Cherry & Spinach Smoothie
A vibrant, refreshing smoothie that cleverly hides a generous handful of spinach behind the sweet-tart flavor of cherries. Creamy, naturally sweet, and loaded with goodness, this comes together in under 5 minutes for a quick breakfast or post-workout boost.
For 2 servings
- prep
Prepare the ingredients.
1.Peel the banana and break it into chunks.2.Measure out the frozen cherries, spinach, and yogurt. - mix · ~1 min
Blend until smooth.
1.Add spinach and water to the blender first and pulse until the greens break down.2.Add frozen cherries, banana, yogurt, and lemon juice.3.Blend on high for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth and creamy.TIPStarting with greens and a little liquid ensures no leafy chunks in your final smoothie. - prep
Adjust consistency.
If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more cold water and blend again. If too thin, add a few more frozen cherries or an ice cube.
- serve
Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Divide between two glasses and enjoy right away while cold and frothy.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use frozen cherries instead of fresh for a thicker, frostier smoothie without added ice.
- 2Blend spinach with water first to ensure a silky green base with no leafy bits.
- 3A ripe banana with brown spots adds natural sweetness and creaminess, reducing the need for sweeteners.
- 4Add lemon juice just before final blending to brighten the cherry flavor and prevent oxidation.
- 5For a thicker smoothie, use Greek yogurt; for a lighter one, swap yogurt for more water or milk.
- 6If the smoothie is too tart, add half a pitted date or a teaspoon of maple syrup—taste as you go.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Swap the plain yogurt for a plant-based yogurt (such as coconut or soy) or use unsweetened almond milk for a completely dairy-free smoothie. This makes the recipe vegan-friendly while keeping it creamy.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder (whey or plant-based) and increase the yogurt to 3/4 cup. This turns the smoothie into a post-workout recovery drink with extra muscle-supporting protein.
low sugarLow-sugar
Replace the ripe banana with half an avocado for creaminess without the natural sugar. Use unsweetened yogurt and tart cherries (not sweetened) to keep the sugar content low.
tropical twistTropical twist
Replace half the frozen cherries with frozen mango chunks. The mango adds a sunny tropical note and pairs beautifully with the spinach and banana for a different flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cherries and spinach are both packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins and vitamin C, which help combat oxidative stress and support immune health.
High in Vitamin K
Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health. Two cups provide a significant portion of the daily recommended intake.
Natural Electrolyte Boost
Bananas provide potassium, a key electrolyte that supports muscle function and hydration, making this smoothie a smart choice after exercise.
Digestive Support
Yogurt contains live probiotics that promote a healthy gut microbiome, while spinach and cherries add fiber for regular digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but the smoothie will be more liquid and less frosty. To keep it thick, add 3-4 ice cubes when blending and reduce the water slightly.
