This banana spinach smoothie is creamy, delicious, and very easy to make with only 4 ingredients! It is vegan, gluten-free, and has no refined sugar.
Green smoothies are very popular in my house. My kids love them, and so do I. Even my husband requests them on a weekly basis. Some of our favorite healthy smoothies include my spinach and apple smoothie, broccoli smoothie, and banana peach smoothie. There is something decadent about a creamy smoothie, and when it’s done right, it’s super healthy too!
When it comes to smoothies you have to be careful of added sugar. If you’re using fresh ripe fruit, you really don’t need any other sugar.
In this recipe, the banana does the job to create a thick, creamy, and naturally sweet smoothie, while the spinach adds vitamins and nutrients! This smoothie is an excellent way to get a serving of leafy greens while feeling like you’re sipping on a milkshake!
💗 Why You’ll Love This Banana Spinach Smoothie
- Only 4 Ingredients
- Healthy and Nutritious
- Naturally Refined Sugar-Free
- Thick and Filling
- Vegan and Gluten-Free
🥣 Ingredients and Notes
Frozen Banana: I recommend keeping ripe frozen bananas in your freezer. As soon as I notice our bananas are browning, I peel them and place them in a freezer-safe bag so they are ready to go when it’s smoothie time. Using a frozen banana will create a thick, creamy, and naturally sweet flavor.
Leaf Spinach: Use leaf spinach if possible, although you could also use frozen chopped spinach if that’s what you have available. I recommend one cup of leaf spinach or half a cup of frozen chopped spinach.
Dairy-Free Milk: Use your favorite dairy-free milk. I recommend unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder: I like to give my smoothies a protein kick, and use vegan vanilla protein powder. However, if you don’t have protein powder, or don’t like using it, then substitute the protein powder for 2 tablespoons of chia seeds or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. Chia seeds will add protein as well as omega-3 fatty acids to your smoothie without changing the flavor of the smoothie. While peanut butter will add fat, protein, and give your smoothie a nutty flavor.
📋 Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Chop your banana into chunks. Add the chopped banana, leaf spinach, dairy-free milk, and protein powder to a blender.
Step 2: Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30-45 seconds.
Step 3: Pour your smoothie into a cup of your choice. Garnish with a slice of fresh banana and a spinach leaf. Enjoy!
❓ Recipe FAQS
Yes, it can be made in advance, although I don’t recommend it. You can make this smoothie the night before so that you have it ready in the morning. But be aware that the frozen banana will defrost overnight, and the smoothie will not be as thick. It will still taste great, it just won’t have the same texture.
If you choose to make your smoothie in advance, place it in a glass jar with a lid. I recommend a smoothie cup or a mason jar. Store in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Enjoy as soon as possible.
I recommend using frozen banana and fresh spinach. The frozen banana makes the smoothie thick and creamy, while the leaf spinach blends more easily so that you don’t get specks of green spinach in your smoothie. Although, if you only have frozen spinach that will work!
A high-speed blender is the best type of blender to use to make smoothies. Especially ones with leafy greens. High-speed blenders are able to blend all of the ingredients together so that you have no chunks or flecks of unblended spinach. If you don’t have a high-speed blender like a Vitamix or a Blendtec then use a food processor or a regular blender. You will need to stop the blender scrape the edges with a spatula and blend some more until you get a smooth texture.
The natural sweetness from the banana and protein powder means you don’t need to add any refined sugar. This smoothie has 25 grams of protein, it’s a good source of dietary fiber with 4 grams, and it’s an excellent source of potassium. Spinach is a great source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.
💭 Expert Tips
- Use a high-speed blender
- Use frozen bananas and fresh leaf spinach
- Chop the frozen banana into small chunks before adding it to your blender
- Don’t use sweetened dairy-free milk
- If you don’t like protein powder use chia seeds or peanut butter instead
- Make it extra thick and creamy by adding half of an avocado.
😋 More Vegan Smoothie Recipes!
Recipe
Banana Spinach Smoothie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana chopped
- 1 cup leaf spinach
- 1 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk
- 1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder
Instructions
- Chop your banana into chunks.
- Add the chopped banana, leaf spinach, dairy-free milk, and protein powder to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30-45 seconds.
- Pour your smoothie into a cup of your choice. Garnish with a slice of fresh banana and a spinach leaf. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Use a high-speed blender
- Use frozen bananas and fresh leaf spinach
- Chop the frozen banana into small chunks before adding it to your blender
- Don’t use sweetened dairy-free milk
- If you don’t like protein powder or don’t have it use chia seeds instead
- You can make this smoothie 1 day ahead of time. Store in an airtight container such as a mason jar in the refrigerator.
Ieva
Just made it to have as a post-workout drink and am sipping it as I write this! Delicious, sweet enough and such a great way to add more nutrients to your diet! Thanks!
Jess
My favorite way to start the day or drink post-workout!
Anjali
This smoothie made the perfect quick & healthy breakfast for our family this morning! My kids absolutely loved it and asked for seconds! 🙂
Emily
This was creamy and delicious, and easy to make! The perfect way to start the day!