Green Protein Smoothie with Watermelon Seeds
A vibrant, creamy green smoothie packed with plant power. Spinach and banana blend with nutty watermelon seeds for a naturally protein-rich drink that tastes refreshing and slightly sweet. Ready in 5 minutes flat.
For 2 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Wash the spinach and prep the ingredients.
1.Rinse 2 cups of spinach leaves under cold water and shake off excess water.2.Peel the banana and break it into 2-3 chunks.3.Measure out the watermelon seeds, lemon juice, and chilled water. - mix · ~2 min
Blend everything until smooth and creamy.
1.Add spinach, banana chunks, and watermelon seeds to the blender jar.2.Pour in the lemon juice and chilled water.3.Blend on high speed for 60 seconds until completely smooth with no leafy bits.4.Add ice cubes and pulse 3-4 times to crush and chill the smoothie.TIPBlend longer if your blender isn't high-powered—you want zero gritty seed texture. - serve
Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Divide the smoothie between two glasses. Serve cold right away while it's fresh and frothy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a ripe banana with brown spots for natural sweetness — unripe banana will make the smoothie starchy.
- 2Soak watermelon seeds for 2 hours before blending if your blender is low-powered — this softens them for a silkier texture.
- 3Add the liquid first (water and lemon juice) to help the blender pull the spinach down into the blades.
- 4For an extra-cold smoothie, freeze the banana chunks in advance and skip the ice cubes.
- 5Serve immediately; the smoothie will separate and darken if left standing for more than 10 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Add 1 scoop of unflavored or vanilla plant-based protein powder and increase the water to 1 ½ cups for a post-workout boost.
tropicalTropical
Replace the banana with ½ cup frozen mango and swap the water for coconut water for a tropical twist.
low sugarLow-sugar
Use a small green apple instead of banana and add ¼ avocado for creaminess, reducing natural sugars while keeping it silky.
nut freeNut-free
Swap watermelon seeds for sunflower seeds to keep it nut-free while maintaining a similar protein and texture profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant Protein
Watermelon seeds provide a complete source of plant protein, making this smoothie a filling, muscle-friendly option without dairy.
Packed with Iron and Magnesium
Spinach and watermelon seeds are both excellent sources of iron and magnesium, supporting energy production and muscle function.
Naturally Hydrating
With spinach, water, and lemon juice, this smoothie provides fluids and electrolytes without added sugars, perfect for post-workout or hot days.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, use 1 cup frozen spinach (no need to thaw) and reduce ice cubes to 2, as frozen spinach adds extra moisture and chill.
