My Favourite Daily Green Smoothie

I’ve been trying to add a green smoothie to my daily routine for some time now. While I do consume quite a lot of soup which is often packed full of vegetables, it’s not always enough I feel. So, I’m trying to do better.

But, with all my best intentions, I’m not always in the mood to be preparing and making a smoothie each day.

So I’ve spent some time, with quite a bit of trial and error, creating my ideal daily smoothie that I can make once a week so that I have one to have every day.

What You Need

The great thing about making a green smoothie is that you can customise it according to what you prefer. Take my suggestions as a guideline and adjust accordingly.

For more concise instructions, or to print this recipe out, head to the recipe card at the bottom. This recipe makes approximately 4 servings, with each serving being about 400–450ml, depending on how thick you prefer your smoothie. This size is perfect for a satisfying breakfast or a nutritious snack. If you prefer smaller portions, you could easily divide it into 5–6 servings.

What You Need

The ingredients below can be adjusted and substituted according to what you have available.

Spinach and Kale

I like to use a combination of spinach and kale, but you could use just one. I used 200g of spinach.

Avocado

I used one ripe avocado. It can be tricky to time the perfect ripeness of an avocado so I try to freeze chopped avocado when it is ready to use, that way I always have it on hand to use. You can also buy frozen chopped avocado.

Banana

I used a small/medium ripe banana. A handy tip is if you have some banana(s) that have turned ripe and aren’t likely to be eaten, you can peel them, chop them and freeze them for future smoothies.

Pineapple or Mango

I like to add some frozen mango or pineapple chunks. I add 150g – 200g, depending on how many I have.

Lemon or Lime Juice

The juice of half a lemon or lime can add a refreshing citrus tang, balancing the sweetness from the banana and mango/pineapple.

Ground Flaxseeds

Adding ground flaxseeds to your smoothie not only boosts its nutritional value but also helps create a slightly thicker, creamier texture. It can be bought in most supermarkets or on Amazon.

According to the British Heart Foundation, “Flax seeds are a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids in particular.”

The Liquid

I use around 1L of liquid, sometimes more if the consistency is too thick – this is especially true if you are using mainly frozen ingredients. You might need to add more liquid at the end of the first blend.

You can use 1L of one liquid, or combine it with water. For example, sometimes I use 500ml of coconut water and 500ml of water, other times I might use 1L of unsweetened almond milk.

Choices for the liquid include:

• Coconut water or milk
• Almond or cashew milk
• Oat milk
• Water

Green Powder (optional)

Although not essential, I like to add some green powder to my smoothies. I currently use the one from Sevenhills that can be bought from Amazon. I add 20g to the smoothie but if you are unsure if you’ll like the taste I would start by adding 10g so the taste isn’t too over powering. You can always add more and blend it in.

Nut Butter and/or Protein Powder (optional)

To boost the protein content of your green smoothie, you can add 2 tablespoons of nut butter (almond or peanut), which provides around 7–8g of protein along with healthy fats and a creamy texture. For a more significant protein increase, consider adding half a scoop of protein powder (10–12g of protein), which blends without altering the taste too much. For the best of both worlds, combine 1 tablespoon of nut butter with half a scoop of protein powder to enjoy a balance of flavour, creaminess, and enhanced nutritional value. This combination is especially beneficial if you’re using the smoothie as a meal replacement or post-workout recovery drink.

Making It

To start, add the fresh or frozen spinach, kale, banana, pineapple or mango, and avocado into your blender. These nutrient-rich ingredients form the base of your smoothie.

Next, sprinkle in flaxseeds, along with your chosen green superfood blend to pack in even more nutrients.

Squeeze the juice of half a lemon or lime directly into the blender.

Then, pour in 500ml of coconut water and 500ml of plain water—or your chosen liquid.

If you want a creamier texture or a protein boost, now’s the time to add your nut butter (almond or peanut) or protein powder. You can even combine both for a well-rounded smoothie.

Blend everything on high until the mixture is completely smooth. If you find the smoothie too thick, simply add a little more water and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.

Once blended, pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy it immediately. If you have leftovers or want to prep ahead, store the smoothie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours—just give it a good shake or stir before drinking!

Freezing Your Green Smoothie

Freezing your green smoothie is a great way to prep ahead for busy days or prevent waste. Here’s how to do it:

Freezing the Prepared Smoothie:

Pour the smoothie into freezer-safe containers or mason jars, leaving about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of space at the top to allow for expansion.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

To use, thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours, then shake or stir well before drinking.

Freezing Ingredients for Easy Blending:

Make freezer packs by adding pre-measured spinach, kale, banana, pineapple/mango, and avocado to freezer-safe bags.

When ready to make a smoothie, just add the contents of a pack to the blender, pour in liquid, and blend.