Green Protein Smoothie

This Green Protein Smoothie recipe blends almond milk, vanilla protein powder, frozen banana and spinach into a refreshing lean, green, and vegan shake. The perfect quick and healthy breakfast or post work out snack.

Be sure to check out this list of green smoothie ideas, too!

Jump to:

• What Are The Benefits Of Adding Spinach To A Green Smoothie?
• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• Step-By-Step Instructions
• Expert Tips
• Substitutions & Variations
• Healthy Smoothie Toppings
• Storing & Freezing
• Recipe FAQ‘s
• More Healthy Smoothie Recipes
• Green Protein Smoothie
• #respond

Check out my Low Calorie Protein Shake and my Peach Strawberry Smoothie for more great breakfast drinks.

Smoothies have always been one of my go-to breakfasts. They are quick, easy and because they are so versatile I almost always have all of the ingredients on hand for some variation of a smoothie. This green protein smoothie is definitely one of my favorites.

Packed with protein, nutrient rich greens and fiber, this healthy shake is a great grab-and-go breakfast that keeps you feeling full and satisfied much longer than sugary breakfast baked goods and pastries.

Frozen banana, spinach and protein powder is blended with almond milk to make a vibrant green smoothie, but don't let the funky color discourage you. The spinach acts as a natural food dye and makes the smoothie green but you can't taste it. However, you still absorb all of the nutritional benefits of spinach, so it's a win-win!

What Are The Benefits Of Adding Spinach To A Green Smoothie?

Apart from making smoothies green, spinach is a fantastic addition to smoothies and shakes because...

• Spinach is a low carb dark leafy green high in insoluble fiber which can aid in digestion.
• It is rich in carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, iron and calcium.
• A great way to sneak in a flavorless serving of veggies.
• It makes a great healthy St. Patrick's Day recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No refined sugar or added sweetener. The bananas are all the sweetness this smoothie needs.
• Quick & easy. There isn't much more to it than blending 4 ingredients.
• Deceptively nutritious. Green smoothies are a great way to sneak in some greens.
• Easy to adapt with ingredients you already have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Unsweetened Almond Milk: Is a great base for healthy smoothies. It is low in calories and sugar and high in vitamin E, vitamin D and calcium.
• Vanilla Protein Powder: Adds satiating protein and pleasantly sweet flavor. You can use your favorite brand.
• Banana (frozen): Is a great source of potassium and fiber (which keeps you feeling full longer).
• Baby Spinach: Adds vitamin K and magnesium among many other nutrients.
• Honey: Optional, but adds more sweetness.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: In a blender, add almond milk followed by protein powder, frozen banana chunks and spinach.

Step 2: Blend for 60 seconds or until the spinach and banana have completely blended into the almond milk and a smooth, bright green shake forms.

NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

Expert Tips

• No frozen banana? If you do not have a frozen banana on hand or store bought bagged frozen banana slices, I recommend swapping out half of the almond milk with ice cubes.
• Pour the almond milk into the blender first and then the remaining ingredients. This eases some of the wear and tear on the blade.
• This green protein shake is thin enough to drink with a straw and just thick enough to pick up with a spoon. If it is too thick, add small splashes of almond milk. If it is too thin, add a few more chunks of frozen banana.

Substitutions & Variations

• Almond Milk: Can be replaced with any non-dairy milk alternative like soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk or cashew milk.
• Protein Powder: You can also add protein to smoothies by mixing in plain or Greek yogurt, almond butter, peanut butter, chia seeds and silken tofu.
• Banana: Frozen mango, pineapple, apple, peaches and avocado are also great in green smoothies. Feel free to use a combination.
• Baby Spinach: Can be used interchangeably with leafy greens like kale, swiss chard and collard greens.

Healthy Smoothie Toppings

• Nuts: Sprinkle slivered almonds, chopped pistachios or walnuts on top.
• Seeds: Chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds and flax seeds are great options.
• More Toppings: Cacao nibs, unsweetened shredded coconut and bee pollen.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Store leftover smoothie in a glass container for 1 to 2 days in the fridge. Just be sure to fill the container to the top to keep it from trapping air in the jar.

Freezing: Freeze leftover smoothies in ice cube trays and then add the frozen cubes to future smoothies!

Recipe FAQ‘s

More Healthy Smoothie Recipes

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