Ingredients
Equipment
Method
The Smoothness Secret (Greens & Liquid First)
- Add your 2 cups of fresh baby spinach and 1 cup of milk (or dairy substitute) to your blender first. Secure the lid and blend on high speed until the spinach is completely pulverized. You'll see the liquid transform into a vibrant green, with no visible spinach bits remaining. This critical step ensures a consistently smooth texture, preventing any grittiness, and effectively masks the green flavor.
Add Remaining Ingredients
- Now, it's time to add the rest of the goodness. Carefully add your very ripe banana (whether it's fresh or frozen), a few ice cubes (if you're using a fresh banana and want extra chill), that tiny pinch of sea salt, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the blender with the spinach-milk mixture.
Blend to Creamy Perfection
- Replace the lid and blend on high speed until all the ingredients are perfectly combined and the smoothie is wonderfully creamy, frosty, and thick. If your smoothie is too thick to blend easily, add a tablespoon or two more liquid at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, a few more ice cubes or a piece of frozen banana can help thicken it up.
Enjoy Immediately
- Pour your beautiful, ultra-smooth Spinach Banana Smoothie into a glass. For the absolute best taste and texture, enjoy it right after blending.
Notes
Pro Tips: Always use very ripe bananas (frozen is highly recommended for creaminess). Blend spinach and liquid first for a silky-smooth, grit-free texture and masked green flavor. Incorporate healthy fats like nut butter or seeds for satiety. Use chilled liquid for an extra refreshing smoothie and adjust flavors to your personal taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Do not make the smoothie too far in advance, as it is best enjoyed immediately. Avoid tossing all ingredients in at once; follow the "greens first" method. Using unripe bananas will result in less sweetness and a starchy flavor. Ensure the correct liquid ratio; start with the recommended amount and adjust incrementally. Don't skip the sea salt and lime juice for enhanced sweetness and balanced flavors.
Serving & Storage: Serve your Spinach Banana Smoothie immediately after blending for optimal taste, texture, and nutritional value. It's perfect as a quick breakfast, healthy snack, or post-workout recovery drink. For short-term storage (1-2 hours), transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate, shaking or re-blending before consumption. For meal prep, pre-portion spinach and freeze bananas in advance, but do not blend the smoothie itself ahead of time.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.