Go Back
A vibrant green spinach banana smoothie in a tall glass with a straw, garnished with fresh mint leaves.

Zesty Ginger Spinach Banana Smoothie

As a chef, I've transformed the humble green smoothie into an invigorating treat. My Zesty Ginger Spinach Banana Smoothie offers a vibrant, delicious, and surprisingly palatable way to enjoy your greens, perfect for a nutritious breakfast or refreshing snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Calories: 240
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small very ripe banana (or half a large)
  • 1 cup milk (or dairy substitute)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 0.5 inch fresh ginger (peeled)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • A few ice cubes

Equipment

  • Blender

Method
 

Layering the Blender for Success
  1. Start with your liquids: Pour the milk (or dairy substitute) into the blender first. This creates a vortex that helps pull down solids.
  2. Add soft ingredients: Next, add the ripe banana (fresh or frozen) and the fresh ginger.
  3. Tuck in the greens: Now, pile in the fresh baby spinach. It will look like a lot, but it blends down beautifully!
  4. Finish with frozen and ice: Add your lime juice and, finally, the ice cubes (if using fresh banana) on top.
Blending to Perfection
  1. Start on a low speed to break down the larger ingredients, then gradually increase to high speed.
  2. Blend until you achieve a silky smooth consistency, with no visible chunks of spinach or banana. This usually takes about 30-60 seconds in a good high-speed blender.
  3. If your smoothie is too thick and the blender is struggling, add a splash more milk or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, a few more ice cubes can help.
  4. Once blended to perfection, pour and enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture!

Notes

Pro Tips:
Use frozen bananas for extra thick, cold, and wonderfully creamy smoothies. Peel and break into pieces before freezing in an airtight bag.
Don't skip the ginger and lime; they provide the essential zing and fresh flavor.
For a more substantial and satisfying smoothie, add a tablespoon of nut butter, flaxseed, hemp seeds, chia seeds, or 1/4 to 1/2 of an avocado.
Always use very ripe bananas (with brown spots) for natural sweetness.
Layer ingredients correctly: liquids first, then soft ingredients, followed by greens, and finally frozen ingredients and ice, for efficient blending.
Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately for optimal taste, texture, and nutritional value. If absolutely necessary, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, filling to the brim to minimize air exposure. Some separation and slight browning may occur; shake or stir before enjoying.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.