Creamy Banana-Date Smoothie
This creamy banana-date smoothie is a naturally sweet and incredibly satisfying drink, perfect for a quick breakfast or a revitalizing post-workout boost. Packed with nutrients, it's designed to keep you feeling full and energized.
For 1 serving
Gather all ingredients. Ensure your banana is peeled, broken into chunks, and frozen solid, and that your Medjool dates are pitted.
Pour the unsweetened almond milk into the blender first. This liquid base helps the blender blades move freely and prevents ingredients from getting stuck.
Add the frozen banana chunks, pitted Medjool dates, and chia seeds to the blender.
Pile the fresh spinach on top of the other ingredients. Don't worry if it looks like a lot; it will blend down significantly.
Secure the blender lid tightly and blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You should see no visible date chunks or spinach flecks. You may need to stop the blender and scrape down the sides with a spatula, or use a tamper if your blender has one, to ensure everything is incorporated.
If the smoothie is too thick for your preference, add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of almond milk (or water) and blend again briefly until the desired consistency is reached.
Pour the creamy banana-date smoothie into a tall glass and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Freeze Ripe Bananas**: Always use ripe bananas for freezing; they're sweeter and create a creamier texture. Peel them and break them into chunks before freezing in an airtight bag.
- 2**Layering Matters**: For optimal blending, add liquids first, then soft ingredients (spinach), followed by frozen items (banana), and finally hard ingredients (dates, seeds). This helps the blender create a vortex.
- 3**Adjust Sweetness**: If your dates aren't very sweet or you prefer more sweetness, you can add an extra date or a tiny drizzle of maple syrup.
- 4**High-Powered Blender**: For the smoothest consistency, especially with dates and frozen fruit, a high-powered blender is recommended. If using a standard blender, you might need to blend in pulses and scrape down the sides more often.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder (vanilla or unflavored works best) for an extra muscle-building kick.
Nutty FlavorNutty Flavor
Include 1 tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter for added healthy fats and a richer, nutty taste.
Green PowerGreen Power
Swap half the spinach for kale or add a small piece of cucumber for an even greater nutrient density.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Dates, bananas, and chia seeds contribute significant dietary fiber, aiding digestion, promoting satiety, and helping regulate blood sugar levels.
Energy Boosting
Natural sugars from bananas and dates provide a quick and sustained energy release, making it an ideal pre- or post-workout drink without added refined sugars.
Nutrient Dense
Spinach adds vitamins K, A, and C, while chia seeds offer omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and magnesium, supporting overall health and well-being.
Frequently asked questions
While you can use a fresh banana, a frozen banana is highly recommended as it provides the essential creamy, thick texture and chills the smoothie without needing ice, which can dilute the flavor. If using fresh, you might want to add a few ice cubes.
