Loaded with spinach, oats, mango, pineapple and banana, this Best Green Smoothie Recipe is my go-to for breakfast and a before bed snack. With oats, fresh spinach and orange juice it has tons of fiber, greens, and vitamins.
Perfect for any time of day, this green smoothie recipe hits so many of the harder to work in food groups (especially for kids).
My goal for a green smoothie is meal replacement. I want something quick and easy that will keep me and my kids full until lunch ... or, for us breakfast (we drink this all the time before bed). With all of that yummy island fruit blended in, it tastes a lot like a Pina Colada. George calls it his "green pineapple shake." Quick and easy to prepare, this is a nourishing and healthy smoothie. The extra oats, spinach, and mango add in tons of nutrients and FIBER ... which is big for us and our resident picky eater.
Green Smoothie First Timer
There is no need for smoothies to be a complicated science. They are meant to be simple, quick and easy to put together. This Best Green Smoothie Recipe does not disappoint. It's truly the perfect green smoothie recipe that I've tasted.
Frozen is Key - Best Green Smoothie Recipe
Does fresh fruit versus frozen fruit really make a difference? ABSOLUTELY. Frozen fruits basically kill two birds with one stone. They offer both fantastic flavor and they double as ice helping you get that perfectly chilled smoothie consistency. Plus, being able to avoid using ice in your smoothie means no watering those delicious flavors down.
If you don’t have frozen fruits on hand, though, don’t stress. It will be just as yummy, but will be less like a milkshake and more like a juice. Or, if you really want that milkshake consistency adding a cup or two of ice also helps. HOWEVER, In my opinion, the best consistency and texture comes when using either frozen mangos AND pineapple or just frozen bananas.
Picky Eaters
With a delicious blend of tarty-sweetness this is the perfect smoothie for even the pickiest of eaters! Every sip is full of all those good vitamins and protein we each need.
My picky eater for whatever reason happens to LOVE him some smoothies. So, when he asks for a smoothie I take every chance to cram in ALL the fruits and veggies I can. Some of his other favorite smoothies are our Watermelon Chia Smoothie and copycat Orange Julius Smoothie. If you have a picky eater on your hands absolutely give them a try!
Pro Chef – Mom Hack
Chewing not Necessary
No one should have to chew their green smoothie. If you are finding chunks in your smoothie try adding another tablespoon of orange juice at a time. Blend and continue this until the smoothie reaches your desired smooth consistency. I like to pour my liquids into the blender first, then add the rest of my ingredients for the easiest and quickest blending.
Smoothie Prep
A great way to save time in the mornings is with smoothie prep the night before. Or if I know I’m going to have a busy week I like to do my prep over the weekend for the whole week. And if you have little helpers this is the perfect opportunity to give them time in the kitchen alongside you.
To prep (if using fresh fruit), the first thing you will want to do is chop up all your fruits if not already pre-cut. Grab Ziplocs and place the amount of fruit and spinach needed for one smoothie into each bag. Try to remove as much air from the bags as possible before sealing. Once sealed place each in the freezer till ready to use.
In the morning add your liquids to the blender. Grab one of your prepared bags and dump in. Blend away until smooth and go. Breakfast in minutes with little to no cleanup.
I ALWAYS buy frozen fruit for my smoothies. Fresh is great and gives you more of a farm to table vibe, but if you don't care about tha t... buying frozen pineapple and mangos is SO SO SO much easier. I even buy spinach in bulk and freeze it specifically for my smoothie, so I always have it on hand.
Make it Your Own
Smoothies are easily adaptable to your preferences and tastes. If looking to amp up that island flavor try substituting the water for coconut water. Add a ¼ cup of chia, hemp or flax seeds for more vitamin goodness. You can also replace spinach with kale or try a half and half combo. For a sweeter flavor add a teaspoon of vanilla or a tablespoon of honey. If you like your smoothies on the creamier side add a ½ cup of plain or vanilla yogurt before blending. Truly the sky is the limit with this one!
📖 Recipe
Tropical Green Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup water
- 2 bananas fresh or frozen
- 1 cup frozen pineapple
- 1 cup frozen mango
- ¼ cup old fashioned or quick oats
- 2 cups spinach packed (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Place liquids, fruits, spinach, and oats in blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Serve cold.
Notes
- If only fresh fruit is available and wanting a more milkshake texture add 1 to 2 cups of ice to the blender.
- Don't be afraid of the amount of spinach. I usually grab two BIG handfuls. If measuring make sure you really pack the spinach into the cup.
- If your smoothie is looking chunky add a tablespoon of orange juice and blend, repeating until desired smoothness is acheived.
Substitutions to Try
- Swap the water for coconut watr for even more island flavor.
- Add a ¼ cup of chia, hemp or flax seeds for more vitamin goodness.
- Replace the spinach with kale or try a half and half combo with one packed cup of each.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla or 1 tablespoon of honey for a sweeter flavor.
- Add a cup of plain or vanilla yogurt for a creamier consistency.