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    Home / Recipes / Smoothies

    Best Green Smoothie (no banana)

    Jun 3, 2021 · Updated: Sep 3, 2023 by Dee Dine · Affliate links disclosure.

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    two glasses of green smoothies
    two glasses of green smoothie and a straw
    two glasses of green smoothies

    This green smoothie with no banana has a secret fruit that makes it sweet and creamy! This nutrient-strong drink provides energy, clearer skin, better sleep, and only five easy ingredients. Friendly for all diets and is around only 150 calories.

    two glasses of green smoothie and a straw
    This is the best green smoothie with no bananas, and full of vegetables and green grapes that make it taste thick and creamy, as well as sweet and frosty.

    While many smoothie recipes depend on bananas for texture and sweetness, this banana free smoothie does not. Instead, grapes are used for a fruit sweet flavor, and chia seeds provide the thick creamy texture, as well as extra protein.

    I love bananas, but they do have a distinctively strong flavor, and I don't want all my smoothies to taste like bananas. If variety in a smoothie also appeals to you, take a look at my how to make a smoothie post here and grab my free downloadable chart, a chart which will help you mix and match ingredients.

    Jump to:
    • Green Smoothie Benefits
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions
    • Steps to Make
    • Recipe Tips
    • Variations
    • FAQS
    • Sign Up for My 6-Day Smoothie Challenge
    • More Delicious Smoothies
    • 📖 Recipe

    Green Smoothie Benefits

    This green smoothie is beneficial to drink daily in so many ways. The leafy greens and other ingredients in this smoothie can increase your energy, provides protein, disease protection and even beauty enhancements. This easy smoothie has similar nutrition to my other favorite smoothies, my Chocolate Avocado Smoothie, Chocolate Beet Smoothie, my Chocolate Smoothie, and my Strawberry Smoothie.

    This healthy smoothie is refined sugar free because it is sweetened entirely by fruit, specifically an apple and frozen white grapes, also called green grapes, which contribute vitamin C, Vitamin K, B6 and potassium. All of these vitamins boost the immune system, skin healthy and heart health.

    Although this smoothie is called 'green' and is green in color thanks to vegetables, it really doesn't have to be. A green smoothie can be any color, just swap out the spinach for vegetables that are not green, such as cauliflower. The descriptor "green" is merely a synonym for a smoothie made with mostly vegetables and other nutritious ingredients.
    Green Smoothie Ingredients

    Ingredients

    Spinach. Use the baby form for a less green flavor, and intense levels of potassium and other nutrition.

    Green grapes. To replace bananas in texture and sweetness.

    Apple - Not peeled. This fruit adds flavor and contributes fiber.

    Lime juice. This citrus juice freshens the flavor and boosts vitamin c.

    See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    Substitutions

    Instead of spinach. You can use the baby form of kale, or spring mix. Both types are easily found pre-washed and blend up as easily as spinach.

    Instead of  grapes. Add pears, not peeled, as another fruity yet neutral flavor. You can also mix in some kiwi although kiwi alone probably won't provide enough texture.

    Instead of apple - Use pears instead of apple, again not peeled.

    Instead of lime juice. Lemon juice also works to brighten the smoothie's flavor and add vitamins.

    Optional. To thicken your smoothie, add chia seeds or flax seeds or both. Chia seeds also add protein, and flax seeds add fiber.

    Steps to Make

    For complete and detailed recipe steps, visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here are general steps.

    Step 1: Add spinach leaves and lime juice first and blend to ensure the leafy greens break up thoroughly.

    Step 2: Add the rest of the ingredients except for the water and taste-test. If you need it sweeter, add more grapes.

    Step 3: Add half the water, blend and judge the texture. If you would like it less thick, add the rest of the water. Drink right away. Or freeze in ice cube trays to be blended and enjoyed later.

    Green Smoothie Prep

    Recipe Tips

    Ratio for A Green Smoothie

    The ratio I found to be best for a green smoothie is 1:1:1:1 with leafy greens, liquid and frozen fruits and veggies in equal amounts. As a bonus, add seeds and nuts to boost proteins. This structure can vary, however, for example you can add more fruits to increase sweetness. Just customize to fit your needs.

    Best Blenders for Smoothies

    High speed blenders will break down leafy greens more thoroughly, but regular blenders will do a decent job. If you are in the market for a blender, here are my recommendations.

    Blendtec. My favorite. I love the easy-to-clean square jar - no nooks and crannies to clean as is the case with every other blender. Use discount code: GSgourmet20

    Vitamix is another popular high speed blender, similar to Blendtec in pricing. And it's probably more popular than any other brand, but I still prefer Blendtec because of its square jar.

    Ninja is a more affordable blender brand. This small blender is powerful yet far less expensive than the other two.

    Variations

    Make a Tropical Green Smoothie. Add ½-inch unpeeled fresh ginger, ¼ cup pineapple chunks and ¼ cup coconut water to turn your green smoothie into a tropical green smoothie.

    Make an Avocado Green Smoothie. Add ½ peeled and pitted avocado to the recipe to make a thicker smoothie that will gain all the nutrition that avocados have to offer.

    Make a Protein Green Smoothie. Add ½ cup of your favorite yogurt to boost the protein of this creamy smoothie.

    green smoothie with my smoothie book in the background.

    FAQS

    How Do I Make Smoothies Without Bananas?

    Bananas work well in a smoothie, adding sweetening, fiber and potassium and a creamy texture. But not everyone likes bananas or can eat them.

    Do Green Smoothies Help with Weight Loss?

    Yes! Green smoothies are perfect for weight loss because of two factors:
    The leafy greens provide insoluble fiber that supports digestion, so you don't feel bloated. The added fruit and other fiber-rich foods help you lose weight by making you to feel full so you eat less.

    Are Green Smoothies Really That Good for You?

    Green smoothies are only as nutritious as the ingredients you add. To make a green smoothie that is good for you, try for a balance of 3 to 2 with 3 being leafy greens or raw vegetables, and 2 being fruits.

    Is it OK to drink a green smoothie every day?

    It's more than OK, it's great for you if this green smoothie is made in a nutritious way and provides you with a good portion of daily recommended fruits and veggies.

    Sign Up for My 6-Day Smoothie Challenge

    Sign up for my 6-Day Smoothie Challenge email course. You sign up, receive a welcome email with a grocery list, and each day after that you'll receive a brilliantly easy nutritious smoothie recipe.

     

    More Delicious Smoothies

    • Making a Strawberry Smoothie
      Healthy Strawberry Smoothie
    • Creamy Pumpkin Smoothie (no banana)
    • two glasses of dragon fruit smoothies
      Dragon Fruit Smoothie
    • chocolate avocado smoothie in a glass.
      Chocolate Avocado Smoothie (no banana)

    If you tried this recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!

    📖 Recipe

    two glasses of green smoothie and a straw

    Best Green Smoothie (no banana)

    Created by Dee Dine
    This green smoothie with no banana has a secret fruit that makes it sweet and creamy! This nutrient-strong drink provides energy, clearer skin, better sleep, and only five easy ingredients. Friendly for all diets and is around only 150 calories.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved! Rate Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1
    Calories 147 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup spinach
    • ½ apple
    • ¾ cup white grapes (sometimes called green grapes; use frozen)
    • ¼ cup lime juice
    • 1 cup water

    Optional Additions

    • 2 tablespoon chia seeds for added protein
    • 2 tablespoon flaxseeds for added fiber

    Equipment

    • Blendtec Blender Use code GSGourmet20 for discount.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    Prep

    • Freeze the grapes the prior night to make the smoothie extra frosty. If you forget, just make the smoothie with unfrozen grapes and chill the drink 30 minutes.

    Blend smoothie

    • Add lime juice and spinach to the blender first, and blend until the leaves are broken down, about 30 seconds.
      ¼ cup lime juice, 1 cup spinach
    • Add grapes and apple, and half the water and blend. If you need more water, add the rest and blend again.
      ½ apple, ¾ cup white grapes, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoon chia seeds, 2 tablespoon flaxseeds

    Store

    • Drink right away or refrigerate for 1 day, or freeze in ice cube trays for one month.

    Video

     

    Notes

    The ratio I found to be best for a green smoothie is 1:1:1 with leafy greens, liquid and frozen fruits and veggies in equal amounts.
    Thicken banana-free smoothies with avocado, zucchini or yogurt, and sweeten with mango, pears, pineapple
    Green smoothies are perfect for weight loss because leafy greens provide insoluble fiber that supports digestion so you don't feel bloated. And the added fruit and other fiber-rich foods make you to feel full so you eat less.
    Instead of spinach. You can use the baby form of kale, or spring mix. Both types are easily found pre-washed and blend up as easily as spinach. Even lettuces work well, though have fewer nutrients than spinach. Look for romaine or butter lettuce and be sure to wash both very well.
    Instead of  grapes. Add pears, not peeled, as another fruity yet neutral flavor. You can also mix in some kiwi although kiwi alone probably won't provide enough texture.
    Instead of apple - Use pears instead of apple, again not peeled.
    Instead of lime juice. Lemon juice also works to brighten the smoothie's flavor and add vitamins.
    To make a Tropical Green Smoothie. Add ½-inch unpeeled fresh ginger, ¼ cup pineapple chunks and ¼ cup coconut water to turn your green smoothie into a tropical green smoothie.
    To make an Avocado Green Smoothie. Add ½ peeled and pitted avocado to the recipe to make a thicker smoothie that will gain all the nutrition that avocados have to offer.
    To make a Protein Green Smoothie. Add ½ cup of your favorite yogurt to boost the protein of this creamy smoothie.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 147kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 28mgPotassium: 552mgFiber: 4gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 2888IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Detox Drinks to Feel Great in 2023

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    Buy My Two Cookbooks

    My 4-Ingredient Healthy Dessert Cookbook My 4-Ingredient Smoothie & Juice CookBook

    About Dee

    Hey! I'm Dee Dine, and on my blog, I share healthy recipes with wholesome ingredients. I'm also a chocolate and ginger enthusiast, animal lover, an avid blender juicer, and am probably making no bake brownies in my Washington DC kitchen right now. Read about me → »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tina

      February 06, 2022 at 12:25 pm

      I was never able to find the smoothie chart????

      Reply
      • Dee Dine

        February 06, 2022 at 1:10 pm

        Hi Tina, it's under the "Want to Get Started With Green Smoothies?" section. Here it is as well: Green Smoothie Chart

        Reply
    2. Platt College

      October 15, 2016 at 10:18 pm

      I am always looking for a healthy smoothie recipe, thanks!

      Reply
      • Debbie

        October 16, 2016 at 5:48 pm

        You are most welcome! Thanks for visiting!

        Reply

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    dee dine

    I'm Dee! Welcome to GSG! Eating healthier and lighter, with plenty of fruits and veggies, can be delicious, especially when chocolate and desserts are involved. Here you'll find wholesome recipes that everyone will love. About Dee →

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