I went through a Major Smoothie Phase after college, stocking my refrigerator and pantry with all manners of pricey “super foods.” I thought that unless I made smoothies with exotic fruits, fancy bulk section buys, and dark-green powders with long names, my smoothies “didn’t count.” Ummm…where did I get this idea?! Whole fruits and vegetables like strawberries and spinach not only make for easy smoothies that taste fantastic, these smoothies are super healthy for you too! Sure, I love ordering a fancy smoothie with the works if I’m in New York or California, but the truth is, stocking these specialty ingredients at home isn’t always practical or even necessary. All you need to make a great tasting healthy smoothie is frozen fruit, vegetables, and filling ingredients you can find at any grocery store like yogurt, protein powder, nut butter, or chia seeds. I’ve been going back to basics with recipes like this classic Strawberry Smoothie and this Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie, and I’m loving how I feel after I drink one. This strawberry spinach banana smoothie is my latest and greatest healthy green smoothie. It’s creamy, fruity, filling, and not too sweet. I drink it most often for breakfast or after a workout to refuel. I know you are going to love how it makes you feel and how it tastes too!
How to Make a Simple (DELICIOUS) Healthy Strawberry Spinach Smoothie
Stock these items in your refrigerator and freezer, and a fast healthy smoothie can be yours in fewer than five minutes. Each ingredient gives the strawberry spinach smoothie benefits.
The Ingredients
Strawberries. Naturally sweet, fruity, and an excellent source of vitamin C, folate, manganese, and potassium too. For this recipe, used frozen strawberries to ensure the smoothie texture was nice and thick.Spinach. Spinach is so healthy in smoothies (like this Blueberry Spinach Smoothie)! It’s low in carbs and high in fiber and nutrients. Although the spinach turns the smoothie a tell-tale color, it is ultra mild. This green smoothie doesn’t taste green.Pineapple. A few cubes of frozen pineapple can completely transform the taste of a smoothie, especially green smoothies. Pineapple makes the spinach totally imperceptible and gives the smoothie a lightly tropical flair. Pineapple is packed with Vitamin C, manganese (a natural mineral that promotes growth), and antioxidants.Banana. Adding frozen banana to smoothies makes them extra thick, rich, and creamy without the need to add ice. Plus banana is rich in fiber and antioxidants while being low in calories. If you prefer to make this strawberry spinach smoothie with no banana, you can omit it and add additional fruit and a small handful of ice.Almond Milk. My smoothie-go to. As written, this is a vegan strawberry spinach smoothie (no dairy), but feel free to use any milk you like.Chia Seeds. These little seeds are a loaded with antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, and high levels of protein and fiber. No chia seeds on hand? Swap them for a different high fiber or high protein addition to help keep the smoothie filling. Greek yogurt, nut butter, or protein powder are all great choices.
The Directions
Smoothie Tip: If you are using a regular blender (versus a high-powered blender like a Vitamix), blend the greens and milk together first, then add the frozen fruit a handful at a time. This will make sure the smoothie blends beautifully.
Adding Spinach to Smoothies
I often hear concerns from those who are new to green smoothies about if you can taste the spinach in smoothies.
You CANNOT taste spinach in smoothies, as long as you add other naturally sweet ingredients. Pineapple and banana are especially effective at disguising the taste of spinach. (I use this trick in my Green Smoothie recipe.)Spinach should be added to smoothies raw. You can add it right from the refrigerator or add frozen spinach. Have a carton of spinach in your fridge about to go bad? Freeze it in a ziptop bag now, then add it to your smoothie later.You can add spinach to smoothies even when the recipe doesn’t call for them. Because you can’t taste the spinach in smoothies in moderate quantities, it won’t alter the flavor of the smoothie and will make it even more healthy for you!
Strawberry Spinach Smoothie Recipe Variations
Orange Strawberry Spinach Smoothie. Add the zest of 1 orange or swap the almond milk for freshly squeezed orange juice.Strawberry Spinach Protein Smoothie. Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder or an unflavored protein powder.Strawberry Kale Smoothie. Swap the spinach for stemmed, chopped kale. I’d also recommend adding a bit of extra pineapple to cover kale’s stronger flavor.
Tips to Store and Make Ahead
To Store. Place smoothie in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.To Make Ahead. Measure out your spinach and fruit ingredients for one smoothie, and store in a ziptop bag in the freezer. Repeat as desired. Store for up to 3 months, and remove each bag as needed for ready-made portions.
More Simple, Healthy Smoothie Recipes
Strawberry Mango SmoothieGreek Yogurt SmoothieKale SmoothieBerry Turmeric Smoothie4 Ingredient Mango Green Smoothie
Recommended Tools to Make Healthy Smoothies
I recently purchased a new high-powered blender and absolutely love it (I actually bought a certified refurbished version directly from the manufacturer, which reduced the price).Previously, I owned this more economical blender option. While it doesn’t get things as smooth as quickly as a high-powered blender or come with the same bells and whistles, it’s a good option for the price.I sip my smoothies through these stainless steel straws. They make everything you drink through them from smoothies, to iced tea or iced coffee, to even water taste extra refreshing. I also keep a few in my purse for when I’m out and about, so I don’t need to ask for a plastic or paper straw.
This simple strawberry spinach smoothie makes adding extra fruits and vegetables to your diet easy and super tasty too! Good feels and delicious sips guaranteed.
