- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 100 kcal
Quick summary
“The energizing green smoothie brings together the chlorophyll richness of fresh spinach with the creaminess of avocado, sweetness of banana and hydration of coconut water. It's a nutritious, functional, and refreshing drink to start the day with vitality.”
What you need to know
- Avocado associated with ripe banana ensures a thick and velvety texture without the need for dairy.
- Coconut water acts as a natural electrolyte replenisher and facilitates smooth vegetable processing.
- Lemon juice cuts the raw vegetable flavor of the spinach and prevents oxidative browning of the blended mixture.
Ingredients
Main
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 medium ripe banana
- 1/2 avocado
- 1 cup of coconut water
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Ice to taste
- Use fresh spinach for a milder flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more honey or use a very ripe banana.
- You can replace the coconut water with plant-based milk if you want a different touch.
- For an even more nutritious smoothie, include a tablespoon of chia or flaxseed.
- If there are leftovers, store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but consume preferably fresh.
Instructions
Principal
- Add the spinach, banana, avocado, and coconut water to the blender.
- Add the honey and lemon juice.
- Add ice to taste to make the drink more refreshing.
- Start the blender on low speed and gradually increase until you get a homogeneous mixture.
- If necessary, pause the blender and use a spoon to mix the ingredients that remained on the sides.
- Continue beating until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Pour the smoothie into tall glasses.
- Decorate with a lemon slice on the rim and serve immediately.
Chef's tips
- Use the previously frozen banana in slices to ensure the smoothie reaches a dense sorbet-like consistency.
- Sanitize the spinach leaves well and remove the thicker stems to obtain a completely smooth and homogeneous drink.
- Start beating at low speed so that the leaves go down to the blades before accelerating to maximum rotation.
Variations
- Add a tablespoon of chia or golden flax seeds to enrich the omega-3 fatty acid content.
- Add a two-centimeter piece of peeled fresh ginger for a striking thermogenic spicy touch.
- Incorporate half a chopped green apple with skin to accentuate the acidity and fruity freshness of the preparation.
Substitutions
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale leaves without the central stem or baby arugula leaves.
- Coconut water can be replaced by almond vegetable milk, oat milk, or cold mineral water.
- Honey can be replaced with maple syrup, cane molasses, or natural stevia-based sweetener.
How to store
The drink should be consumed soon after preparation to enjoy all the vitamins and keep the velvety texture intact. If there are leftovers, store in a sealed glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, shaking well before drinking.
Can it be frozen?
It is not recommended to freeze the ready smoothie, as the avocado and coconut water emulsion separates upon thawing. To facilitate the routine, freeze the portions of banana, avocado, and spinach in individual bags ready to blend.
What to serve with
It is the ideal drink to accompany a bowl of rolled oats with nuts, scrambled eggs with whole-wheat toast, or tapioca with white cheese. It works perfectly as a post-workout snack or a revitalizing breakfast.
Frequently asked questions
Is the lemon juice essential in the recipe?
Yes, lemon balances the sweetness of the fruits, activates the absorption of plant-based iron from the spinach, and prevents the oxidation of the green color.
Does the smoothie have a strong taste of raw spinach?
No; the combination of the sweetness of ripe banana with honey and lemon acidity neutralizes any bitter vegetable flavor.
How to get a very thick texture without adding too much ice?
Use very ripe avocado and freeze the banana slices before blending, slightly reducing the amount of coconut water.
Can I use frozen spinach from a package?
Prefer fresh spinach; frozen spinach goes through blanching and has a high water content that alters the texture of the drink.
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