Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed)
- 1½ cups frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 medium ripe banana (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup liquid (coconut water, water, almond milk, or orange juice)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for protein and creaminess)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- ½ cup ice cubes (optional, only if using fresh fruit)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 5-6 fresh mint leaves
- ½-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons hemp hearts
Instructions
- Gather and Prep Ingredients – Rinse your spinach thoroughly and shake off excess water. If using fresh pineapple, cut it into chunks. Peel the banana and break it into pieces. Having everything ready makes blending quick and effortless.
- Add Liquid First – Pour your chosen liquid (coconut water, almond milk, or your preferred option) into the blender first. This is crucial – liquid at the bottom helps the blender blades move freely and prevents burning out the motor. It also ensures smooth, even blending.
- Layer Your Ingredients Properly – Add ingredients in this strategic order: liquid (already added), fresh spinach (it will wilt down), Greek yogurt if using, banana pieces, frozen pineapple chunks, and ice cubes last (if using). This layering prevents the blender from getting stuck and ensures everything blends evenly.
- Start Low, Then Go High – Secure the blender lid tightly. Start blending on the lowest speed for about 10-15 seconds to break down the spinach and begin processing everything. This prevents large chunks from getting stuck. Then gradually increase to the highest speed for smooth blending.
- Blend Until Perfectly Smooth – Blend on high speed for 45-60 seconds until the smoothie is completely smooth with no visible spinach flecks, fruit chunks, or ice crystals. It should be uniformly bright green and silky. The exact time depends on your blender’s power – less powerful blenders may need 90 seconds.
- Scrape Down Sides if Needed – If you see ingredients stuck to the sides of your blender, stop and use a spatula to scrape everything down toward the blades. Blend for another 10-15 seconds. This ensures you don’t waste any ingredients and get the smoothest possible texture.
- Check Consistency – Your smoothie should be thick and creamy but still pourable – similar to a milkshake consistency. If it’s too thick to pour, add 2-3 tablespoons more liquid and pulse briefly. If it’s too thin, add a few more frozen pineapple chunks or ice cubes and blend again.
- Taste and Adjust – Give your smoothie a quick taste! If it needs more sweetness, add 1 teaspoon of honey and blend for 10 seconds. If you can taste the spinach too much (unlikely, but possible), add a few more pineapple chunks. If it’s too sweet, add a squeeze of lime juice to balance.
- Serve Immediately and Enjoy – Pour into tall glasses and drink right away while it’s perfectly cold and fresh! The bright green color looks beautiful in clear glasses. Garnish with a pineapple wedge, fresh mint sprig, or sprinkle of chia seeds if you want it camera-ready for social media!
Notes
- Greens Ratio: Start with 1-2 cups of spinach if you’re new to green smoothies, then gradually increase to 2-3 cups as you get used to the taste.
- Frozen vs. Fresh Fruit: Frozen pineapple creates the best thick, frosty texture. If using fresh, add at least ½ cup of ice cubes.
- Sweetness Level: Very ripe pineapple and banana usually provide enough sweetness without added honey. Always taste before sweetening!
- Make it Creamier: Add ½ avocado or increase yogurt to ¾ cup for ultra-creamy texture.
- Protein Boost: Add protein powder or increase yogurt to make this a filling meal replacement.
- Keep it Vegan: Simply skip the Greek yogurt or use plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie (approximately 14 oz)
- Calories: 180 (without yogurt), 240 (with yogurt)
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 1g (without yogurt), 3g (with yogurt)
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg