This easy spinach smoothie is the easiest smoothie you'll ever make! It's vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free and kids love it.
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This smoothie has become a staple in our house. It's the only smoothie to ever earn that badge. Because I can whip it up in a matter of minutes, don't have to chop anything and don't need to have a bazillion ingredients on hand, I find myself making it almost daily.
Pssst, I'll tell you my secret shortcut ingredient: orange juice. That's right. Is that cheating? Maybe, but if it gets my kids to drink their spinach by the cup full - I'm ok with it.
Frozen vs Fresh
Personally, I use fresh baby spinach since I like to use it also for salads and sautéing, but you can totally use frozen spinach (not cooked).
Frozen spinach is convenient, affordable and healthy. As a matter of fact a 2015 study shows that frozen spinach didn't loose any of it's nutritional value compared to fresh. That's partly because spinach is being frozen right after being picked. Compared to the "fresh" spinach you find in the store, that's traveled from who knows where and sat on the shelf for a while.
Frozen bananas in smoothies are awesome. They make it just so much more creamy and it's a great way to keep them from getting too ripe.
Ingredients
This smoothie contains a lot of spinach, but you won't even know it's there. Bananas and orange juice give sweetness, acidity and creaminess and make it delicious.
- baby spinach (raw, fresh or frozen)
- bananas (ripe, fresh or frozen)
- orange juice
- ice cubes (if using fresh produce)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Place all ingredients into jug of high speed blender. Blend on high for 2 minutes.
Substitutions
If you know how to make the recipe fit a certain diet, let the reader know here. Don't fake it - only provide guidance on topics you have actual experience with.
- Orange juice - instead of orange juice, you can use 2 oranges + ½ cup of water
- Spinach - instead of spinach you can use kale, but use less since it has a stronger flavor
Variations
You can customize this smoothie in a number of different ways.
- Add another fruit: apple, pear, pineapple, mango even avocado are all great additions
- Add your favorite protein powder
- Add some Greek yoghurt
Equipment
Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure here.
You'll get the best results with a high speed blender. I know it's a little pricey, but I had my Vitamix for over 10 years now and it has never missed a beat and makes the creamiest smoothies.
If you'd like to use a regular blender you can. Start by blending the orange juice first and little by little add spinach and banana. All ingredients in this recipe are fairly soft, so you should be ok.
Storage
Fresh is best with smoothies. If you want to store it for later, use a big mason jar with sealed lid and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake well before drinking.
Top tips
- Wash or at least rinse out the jug of your blender immediately after making the smoothie. That way the little solid bits won't cake onto the sides.
- I pour the smoothie into a plastic cup with lid and straw for my kids. The lid clicks on tight and the set comes with a little brush to clean the inside of the straw.
FAQ
Yes. Raw spinach tastes delicious in smoothies. It's flavor is very mild almost sweet and you won't even know it's there. Add 1-2 cups / handfuls into every smoothie you make.
Mango, pineapple, apple, pear and berries.
Spinach that's been trough a blender contains the same nutritional value as whole spinach. Which ever way you're more likely to consume spinach on a regular basis. If you love spinach smoothies, go for it!
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Easy Spinach Smoothie- 3 Ingredient Smoothie
This easy spinach smoothie is the easiest smoothie you'll ever make. It's dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan and kids love it!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups fresh baby spinach (1 cup frozen)
- 2 ripe bananas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups orange juice
- handful ice cubes (if using fresh produce)
Instructions
Equipment: Blender
Instructions:
To the jug of a blender, add spinach, bananas and orange juice.
Blend for 40-60 seconds on high speed using the tamper if needed.
Add more water if needed to get the desired consistency.
Notes
- You can substitute the orange juice by adding 2 peeled oranges and 1 cup water instead
- You can substitute the spinach with kale, but I recommend using less kale.
- Add more fruit if you like! You can add an apple, pear, pineapple, orange or strawberry.
- Add Greek yoghurt to make it more filling.
- If you don’t have a high power blender, use fresh produce instead of frozen.
- Store leftover smoothie in the fridge in a sealed mason jar for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 113Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 17mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 2gSugar: 18gProtein: 2g
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