Green Smoothie Thickener
A frozen, nutrient-packed blend of spinach, banana, avocado, and chia seeds that transforms any liquid into a thick, creamy smoothie. Prep a batch, freeze into cubes, and pop one into your blender for an instant fiber and omega-3 boost without watering down your drink.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Wash and prep the greens and fruit.
1.Wash the baby spinach thoroughly under cold running water and drain well.2.Slice the peeled bananas into rounds.3.Cut the avocado, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into the blender.TIPUse ripe spotted bananas for natural sweetness and a creamier texture. - mix · ~1 min
Blend into a smooth thick paste.
1.Add the spinach, banana slices, avocado, chia seeds, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to the blender.2.Pour in the water.3.Blend on high speed for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth and no spinach flecks remain.4.Scrape down the sides with a spatula and blend again if needed.TIPAdd water a tablespoon at a time if the blender struggles—but keep it as thick as possible. - prep · ~4 min
Freeze the smoothie base into cubes.
1.Spoon the blended mixture into the ice cube tray cavities.2.Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon.3.Freeze uncovered for at least 4 hours until solid. - prep · ~2 min
Pop out cubes and store for later.
1.Remove the frozen cubes from the tray and transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container.2.Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.TIPRun the bottom of the tray under warm water for 10 seconds to release the cubes easily.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use very ripe, spotted bananas for maximum natural sweetness and creaminess.
- 2Pack the spinach tightly when measuring to ensure you get the full 150g for proper thickening.
- 3If your blender struggles, add water one tablespoon at a time—keep the paste as thick as possible.
- 4Run the bottom of the ice cube tray under warm water for 10 seconds to release cubes easily.
- 5These cubes keep well for up to 3 months; label the bag with the date to track freshness.
- 6For a sweeter base, swap the pinch of salt for a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
- 7Use a silicone ice cube tray for the easiest release without the need for warm water.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
This recipe is already vegan; simply ensure your chia seeds are certified vegan if desired.
high proteinHigh-protein
Blend in 1 scoop of unflavored or vanilla plant-based protein powder before freezing for a protein-packed smoothie base.
low sugarLow-sugar
Replace one banana with an extra 100g of spinach or 1/2 a small zucchini to reduce natural sugars while keeping the creamy texture.
tropical twistTropical twist
Swap the banana for 1 cup of frozen mango chunks for a different flavor profile and a bright yellow color.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3s
Chia seeds are an excellent plant-based source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that supports heart and brain health.
High in Fiber
Spinach, banana, avocado, and chia seeds together provide both soluble and insoluble fiber, promoting healthy digestion and helping you feel full longer.
Packed with Vitamin K
Spinach is a top source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Avocado delivers monounsaturated fats that can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular function.
Natural Electrolytes
Bananas and spinach provide potassium and magnesium, which aid hydration and muscle function, especially after a workout.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw it first and squeeze out excess moisture to keep the paste thick. You may need a little less water.







