banana gives the smoothie that lovely, creamy texture. I like to use bananas that are just starting to get brown spots before freezing. They’re sweeter then! Peel, slice, and freeze them in a zip-lock bag for easy smoothie making.

Spinach: Fresh vs. Frozen & Nutritional Benefits

You can use either fresh or frozen spinach. I usually opt for fresh because I always have a bag on hand, but frozen works great too! Don’t worry about the taste – you honestly won’t notice it. Spinach is a fantastic source of vitamins A and C, plus iron. It’s a sneaky way to get your greens in!

Hemp Protein Powder: A Complete Protein Source

Hemp protein is my favorite because it’s easily digestible and has a mild, nutty flavor. It’s also a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. If you don’t have hemp protein, don’t worry – I’ll share some substitutions later. (About 15-20g or 1 tablespoon)

Almond Butter: Varieties & Health Benefits

I love using creamy almond butter in this smoothie. It adds a lovely richness and healthy fats. You can use crunchy if you prefer a bit of texture! Just check the label to make sure it doesn’t have added sugar or salt. (About 15g or 1 tablespoon)

Almond Milk: Unsweetened vs. Sweetened Options

I always use unsweetened almond milk to keep the sugar content down. But if you prefer a sweeter smoothie, feel free to use sweetened almond milk. You can also experiment with other plant-based milks like oat or soy milk. (About 240ml or 1 cup)

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make this smoothie! It’s seriously simple.

1. Add all ingredients (frozen banana, spinach, almond milk, hemp protein powder, almond butter, ice, and water) into a high-speed blender. Don’t be afraid to pile it all in there!
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring no chunks remain. Start on low and gradually increase the speed. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides a couple of times.
3. Pour into a glass and serve immediately for a refreshing, nutrient-packed drink. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• For a thicker smoothie: Add more frozen banana or a handful of ice.
• For a thinner smoothie: Add more almond milk or water.
• Don’t over-blend: Over-blending can make the smoothie warm and lose its texture.
• Taste as you go: Adjust the ingredients to your liking.

Variations

This smoothie is a blank canvas! Here are a few of my favorite ways to switch things up:

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your almond milk and protein powder to ensure they’re vegan-friendly.

Spice Level Variation (Optional – Ginger or Cinnamon)

My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny piece of fresh ginger (about ½ inch) for a little zing. I sometimes add a dash of cinnamon for warmth, especially in the colder months.

Adjusting Sweetness

If you want it sweeter, add a drizzle of maple syrup or a few dates. I usually find the banana is sweet enough for me!

Quick Breakfast Adaptation

I often prep smoothie packs ahead of time! I portion out the banana, spinach, and protein powder into zip-lock bags and freeze them. Then, in the morning, I just add the almond milk, almond butter, ice, and water and blend.

Post-Workout Recovery Smoothie

Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds for an extra boost of omega-3s and fiber. These are great for muscle recovery.

Serving Suggestions

This smoothie is perfect on its own, but you can also enjoy it with:

• A sprinkle of granola
• A few fresh berries
• A dollop of coconut yogurt

Storage Instructions

This smoothie is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It might separate, so just give it a good shake before drinking.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

Can I use other types of milk in this smoothie?

Absolutely! Feel free to use oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or even regular dairy milk if you prefer.

What if I don’t have hemp protein powder? What can I substitute?

No problem! You can use pea protein, soy protein, or even a scoop of Greek yogurt. If you don’t have any protein powder, you can skip it – the smoothie will still be delicious and nutritious.

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

As I mentioned before, it’s best fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Or, blend it and store it for up to 24 hours, but expect some separation.

How can I adjust the thickness of the smoothie?

More frozen banana or ice = thicker. More liquid (almond milk or water) = thinner. It’s that simple!

Is this smoothie suitable for children?

Yes! It’s a great way to get kids to eat their greens. You might want to start with a smaller amount of spinach and gradually increase it as they get used to the taste.