Made with frozen banana, baby spinach, and a scoop of vanilla protein powder, this banana spinach smoothie blends up into a creamy green breakfast in under 5 minutes. A simple, satisfying way to start the day that does not taste a thing like spinach!

Shot of a green banana spinach smoothie in a glass jar with glass straw and banana and baby spinach.

My Go-To Spinach Banana Protein Shake

This banana spinach smoothie is the easiest possible introduction to green smoothies because the banana and vanilla protein powder gives all the flavor while the spinach just sneaks in without anyone noticing. The combination is so well-balanced that you genuinely cannot taste the spinach, which is the whole reason this recipe became my go-to starter green smoothie!

Frozen banana is the key for the right thick, milkshake-like consistency; fresh banana works too, but throw in a small handful of ice if that is what you have on hand to make up for the missing chill. Baby spinach is my favorite green for smoothies because it blends easily and has no bitterness, but baby kale works beautifully too. Any milk you like (almond, oat, cashew, hemp, dairy) blends in fine, and any vanilla protein powder you enjoy the taste of works here too.

The ground flax seed adds a subtle nutty depth and helps thicken the smoothie; if you have a high-powered blender, whole flax seeds work just as well. And to turn this into a smoothie bowl, reduce the milk to 3/4 cup and blend until thick enough to scoop, then top with granola, sliced fresh fruit, cacao nibs, and a drizzle of nut or seed butter.

Pair this smoothie with my protein pancake muffins for a heartier morning, or grab a couple of my make-ahead veggie egg cups from the fridge for a savory protein side. The smoothie itself is best enjoyed right after blending, but it will hold for 30 minutes in the fridge if you need to prep the night before; just give it a vigorous shake or quick re-blend before drinking.

Overhead shot of a blender with spinach, banana, peanut butter, and flax seed.
Shot of a green banana spinach smoothie in a glass jar with glass straw and banana and baby spinach.
Shot of a green banana spinach smoothie in a glass jar with glass straw and banana and baby spinach.
5 stars (1 rating)

Banana Spinach Smoothie (Protein)

Developed and tested by A woman with long blonde hair, smiling, holds and pours a bottle of oil in a modern kitchen setting.Robyn Conley Downs
Servings: 1
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Banana spinach smoothie made with frozen banana, baby spinach, almond milk, ground flax, and vanilla protein powder. A 5-minute green breakfast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 medium frozen bananas, broken into pieces
  • 1 cup baby spinach (about 2 handfuls)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, or milk of choice
  • 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
  • 1 serving vanilla protein powder

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Add all the ingredients to a high speed blender. Blend on high until well combined.

Notes

  • Nutrition information calculated using whey protein powder.
  • Add more milk if necessary to blend.
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 291kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 62mg, Sodium: 348mg, Potassium: 770mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 16g, Vitamin A: 2889IU, Vitamin C: 19mg, Calcium: 432mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition disclaimer
Did you make this recipe?If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!

Share + Save this Recipe