Save My roommate walked into the kitchen at 7am looking like she had not slept, holding her head and asking if I had anything that would make her feel human again. I threw spinach, avocado, a banana, and some almond milk into the blender without measuring. When she tasted it, she actually said the words I think I can face my meeting now. That was the morning this green drink became a permanent fixture in our fridge.
Last winter my sister came to visit and announced she was doing a cleanse which mostly meant she looked longingly at my pastries while drinking sad green juice. I made her this smoothie and she paused mid sip and asked why it actually tasted good. Now she texts me every time she tries a new variation, usually with something like guess what I put in this time followed by a photo of questionable ingredients.
Ingredients
- Baby spinach: Use fresh spinach, not the stuff that has been sitting in your produce drawer for a week turning into slime
- Ripe avocado: The creamy base that makes this drink feel luxurious instead of like health punishment
- Ripe banana: Adds natural sweetness and makes the texture smooth instead of gritty
- Frozen mango: Makes it cold without watering it down like ice would, plus adds a tropical brightness
- Almond milk: Any plant milk works but almond keeps it light and lets the other flavors shine
- Fresh lemon juice: Wakes up all the flavors and keeps the avocado from tasting too heavy
- Chia seeds: Totally optional but they add protein and make it feel more filling
- Honey or maple syrup: Only if your fruit is not ripe enough to carry the sweetness on its own
Instructions
- Toss everything in the blender:
- Start with the spinach and almond milk so the leaves have liquid to move around, then add the avocado, banana, and mango chunks
- Add the brighteners:
- Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle the chia seeds if you are using them
- Blend until completely smooth:
- Start on low to break down the spinach, then crank it up to high for at least 45 seconds until there is absolutely no green leafy texture left
- Taste and adjust:
- If it needs more sweetness, blend in the honey or maple syrup a teaspoon at a time
- Fix the temperature:
- Throw in a few ice cubes and blend again if you want it colder and thicker, or add a splash more almond milk if it is too thick
- Pour and drink right away:
- This smoothie does not age well so pour it into glasses and enjoy it while it is still frosty
Save My niece declared she hated anything green until I made this for her without telling her what was in it. She drank the whole glass, asked for seconds, and when I finally told her about the spinach she just shrugged and said well I guess I like spinach now. Kids are weirdly easy to trick if you just blend things smooth enough.
Making It Your Own
Frozen pineapple works beautifully instead of mango if you want it brighter and more tart. You can also throw in a handful of kale if you are feeling virtuous, though the taste does get noticeably more earthy. Sometimes I add fresh mint because it makes the whole thing feel like a fancy spa drink instead of breakfast.
When to Drink It
This is obviously perfect for breakfast but I have also had it as a mid afternoon snack when I want something substantial but not heavy. It is weirdly satisfying after a workout when you need calories but do not want to sit down to a full meal. My favorite time might be late morning when I am hungry but lunch still feels hours away.
Storage and Meal Prep
You can prep little freezer bags with the spinach, banana, mango, and avocado already portioned so morning smoothies take thirty seconds. Do not add the almond milk until you are ready to blend. If you have leftover smoothie, store it in a mason jar in the fridge and give it a good shake before drinking, though the texture is definitely best fresh.
- Separate wet and dry ingredients if you are prepping ahead
- Drink within 24 hours even if it still looks okay
- Add a splash more milk if it has been sitting for a while
Save Sometimes the healthiest looking things end up being the ones you actually crave, and this smoothie is proof that green does not have to mean boring or gross. Make it once and you will understand why something this simple became such a staple.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute mango with other fruits?
Yes, frozen pineapple or peaches work well as alternatives and add a tropical flavor.
- → How can I make the drink sweeter naturally?
Adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup enhances sweetness without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- → Is it possible to add protein to this drink?
Absolutely, incorporating plant-based protein powder can boost the nutritional value and make it more filling.
- → What if I prefer a thinner consistency?
Simply increase the amount of almond or other plant-based milk to reach your desired texture.
- → Can I prepare this drink in advance?
For the best freshness and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy immediately after blending, though it can be chilled briefly.