Low-Calorie Berry & Spinach Smoothie
A vibrant, refreshing smoothie that tastes like a sip of summer while secretly packing in a handful of leafy greens. Sweet mixed berries and creamy banana blend seamlessly with fresh spinach, giving you a gorgeous purple drink with no green taste. A light, energizing breakfast or snack ready in minutes.
For 2 servings
- prep
Gather and prep the ingredients.
1.Wash the baby spinach leaves under cold water and drain well.2.Peel the half banana and break it into chunks.3.Juice the lemon to get 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. - mix · ~1 min
Layer ingredients into the blender.
1.Pour in the cold water and lemon juice first to help the blades move.2.Add the baby spinach leaves on top of the liquid.3.Add the frozen mixed berries and banana chunks over the spinach.4.Spoon in the plain non-fat yogurt. - mix · ~2 min
Blend until completely smooth.
1.Start the blender on low speed and gradually increase to high.2.Blend for about 60 seconds or until the mixture is smooth and no spinach flecks remain.3.Stop and scrape down the sides with a spatula if needed, then blend again for 15 seconds. - mix · ~1 min
Adjust the consistency.
Check the smoothie's thickness. If it is too thick for your liking, add a splash of cold water (1 tablespoon at a time) and pulse briefly to combine until it reaches your desired consistency.
- serve
Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use frozen berries instead of fresh for a thicker, colder smoothie without diluting the flavor.
- 2Layer liquids first in the blender to help the blades catch the leafy greens more easily.
- 3If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, use a ripe banana with brown spots for natural sweetness.
- 4Blend on low then high gradually to avoid air pockets and ensure a silky texture.
- 5Scrape down blender sides once during blending to incorporate any stubborn spinach bits.
- 6For a make-ahead option, portion ingredients into a bag and freeze; blend with liquid when ready.
Adapt it for your goals.
Higher protein
Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder, or swap the yogurt for Greek yogurt to increase protein content for a more satiating post-workout smoothie.
dairy free/veganDairy-free/vegan
Replace the plain yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt or unsweetened almond milk yogurt to keep the creaminess without dairy.
tropical twistTropical twist
Swap half the mixed berries for frozen mango or pineapple chunks for a sweeter, tropical-flavored green smoothie.
low sugarLow-sugar
Use half a small green banana or omit the banana entirely and add a few ice cubes; the berries provide enough natural sweetness with less sugar.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Mixed berries and fresh lemon juice provide a hefty dose of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
Packed with Antioxidants
Berries like blueberries and raspberries are loaded with anthocyanins, compounds that help fight oxidative stress in the body.
Good Source of Iron Absorption
Spinach provides non-heme iron, and the vitamin C from lemon and berries enhances its absorption, making this smoothie great for energy levels.
Low in Added Sugar
This smoothie relies entirely on the natural sugars from fruit and yogurt, with no added sweeteners, making it a clean choice for a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you will need to add a few ice cubes to achieve a thick and cold consistency, since fresh berries won't chill the smoothie as effectively.
