Green smoothies are blended drinks that contain green vegetables combined with water, ice, sweeteners, and/or fruit. The goal of a green smoothie is to provide leafy green veggies in a tempting and delicious presentation, making it easier for people to include more of them in their diets. Green smoothies can be suitable for vegetarian, vegan and raw food diets, as long as the ingredients are all suitable to their dietary restrictions.
10 Green Smoothie Recipes
The basic premise of a green smoothie is simple: just combine some green leafy vegetables with fruit and optional sweeteners and additives. Consistency and color will vary between smoothies, as these factors, in addition to taste, are dependent on the ingredients. Each of these recipes makes two 16 ounce servings.
This tangy smoothie uses arugula and lettuce as its base. Avocado adds creaminess, while the pear helps sweeten.
Ingredients
1 avocado
2 pears
2 tablespoons hulled hemp seed
1 bag of frozen raspberries
Large handful of arugula and lettuce leafs
2-1/2 cups cold water
Instructions
Place the first five ingredients in a blender in the order listed.
Pour enough water to completely cover and pulse the blender a few times to break up the larger pieces.
Blend on high until smooth.
Baby Kale and Blueberry Smoothie
Baby kale adds a slightly sweet taste to this smoothie, without any of the slightly bitter aftertaste of older kale.
Ingredients
2 bananas
2 tablespoons flax seed
1 large bag of frozen blueberries
1 large bunch of baby kale
2 cups cold water
Instructions
Place the ingredients in a blender and add just enough water to cover.
Pulse the blender to break into smaller pieces, then blend on high until smooth.
Spinach and Yogurt Smoothie
For those who eat dairy, this spinach and yogurt smoothie will add some protein to your diet.
Ingredients
2 oranges
1 banana
12 large strawberries
4 cups spinach
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 cups ice
Instructions
Place the ingredients in a blender.
Pulse or use the ice function on the blender to break the ice into smaller pieces.
Blend on high until well combined and smooth.
Kale, Flax and Coconut Smoothie
This kale-based smoothie uses coconut oil, which gives it a rich, decadent flavor and texture.
Ingredients
2 bananas
2 cups kale
2 tablespoons flax seed
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2/3 cup orange juice
Instructions
Place ingredients in a blender.
Blend on high until smooth.
Spinach, Pineapple and Banana Smoothie
The combination of pineapple and banana in this spinach smoothie gives it an exotic flavor.
Ingredients
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 cups spinach
1-1/2 cups pineapple
1 banana
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a blender.
Blend on high until smooth.
Apple Avocado Smoothie
This spinach-based smoothie uses avocado and apple for a fresh, creamy taste.
Ingredients
2 granny smith apples, cored and unpeeled
1 avocado
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup water
Instructions
Place ingredients in a blender in the order listed.
Pour on just enough water to cover.
Blend on high until smooth.
Collard Greens and Grapes
Fresh collard greens and seedless green grapes give this smoothie and unusual combination.
Ingredients
1 banana
2 cups seedless green grapes
2 cups collard greens
1/2 cup ice
1/2 cup almond milk
Instructions
Place all ingredients in the blender.
Pulse or use ice function to break up the ice.
Blend on high until smooth.
Kale-Apple Smoothie
This fresh-tasting smoothie uses apples and lemon juice to give it a tart flavor.
Ingredients
2 cups kale
2 stalks celery
1 banana
1 large apple cored and unpeeled
1 cup ice
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a blender.
Pulse or use ice function to break up the ice.
Blend on high until smooth.
Spinach Mango Smoothie
This sweet, creamy smoothie is a great introduction to green smoothies for those who are hesitant to try them.
Ingredients
1 cup vanilla almond milk
2 cup frozen pineapple pieces
2 cup frozen mango chunks
2 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
Place all ingredients in the blender.
Pulse the blender a few times to break up the fruit.
Blend on high until smooth.
Strawberry Romaine Smoothie
This is a very simple smoothie that uses the sweet taste of strawberries combined with romaine lettuce.
Ingredients
2 cups frozen strawberries
2 cups romaine lettuce
2 bananas
2 cups water
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
Place all ingredients into the blender in the order listed.
Pulse a few times to break up the fruit.
Blend on high until smooth.
Make Your Own
Once you've made a few green smoothies you'll see how simple it is. Start making your own combinations of greens, fruit and additives to create your own, delicious and healthy green smoothies.
