Spinach And Banana Smoothie | The Picky Eater



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I love this healthy creamy spinach and banana smoothie because it’s balanced, lightly sweet, and filling. Sweet bananas, fresh spinach, creamy peanut butter, and my milk of choice blend together in a simple recipe that’s ready in just 5 minutes. It’s easy to customize, vegan and gluten-free, and works well for a quick breakfast or an easy snack.

Easy spinach and banana smoothie with peanut butter served in a mason jar glass with a straw.

Smoothies are one of my go-to recipes during the week because they’re quick and convenient. I enjoy having them for a snack or when I need something sweet, and this spinach and banana smoothie is my favorite way to sneak in extra greens in the morning. It’s a nourishing option that keeps me full and energized while I’m on the go. And if I want a change, I love making my Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie too.

I created this Spinach and Banana Smoothie as an easy way to add more greens to our mornings without overthinking breakfast. My kids enjoy the mild sweetness from the bananas, and I can sneak in the nutrients from the spinach without them noticing. If you like this kind of easy, nutritious smoothie, you might also enjoy my Blueberry Pineapple Smoothie, which we always have when we are running out the door late to school.

I love this Spinach and Banana Smoothie because it is creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrients. The ripe bananas balance the fresh spinach, making it an easy way for my picky kids to get extra greens while still keeping it tasty. It is vegan, gluten-free, and a quick breakfast or snack that the whole family enjoys.

As a nutritionist and a busy mom of 2, this smoothie works so well for me because it uses ingredients I usually have on hand and the method is fuss-free. I just blend spinach, bananas, a splash of milk, and a little ice until smooth. The bananas give it natural sweetness while the spinach adds a subtle and fresh flavor and a boost of vitamins. It doesn’t get better than this!

My kids always ask for this smoothie as an after-school snack, and I sometimes make a double batch when friends come over for a quick breakfast after jogging at the park. It has become a regular choice for the whole family when we want a healthy and satisfying smoothie.

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🥘 Ingredients

This delicious banana spinach smoothie requires just a handful of simple ingredients, easily found at any grocery store! Here is what I need:

Ingredients for spinach and banana smoothie recipe on a white background.Ingredients for spinach and banana smoothie recipe on a white background.

Milk Of Choice: I used low-fat organic milk when I made this Green Hulk smoothie, but you can use any milk you like! Non-dairy options like unsweetened almond, cashew, soy, oat, or coconut milk work just as well, as do dairy options like whole, low-fat, or nonfat milk.

Yogurt Of Choice: I used low fat plain Greek yogurt but a vegan yogurt will also work in this spinach drink recipe.

Flaxseeds and Peanut Butter: I add ground flaxseed and peanut butter for bulk, healthy fats, protein, and fiber. You could also swap in chia seeds or any nut butter you prefer.

Baby Spinach: I can’t make a spinach banana smoothie without spinach. It’s so mild that it blends seamlessly with the other flavors, and I hardly even taste it.

Fresh Or Frozen Banana: I use bananas to add sweetness without any added sugar. I like to freeze them first and add them to this spinach peanut butter banana smoothie while frozen for a creamier, richer texture.

Cinnamon and Vanilla Extract: I use these 2 ingredients often in blended drinks when I want to add sweetness, or enhance the natural sweetness of the ingredients in this spinach shake without adding any sugar!

🔪 How To Make

This spinach milkshake recipe only requires 2 simple steps! Here is how I make a spinach and banana smoothie:

Add Ingredients: I place all the ingredients in a high-speed blender, starting with the milk, then yogurt, frozen or fresh banana, peanut butter, spices, and adding the spinach last.

Bananas and spinach in a blender.Bananas and spinach in a blender.

Blend: If I’m using a high-speed blender, I start on low and gradually increase the speed until everything is blended. I like to serve this banana and spinach smoothie immediately.

Banana and spinach smoothie blended in a blender (top view).Banana and spinach smoothie blended in a blender (top view).

My #1 Secret Tip for this recipe is to use ripe bananas. Ripe bananas are naturally sweeter, which helps balance the taste of the spinach. For an extra creamy smoothie, I like to peel and freeze ripe bananas in advance.

Other Tips To Keep In Mind:

  • For best results, use a high quality blender. This really matters to me! I want a smoothie with no grittiness, and using a good blender helps me achieve that perfect texture.
  • Adjust the thickness. I usually start with the amount of milk listed in the recipe card, and if my smoothie is too thick, I add a little more until it reaches the consistency I like.
  • Serve immediately. I find this green banana smoothie tastes best right after it’s blended! While I can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, I like to make and enjoy it immediately for the best flavor.

📖 Variations

Here are some easy ways to change up this spinach smoothie with banana:

Add Berries: I make a strawberry banana spinach smoothie or a blueberry banana spinach smoothie by adding ½ cup of fresh or frozen strawberries or blueberries to this spinach drink along with the other ingredients.

Add Tropical Fruits: I also like to make a spinach pineapple banana smoothie or a mango banana spinach smoothie by adding ½ cup of pineapple or mango along with the rest of the ingredients.

Spinach Smoothie Bowl: Instead of serving this in a glass, I sometimes pour it into a bowl. I like topping it with granola, whole flax seeds or chia seeds, nuts, a drizzle of maple syrup or vegan honey, fresh fruit, or even a few chocolate chips.

Banana Spinach Smoothie Add-Ins

There are so many different mix-ins you can add to this green smoothie recipe with spinach! Here are some of our favorite toppings and mix-ins:

Nut Butters: I swap the almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or even pumpkin seed butter! For a chocolatey twist, I use my vegan nutella with some unsweetened cocoa powder, or this white chocolate hazelnut spread in this spinach breakfast smoothie.

Seeds: Along with the flaxseeds, I add chia seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds to boost fiber, healthy fats, and texture.

Protein: I make this spinach protein smoothie by adding 1 to 2 scoops of my favorite protein powder to the recipe. Chocolate or vanilla protein powder both taste great. I use whey protein or a plant-based option like pea protein or brown rice protein.

Grains: I add raw rolled oats, quick oats, or cooked and cooled quinoa to add bulk, fiber, protein, and a hearty texture to this recipe.

Greens Or Veggies: This creamy smoothie tastes great with spinach, but I sometimes use baby kale or other leafy greens I like, keeping in mind the flavor will change slightly. Other sweet vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, or squash also work well.

Creamy Ingredients: I can replace the Greek yogurt in this recipe with any yogurt. I also make a banana avocado spinach smoothie by adding one quarter of an avocado, or I sometimes add coconut butter for more healthy fats and a creamier drink.

Spices: Any warm spices taste great in this simple spinach smoothie. I like using nutmeg, ginger, or even cardamom. For some caffeine and a different spiced flavor, I make a matcha spinach smoothie by adding a small amount of matcha powder to the recipe.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

I like to enjoy the Spinach and Banana Smoothie immediately after blending so it’s fresh, creamy, and perfectly chilled. Sometimes I pour it into a to-go cup for a quick breakfast on busy mornings, or serve it in a bowl as a smoothie bowl topped with my high protein granola, or my pear compote for extra nutrients.

I also like pairing this smoothie with other simple recipes, like Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats or a slice of avocado toast with honey. These combinations make a more substantial breakfast and keep me full longer, while still enjoying the creamy, naturally sweet flavor of the smoothie.

🧊 Storage Directions

Refrigerating: I can make this recipe ahead of time since this spinach and peanut butter smoothie stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Before serving, I stir it or re-blend it because some separation naturally occurs while it sits in the refrigerator.

Freezing: I sometimes freeze this smoothie for later convenience. I pour it into freezer-safe containers or silicone ice cube trays and freeze until solid. When I’m ready to drink it, I let it thaw in the refrigerator or blend the frozen portions with a small splash of milk until smooth.

❓Recipe FAQs

What is the best blender to use for making smoothies?

Making a good smoothie requires a high-powered blender! Here are my top picks for the best blenders for making smoothies:
** The Ninja Countertop Blender: Most affordable, Under $100, really effective
** The Breville Fresh & Furious Blender: Under $200 with a few more features than the Ninja
** The Vitamix: Most expensive, but top of the line – will literally pulverize anything and the most versatile blender of them all! Makes “Jamba Juice style smoothies.” It also lasts forever. This is the one I have!

Why does my smoothie taste too strong or bitter?

I have found that using too much spinach or under-ripe bananas can make the flavor stronger or slightly bitter. I stick to the amounts in the recipe and always use ripe bananas for natural sweetness.

How can I make it creamier?

I like to add frozen bananas, a spoonful of nut butter, or some yogurt to make the smoothie richer and creamier. It gives it a thicker, more satisfying texture without changing the flavor too much.

Healthy spinach and banana smoothie with peanut butter served in a mason jar glass with a straw.Healthy spinach and banana smoothie with peanut butter served in a mason jar glass with a straw.

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📋 Recipe Card

Spinach And Banana Smoothie

I love this healthy creamy spinach and banana smoothie because it’s balanced, lightly sweet, and filling. Sweet bananas, fresh spinach, creamy peanut butter, and my milk of choice blend together in a simple recipe that’s ready in just 5 minutes. It’s easy to customize, vegan and gluten-free, and works well for a quick breakfast or an easy snack.

Prep Time5 minutes

Total Time5 minutes

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American, Vegan

Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 211kcal

  • My #1 Secret Tip for this recipe is to use ripe bananas. Ripe bananas are naturally sweeter, which helps balance the taste of the spinach. For an extra creamy smoothie, I like to peel and freeze ripe bananas in advance.
  • For best results, use a high quality blender. This really matters to me! I want a smoothie with no grittiness, and using a good blender helps me achieve that perfect texture.
  • Adjust the thickness. I usually start with the amount of milk listed in the recipe card, and if my smoothie is too thick, I add a little more until it reaches the consistency I like.
  • Serve immediately. I find this green banana smoothie tastes best right after it’s blended! While I can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, I like to make and enjoy it immediately for the best flavor.

Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 95mg | Potassium: 493mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g