Amla Green Smoothie
A vibrant, nutrient-packed smoothie starring fresh Indian gooseberries (amla), spinach, and a touch of ginger. Bright, tangy, and subtly sweet, this drink is a refreshing way to start the day or recharge in the afternoon.
For 2 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Deseed and chop the amla.
Cut each amla around the seed and remove it. Roughly chop the flesh into small pieces.
- prep · ~3 min
Prep the remaining fresh ingredients.
1.Peel and slice the banana.2.Peel and roughly chop the ginger.3.Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly. - mix · ~2 min
Blend until completely smooth.
1.Add amla, spinach, banana, ginger, honey, lemon juice, salt, and chilled water to the blender.2.Blend on high speed for 60–90 seconds until the smoothie is vibrant green and smooth.3.Pause and scrape down the sides if needed. Add an extra splash of water if you prefer a thinner consistency.TIPStart the blender on low speed and gradually increase to high to prevent the spinach from sticking to the lid. - serve
Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Taste and adjust sweetness with a little more honey if desired. Pour over ice cubes if using, and enjoy right away while it's fresh and cold.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the smoothest texture, remove the hard central seed from each amla completely before blending.
- 2Use a ripe, spotty banana for maximum natural sweetness to balance amla’s tanginess.
- 3If the smoothie is too thick, thin it with a tablespoon of chilled water or coconut water at a time.
- 4Blend on low speed first to chop the spinach, then ramp up to high to prevent leaf pieces from sticking to the lid.
- 5Drink immediately after blending — the vibrant green color and vitamin C content degrade quickly with oxidation.
- 6Make ahead by portioning the amla, spinach, and banana into a freezer bag; just add liquid and blend when ready.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-sugar
Omit the honey and use an extra half banana if you prefer natural sweetness only; the banana’s ripeness will do the work.
veganVegan
Replace honey with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or agave nectar for a fully plant-based sweetener.
spicedSpiced
Add a pinch of black salt (kala namak) and ¼ teaspoon of roasted cumin powder for a savory chaat-style twist.
high proteinHigh-protein
Blend in 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or a scoop of unflavored plant protein powder to make it a more substantial breakfast.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Amla (Indian gooseberry) is one of the highest natural plant sources of vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production.
Iron-Boosting Greens
Fresh spinach provides plant-based iron and folate, while the vitamin C from amla and lemon juice enhances iron absorption.
Natural Energy Lift
Banana and honey supply quick-release natural sugars and potassium, making this smoothie an excellent pre-workout or afternoon pick-me-up.
Digestive Aid
Ginger and lemon juice soothe the digestive tract and can help reduce bloating, while amla’s fiber supports regularity.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, substitute 1 teaspoon of dried amla powder for 4 fresh amlas, but note the smoothie will be less tart and may need extra water to adjust consistency.
