Creamy Green Protein Smoothie
This Creamy Green Protein Smoothie is a nutrient-dense powerhouse, perfect for a quick breakfast, lunch, or post-workout recovery. It's incredibly creamy, refreshingly sweet, and packed with protein and essential greens to fuel your body.
For 1 serving
Add the liquids to your blender first: Pour the unsweetened almond milk into the blender pitcher. This helps the blades move freely and prevents ingredients from sticking.
Layer in the greens: Add the packed fresh spinach on top of the almond milk. Placing greens closer to the blade helps them break down more efficiently.
Add remaining ingredients: Follow with the Greek yogurt, frozen mango or pineapple chunks, protein powder, banana, and chia seeds. If using, add the optional honey/maple syrup and ice cubes.
Blend until smooth: Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds, or until the smoothie is completely smooth and creamy with no visible spinach flecks. If it's too thick, add a splash more almond milk; if too thin, add a few more ice cubes or a bit more frozen fruit.
Taste and adjust: Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness if desired by adding a touch more honey or maple syrup, then blend for another 10 seconds. Pour into a tall glass and serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Optimize Blending Order: Always add liquids first, then soft ingredients like greens, followed by harder or frozen items. This creates a vortex that pulls everything into the blades for a smoother blend.
- 2Use Frozen Banana: For an even creamier, colder smoothie without diluting the flavor, use a frozen half banana instead of fresh. Peel and slice ripe bananas before freezing them in an airtight bag.
- 3Meal Prep Smoothie Packs: Portion out spinach, frozen fruit, and chia seeds into individual freezer bags. When ready to blend, just add the contents of a bag to your blender with liquid, yogurt, and protein powder.
- 4Adjust for Thickness: If your smoothie is too thick, add a tablespoon of almond milk at a time until desired consistency is reached. If it's too thin, add a few more ice cubes or a small handful of frozen fruit.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan Option
Replace Greek yogurt with an equal amount of plain, unsweetened plant-based yogurt (e.g., coconut, almond, or soy yogurt) and ensure your protein powder is plant-based (e.g., pea, hemp, or rice protein).
Different GreensDifferent Greens
Swap spinach for kale (remove tough stems), romaine lettuce, or a mixed green blend. Start with a smaller amount of kale if you're new to green smoothies, as its flavor is stronger.
Fruit VariationsFruit Variations
Experiment with other frozen fruits like berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), peaches, or a mixed fruit blend. Adjust sweetness as needed based on the fruit's natural sugars.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
With Greek yogurt and protein powder, this smoothie supports muscle repair and growth, making it ideal for post-workout recovery and satiety.
Rich in Vitamins & Minerals
Spinach provides a significant boost of Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and iron, contributing to bone health, vision, and immune function.
Digestive Health
Chia seeds add fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels, while the probiotics in Greek yogurt support a healthy microbiome.
Frequently asked questions
While best enjoyed fresh, you can make this smoothie up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir or re-blend briefly before serving, as it may separate slightly and lose some of its vibrant color.
