Green smoothies are one of my favorite ways to start the day—full of nutrients and a quick energy boost. They’re an easy way to add more fruits and veggies to your routine. Some people worry that a veggie-filled drink won’t taste good, but the trick is finding the right balance of greens, fruit, and liquid, and using a strong blender that makes everything smooth. I also use green smoothies to sneak extra veggies into my kids’ diets.
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Why green smoothies?
Green smoothies are great for your health. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins (like C and A) and antioxidants that support the immune system. Unlike cold-pressed juices, smoothies keep the fiber, which helps digestion and keeps you feeling full and energized—without the crash you might get from sugary or highly caffeinated drinks. Many green fruits and vegetables also contain chlorophyll, which can help detoxify, improve skin glow, and give you a natural energy lift.
Tips for making the best green smoothies
– Balanced ratio: Aim for a good mix of greens, fruit, and liquid. A simple guideline is 1 cup greens, 1 cup liquid, and 1 cup fruit for a balanced, slightly sweet smoothie.
– Use healthy liquids: Try nut milks, oat milk, water, or coconut milk.
– Add healthy fats: Nuts, seeds, avocado, or a bit of coconut oil help your body absorb more nutrients.
– Use a quality blender: Not all blenders are the same—choose a powerful, easy-to-clean model. I’m a Vitamix fan and love mine.
– Boost it: Add protein powder, spices like cinnamon or ginger, or superfoods like ashwagandha, maca, or hemp hearts. NOW Foods is my go-to for boosters (use code AMBER for 20% off).
– Blend greens with liquid first to avoid chunks, then add fruit and blend again.
– Skip ice—use frozen fruit so the smoothie isn’t watered down.
– Prep ahead by chopping fruit and veggies, storing them in reusable bags (I like Stasher bags), and freezing. Ready to blend when you are.
– Get creative with greens—there’s more than spinach and kale.
Greens you can use:
Spinach
Romaine
Kale
Beet greens
Bok choy
Broccoli
Chard
Celery
Collard greens
Herbs
Lettuce
Microgreens
Sprouts
If you want some recipe ideas, here are plenty to try.
How to make a green smoothie:
Pack the greens into a measuring cup. Add the greens and liquid to the blender and blend until no chunks remain. Add fruit, nuts, seeds, or other add-ins and blend until smooth. Pour into your favorite cup and enjoy!
12 healthy and delicious green smoothie recipes:
Happy & Healthy Smoothie:
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 cup frozen pineapple
1/2 cup frozen mango
1/2 banana
1 cup liquid (milk or water)
Green Goddess Smoothie:
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 cup frozen pineapple
1 banana, sliced
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
1 cup chopped kale
Pina Colada Green Smoothie:
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
Apple Banana Green Smoothie:
1 cup fresh spinach
1 cup milk
1 frozen banana
1 sliced apple
1/4 avocado
Tropical Green Smoothie:
1 cup kale
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup frozen pineapple
1/2 cup frozen mango
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Metabolism Booster Green Smoothie:
1 cup raw spinach
1 cup almond milk
1 peeled orange
1/3 cup frozen strawberries
Shamrock Green Smoothie:
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup pineapple (add juice if you want it sweeter)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 large handfuls spinach
1 tsp coconut oil (melt before adding)
3/4 cup milk or water
Fat Burner Green Smoothie:
1 cup fresh spinach
1 cup milk
1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Berry Green Smoothie:
1 cup fresh spinach
1 cup water or milk
1/2 cup strawberries
1/4 cup blueberries
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
Apple Pie Green Smoothie:
1 cup spinach
1 cup milk or water
1 green apple, sliced
1/4 cup blueberries
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Kale Yeah! Green Smoothie:
1 cup fresh kale
1 cup vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup frozen berry mix
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1 tablespoon honey
Detox Celery Green Smoothie:
1/2 cup chopped celery stalks
1/2 cup packed fresh spinach
1 green apple
1 frozen banana
1/4 tsp grated ginger
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2–1 tablespoon lemon juice
Handful of ice
Note: Blend the celery very well—it takes longer to break down than other greens.
I hope one of these recipes inspires you to try a green smoothie. They’re full of nutrients, taste great, and are an easy way to add superfoods to your day. Don’t forget a good tumbler to keep your smoothie cold on the go—I love tumblers with a straw and great reviews!
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