A Spinach Smoothie is a great way to quickly get a tricky vegetable into your diet without the hassle. This healthy, kid-friendly drink is super customizable and packed with wholesome ingredients. Enjoy this green smoothie as a quick, veggie-packed breakfast on the go or as a simple, healthy snack. Picky eaters will love the sweet, cold drink, while still getting the benefits like fiber, vitamins, and protein. Learn how to make a spinach packed green drink that will both fill you up and satisfy.
The perfect addition to a morning routine
Every morning is the same: wake up, stumble out of bed, turn off Alex’s alarm. Flick on the coffee maker I set up the night before. Get Owen settled. Wander into the backroom and start on the smoothies.
While I personally am not a huge smoothie fan, my family is.
Every morning, Alex takes one to work. Depending on the season, he can down anywhere from 16 ounces to a huge 64 ounce drink.
Because my boys are obsessed with all things Daddy, they also expect special drink every morning.
Since I live with picky eaters, I take full advantage of this obsession and make veggie smoothies daily.
Shhhhhhhh don’t tell them, but nearly every morning I sneak in some greens to make a spinach smoothie. And you know what? They never even know.
What are the benefits of spinach smoothies?
Besides adding fruit to your diet, you can add protein with milk, nut butter, or yogurt. Even better, a drink made with spinach can add a serving of greens to your family’s diet without having to chow down on a salad.
Spinach is high in fiber, iron, folic acid, and vitamins A, C, and K1.
Add in antioxidants to support health and it becomes clear that spinach should be added to our diets. But, we might not enjoy eating it on it’s own. A drink packed with the green leaves is an easy way to accomplish this.
How do you make a spinach smoothie?
The key to making an awesome veggie smoothie is the order in which you put things in the blender. Ideally, it should look like this from bottom to top.
- Greens
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Frozen fruits and vegetables
- Liquids
This ensures that the greens get as pulverized as possible, giving you a velvety smooth drink.
What tastes good with spinach in a smoothie?
The best part about a green smoothie is that it’s so versatile. Personally, I love a strongly flavored fruit with mine, like pineapple or mango, but any fruit will work. Here are some of my favorites fruits to add to leafy greens:
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Banana – adds a ton of creaminess!
- Strawberries
- Blueberries – the blue color will cover the green for picky eaters
Check out this post for even more spinach recipes for kids!
Does spinach change the taste of smoothies?
Not really! Honestly, I never notice it. The “distinguished” palates of my 4 and 2 year never ever notice. Heck, my husband, hater of all thing veg doesn’t even notice.
I have noticed a changed texture if I use too much fresh spinach and not enough fruit or liquid. Not a bad change, but definitely a change that a kiddo might notice.
Need more proof? This Veggie Pesto Pasta Sauce also sneaks in spinach and you can’t even tell!
Can you eat raw spinach in a smoothie?
Yup! I do it all the time. It’s actually a really great way to use up spinach that’s looking a little wilted. Just put it in the blender first to make sure it gets as smooth as possible.
That being said, I prefer to use chopped frozen spinach in my smoothies for the simplicity factor. I always have frozen spinach in my freezer, but I don’t always have fresh spinach.
Another option is using a spinach puree – either bought or homemade. It will seriously blend in perfectly and smoothly, so you will never notice any texture.
Like hidden veggie recipes? Try this: Over 100 Hidden Veggie Recipes Your Kids Will Love!
Making a spinach smoothie vegan or dairy free
Making a vegan green smoothie is super simple. Simply substitute any milk for a non-dairy vegan option. I tend to use cow’s milk because it’s what I have on hand and what I prefer for my kids, but I also love using canned coconut milk, like I did in this healthy pina colada smoothie. Some other options:
- Using all juice
- Coconut milk
- Almond milk
- Cashew milk
- Oat milk
- Pea milk
What else can I add to a spinach smoothie to make it healthier?
Although health is so subjective, there are always ways to increase vitamins and nutrition. If you’re looking to add some extra protein or superfoods to your diet, your green drink is a great place.
I love adding chia or flax seed for a hit of nutrients. Another favorite is my a protein or nutrient powder. We prefer to use KidzShake, since I always share with my boys.
For a spike in protein, try using some nut butter, tofu, or Greek yogurt to the smoothie.
Check out my ultimate post on how to make veggie smoothies to find a bunch of different ways to sneak some superfoods into your spinach smoothie.
Want more breakfast options? Check out this post: Breakfast Recipes for Kids – kids breakfast recipes
Easy Spinach Smoothie Recipe
This simple green smoothie recipe is both delicious and good for you. Kids and adults will love to sip on this veggie packed drink any time of day!
If you enjoy this recipe, please remember to rate it 5 stars!
Spinach Smoothie Recipe
A Spinach Smoothie is a great way to quickly get a tricky vegetable into your diet without the hassle. Spinach smoothies are super customizable and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 1 1/2 cups liquid I used milk and OJ
- 1 1/2 cups frozen pineapple
- 3/4 cup of frozen spinach
Instructions
- Layer your blender with fresh fruit or veggies, liquid, and frozen fruits or vegetables.
- Blend until smooth.
- Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- You can use any fruit here – I like the tropical vibe of pineapple, but so long as the fruit equals 1.5 cups, any works.
- Use your favorite milk as the liquid – dairy free, whole milk, almond milk.. whatever! I really love coconut milk as well.
- If using fresh spinach, use 1 cup of the green, packed.
So, tell me: do you like smoothies? What kind is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
If you enjoy this healthy hidden veggie recipe, you may like these..
The BEST Veggie Smoothies: how to put veggies in smoothies
Pina Colada Smoothie – a healthy non alcoholic pina colada
Layered Strawberry Beet Smoothie
Got a picky eater?
My kids eat their veggies every day without complaining. Want my secret?
Grab the Outsmart your Picky Eater cheat sheets to get the inside scoop on how to add veggies to food your kids already love.
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