Green Protein Smoothie
Spinach and vanilla protein powder in a smoothie that tastes like banana and almond, not like salad.
- 5 min prep
- 1 smoothie (about 16 oz)
- 5 ingredients
This is the step up from our green smoothie for beginners: the same mild baby spinach, plus protein powder and almond butter to make it more filling.
Protein powders differ a lot in taste and serving size. Use the scoop size on your label, and start with vanilla, which goes well with banana.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (about 30 g) baby spinach
- 1 medium banana, peeled, sliced and frozen
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (the serving size on your label)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened almond milk
Method
- Blend the spinach with the almond milk for 20–30 seconds, until no leafy bits are left.
- Add the frozen banana, protein powder and almond butter. Blend for 30–60 seconds, until smooth.
- Add a splash of milk if it's too thick. Pour and drink right away.
Tips for the best texture
- Add the protein powder after the liquid, not first, so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the jar.
- If your protein powder makes the smoothie foamy, let it sit for a minute before drinking.
- Unflavored protein powder works too; add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
Easy swaps
| If you don't have | Use |
|---|---|
| Protein powder | ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt. |
| Almond butter | Peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. |
| Almond milk | Soy milk for more protein, or dairy milk. |
| Baby spinach | Kale with the stems removed. Start with ½ cup. |
More recipes
Green Smoothie for BeginnersSpinach, banana, pineapple, chia and almond milk. The easiest first green smoothie.Peanut Butter Banana Protein SmoothieBanana, peanut butter, Greek yogurt and a pinch of cinnamon. Tastes like a milkshake.Chocolate Oat Breakfast SmoothieBanana, oats, cocoa, almond butter and Greek yogurt. Tastes like a chocolate shake.