When most of us make (fruit based) smoothies it’s a lot of throwing in whatever we have in the fridge or fruit bowl along with some icecubes and juice or milk or both. It’s simple. But then we tend to over-think green smoothie recipes and stress about what to use and how to not make it taste like grass or dirt. When it comes down to it really the only difference between a regular smoothie and a green smoothie is usually just a handful of something leafy and this doesn’t have to change the taste dramatically.
Choosing your leafy greens for your smoothie can be daunting but if you stick to something you know will give you a palatable result, it’s simple. The answer?
Spinach.
It’s nearly tasteless and gives that gorgeous green color that makes us feel like we totally know what we’re doing, right? It’s when we get into the more “serious” leafy green territory that it gets tricky. I keep things simple and stick with spinach for the most part. If you choose Kale, just be sure to remove the leafy parts from the spine otherwise it will be super bitter.
Now, how to make your smoothies smooth?
First thing you have to do is blend your spinach with whatever liquid you’re using (water, orange juice, chilled green tea, milk, etc.). Once your spinach/liquid mix is creamy THEN add in the other ingredients.
Here, I’ve started with about 3/4 cup of orange juice and a big handful of spinach.
Blend, blend, blend….
And you’re left with this. The base for your smoothie.
Now, here’s my kid & husband friendly green smoothie recipe :)
- 1 granny smith apple (leave the skin on for a thicker smoothie)
- 1 banana
- 2 cups spinach
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp honey
- optional: 1 tbsp fish oil (we use apple flavored Nutra Sea Green Apple Flavor)
First blend the spinach and orange juice. Add in remaining ingredients one at a time (I find this works best for my magic bullet), then pour in a tall glass or mason jar over ice. Stir and enjoy!
Join me in the 30 Day Green Smoothie Challenge!
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About Amanda
Yum! I love the hidden benefits. I have the Ninja blender system and turns the spinach into water in seconds. I’m going to be late, but ill join the challenge in the morning.
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Awesome Randa! So happy to have you along for the ride with me :) xo
I love adding spinach to my smoothies for an extra health kick! The color is less than appealing, but yes, you really do not notice the taste AT ALL.
I think most people are shocked that it’s such a BRIGHT green color but tastes nothing like you would expect! I love spinach either way but it’s kind of nice to have a green smoothie that doesn’t taste…um…green. ;)
We are getting our blender tomorrow.
Nice! What kind did you get? I just have a little ‘ol Magic Bullet set from Costco.
Joined the challenge and my 3 year old joined with me. My husband won’t even try one if it includes spinach… Hoping to change that :)
Yay! That’s great! I have no doubt your hubs will be on board asap! Promise him he won’t taste anything “green” and he’ll be good to go ;)
Hi Amanda- just tried your recipe above and it was really yummy. I didnt have any honey so used agave instead. I have 2 boys as well (2 & 3) and raising them vegan so green smoothies have always been a part of our diet. But, we dont do them daily so I am going for the challenge as well. Their fave is Kale & OJ with frozen bananas, strawberries and mango. No Kale taste at all! P.S love your blog!!
Hi Carrie! Happy to hear you enjoyed it! It’s a great one. I’m working towards incorporating a lot more vegetarian and vegan meals into our week…is your website thinkvegan.com? I can’t seem to get on it.
Our website is slowly in the works. We both work so its been a bit difficult to have the time to put into it, but the goal is to have it up this year!