This Refreshing Green Smoothie is the perfect way to pack in some nutrients and feel revitalized! It’s a vibrant blend of baby spinach, sweet frozen banana, fresh mint, celery, zesty ginger, poppy seeds, and a touch of lime juice. While the original inspiration mentions it as a “detox” drink after the holidays, I find this Green Smoothie is fantastic anytime you want a healthy boost or a light, refreshing start to your day – especially wonderful during these beautiful mid-April spring days! It’s incredibly easy to make and tastes surprisingly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Green Smoothie
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vitamins and minerals from spinach, banana, ginger, and other wholesome ingredients.
- Refreshing and Energizing: A great way to start your day or enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Quick and Easy: Comes together in just minutes using a blender.
- Naturally Sweetened: Relies on the sweetness of banana, with no added refined sugars.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients for Refreshing Green Smoothie
Here’s what you’ll need to make this vibrant and healthy smoothie. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients
- Fresh baby spinach (Greens)
- Frozen diced banana (Fruit)
- Fresh mint leaves (Herb)
- Celery rib (optional) (Vegetable)
- Fresh ginger, peeled and grated (Aromatic)
- Poppy seeds (Seeds)
- Lime juice (from half a lime) (Acid)
- Water (for desired consistency) (Liquid) (Added based on instructions)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love the fresh combination in this Green Smoothie, but here are some tasty variations:
- Add Different Fruits: Swap the banana for frozen mango or pineapple for a more tropical flavor. Add some green apple for tartness.
- Boost the Greens: Use kale instead of or in addition to spinach.
- Add Healthy Fats: Blend in a tablespoon of chia seeds, flax seeds, or half an avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Protein Power: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder (vanilla or unflavored works well).
- Liquid Base: Use coconut water, almond milk, or oat milk instead of water for a different flavor and creamier texture.
How to Make Refreshing Green Smoothie
Making this Green Smoothie couldn’t be easier!
Combine and Blend
- I simply combine all the ingredients – the fresh baby spinach, frozen banana, fresh mint leaves, celery rib (if using), grated fresh ginger, poppy seeds, and fresh lime juice – in my blender.
- I add a little bit of water to help things get moving.
- I blend on high speed until the smoothie is completely smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, I add more water, a little at a time, until it reaches my desired consistency.
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Green Smoothie
Here are my secrets for making this Green Smoothie truly exceptional:
- Use Frozen Banana: Using a frozen banana is key! It makes the smoothie thick, cold, and creamy without needing ice (which can water down the flavor).
- Start Liquid Low: Begin with just enough water to get the blender going, then add more as needed to reach your preferred thickness.
- High-Speed Blender: While not essential, a high-speed blender works best for completely pulverizing the spinach leaves and creating the smoothest texture.
- Fresh Ginger & Mint: These add a wonderful zest and freshness that dried versions can’t quite replicate.
- Adjust Flavors: Taste the finished smoothie. Need more tang? Add more lime. Want it slightly sweeter (naturally)? Add a few more pieces of banana or a date.
How to Serve
This Green Smoothie is perfect served:
- Immediately: Enjoy it fresh from the blender for the best taste and texture.
- Chilled: Pour into a glass and enjoy right away.
- In a Bowl: Make it slightly thicker and pour into a bowl to enjoy as a smoothie bowl, topped with granola, seeds, or fresh fruit.
- On the Go: Pour into a travel cup for a healthy breakfast or snack on the move.
Make Ahead and Storage
Smoothies are generally best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store leftover Green Smoothie in an airtight container (like a mason jar, filled to the top to minimize air exposure) in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The color might change slightly, and it may separate – just give it a good shake or stir before drinking. You can also freeze portions in ice cube trays for later blending.
FAQs about Refreshing Green Smoothie
- Will this smoothie taste like spinach?
- Not really! The banana, mint, ginger, and lime do a great job of masking the raw spinach flavor, especially if you use baby spinach which is milder.
- Can I use regular banana instead of frozen?
- Yes, but the smoothie won’t be as thick or cold. You’ll likely need to add ice cubes, which can dilute the flavor. Freezing ripe bananas ahead of time is highly recommended.
- Are poppy seeds necessary?
- No, they are optional. They add a tiny bit of texture and nutrients but can be omitted if you don’t have them or prefer not to use them.
Enjoy this vibrant, healthy, and incredibly easy Refreshing Green Smoothie Recipe! It’s a fantastic way to start your day or get a quick nutrient boost.
Print
Green Smoothie Detox
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Drinks, Smoothie, Healthy, Detox, Vegan, Gluten-Free
- Cuisine: American
Description
This green smoothie recipe is the detox drink you need! It’s packed with spinach, banana, ginger, mint, and lime for a refreshing and nutritious boost.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup frozen diced banana
- Handful of fresh mint leaves
- 1 celery rib (optional)
- 1/2 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Juice from 1/2 lime
- 1/2 – 1 cup water (or as needed for blending)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the baby spinach, frozen banana, fresh mint leaves, celery rib (if using), grated ginger, poppy seeds, and lime juice to a blender.
- Blend: Add 1/2 cup of water. Secure the lid and blend on high speed until completely smooth.
- Adjust Consistency: If the smoothie is too thick, add more water, a little at a time, and blend again until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve: Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Notes
- Spinach: Baby spinach has a mild flavor that is easily masked by the other ingredients.
- Frozen Banana: Using a frozen banana creates a thick, cold, and creamy smoothie without needing ice.
- Ginger: Use fresh ginger for the best flavor and potential health benefits. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- Celery (Optional): Adds extra nutrients and hydration.
- Liquid: Start with 1/2 cup of water and add more as needed. You can also substitute coconut water or unsweetened plant-based milk.
- Sweetness: This smoothie relies on the natural sweetness of the banana. If you prefer it sweeter (though less of a “detox” smoothie), you could add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup, or a date.
- Storage: Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately after blending for maximum freshness and nutrient retention.