The best green smoothie recipe with a secret fruit that makes it taste great! It provides energy, clearer skin, better sleep, and only five easy ingredients. No banana!
This is the best green smoothie, full of vegetables and green grapes that make it taste thick and creamy, as well as sweet and frosty.
Many recipes depend on bananas for texture, but not this green smoothie recipe. I use other fruits for thickness and sweet flavor because bananas have a strong flavor and I don't want all my smoothies to taste the same. 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.
Why You'll Love This Smoothie
Drinking a green smoothie daily is beneficial is so many ways. This particular recipe can increase your energy, provide protein, disease protection and even beauty enhancements. It has similar nutrition to my two other favorite smoothies, Chocolate Beet Smoothie, and my Strawberry Smoothie.
This one is green in color though, and partly because of the frozen green grapes, which also 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, it doesn't have to be. The descriptor "green" is merely a synonym for a smoothie made with nutritious 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 - To add to flavor and contribute fiber.
Lime juice. This citrus juice freshens the flavor and boosts vitamin c.
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 leave 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.
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 are more likely to break down the leaves, but regular blenders will do a decent job. If you are in the market for a blender. Here is some guidance.
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.
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.
To get the same sweetening, fiber and creamy texture bananas add avocado, zucchini or yogurt to replace the thick texture, or use mango, pears or pineapples to get a thick texture and a sweet flavor.
Do Green Smoothies Help With Weight Loss?
Yes! Green smoothies are perfect for weight loss because of two factors:
1. The leafy greens provide insoluble fiber that supports digestion so you don't feel bloated.
2. 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.
Side Effects of Drinking Green Smoothies?
The key to avoiding side effects from green smoothies is to not depend on the same veggies over and over. Variety is key to avoid oxalates from spinach which can cause kidney stones, too much fiber from cauliflower or jicama, and so on.
Do Green Smoothies Help You Lose Weight?
They can! Make sure to replace one meal with a smoothie, probably breakfast or lunch so you can use the energy well. Make it a meal replacer so it can carry you until lunch. Ingredients to add to help the smoothie become more filling include rolled oats and yogurt.
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
- Chocolate Smoothie
- Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice
- Healthy Strawberry Smoothie
- Chocolate Beet Smoothie
- Meal Replacement Shake
- Weight Loss Smoothie
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
- Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
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📖 Recipe
Best Green Smoothie (no banana)
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.
Instructions
Prep
- Freeze the grapes the prior night to make the smoothie extra frosty.
Blend smoothie
- Add lime juice and spinach to the blender first, and blend.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.
Tina
I was never able to find the smoothie chart????
Dee Dine
Hi Tina, it's under the "Want to Get Started With Green Smoothies?" section. Here it is as well: Green Smoothie Chart
Platt College
I am always looking for a healthy smoothie recipe, thanks!
Debbie
You are most welcome! Thanks for visiting!