5-Minute Banana Spinach Smoothie

This easy green banana spinach smoothie is a simple, nourishing, protein-packed and delicious way to start the day, plus it’s ready in just 5 minutes!

About This Banana Spinach Smoothie

We are huge fans of quick and easy smoothie recipes around here!

First of all, they’re a delicious way to fit extra greens, fiber, and fat into your day.

Second of all, green smoothies are one of my favorite easy breakfasts because they are so simple to throw together and ensure that I’m starting the day with plenty of nutritious greens!!

I consider this spinach banana smoothie a fantastic “starter” green smoothie, as the ingredient list is short and sweet, and you really can’t taste the spinach at all. 

Really, if I were to recommend a smoothie to kickstart a daily smoothie habit, this one would be it!

Tip: This banana spinach smoothie is great for kids, too, so keep it in mind for a quick and easy afternoon snack.

Process & Tips for Making a Spinach Banana Smoothie

All you need to do is add all your ingredients to a blender and let it work its magic.

Before you know it you’ll be sipping on a delicious, nutrient dense smoothie!

Note, this vegan smoothie is only slightly sweet from the natural sweetness of the banana, oranges and the vanilla protein powder. 

Tip: For a sweeter smoothie option you can add 2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup or 1-2 pitted dates before blending.

How to Make a Banana Spinach Smoothie Bowl

You can also turn this recipe into a smoothie bowl by making the smoothie thicker using only ¾ cup milk.

Also, make sure to use frozen bananas, frozen mandarins and frozen spinach to help you get that thick consistency.

Once blended, pour into a bowl and add your choice of smoothie bowl toppings.

Topping Ideas: Some fun topping ideas would be nuts, seeds, sliced fresh fruit, granola, honey, cacao nibs and a drizzle of nut or seed butter.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Frozen banana: You can also use fresh banana in place of frozen banana in this recipe. The banana adds some natural sweetness to the smoothie. If you don’t care for bananas feel free to omit them and add 2 additional mandarin oranges and extra ice. 

Baby spinach: I like to use tender, non-bitter greens for smoothies. But you can use any greens you like that blend easily and work well with these other ingredients. Some baby kale would work well in addition to (or in place of) spinach here too.

Non-dairy milk: Any non-dairy milk will work great in this recipe. I used almond milk, but you can also use cashew milk instead. For a nut-free option try hemp milk or oat milk. If you like a thinner consistency in your smoothies, add more milk. You can use traditional milk or even water if you prefer as well.

Ground flax seed: Ground flax seed adds a bit of fiber and a dose of plant-based protein. I find it easier to use ground flax seed but you could also add whole flax seeds if you have a high speed blender. 

Peanut butter: Adds protein and fat, but you can also use almond butter, or sunflower butter for a nut free option.

Vanilla protein powder: You can use any protein powder you like the taste of. To keep this recipe vegan friendly, be sure to use a plant-based. To keep this recipe paleo friendly, be sure to use a grain-free and dairy-free protein powder. You can also skip the protein powder if you don’t have it or don’t want to use it.

Tip: If using fresh banana in place of frozen, be sure to add ice to the blender for better texture.

Fun Variations to Try

Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothie: Add 1 cup frozen strawberries to the mix.

Mango Banana Spinach Smoothie: Add 1 cup frozen mango in place of 1 of the bananas.

Spinach Apple Banana Smoothie: Add 1 cored and chopped apple in place of 1 of the bananas.

Banana Spinach Protein Smoothie: As written, this smoothie already counts as a protein shake if you use the peanut butter and protein powder.

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