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Green Smoothie

A vibrant green smoothie with spinach, banana, mango, and coconut water — tastes like a tropical drink, packed with greens.

5 min beginner Yields about 16 oz Keeps Best consumed immediately, up to 24 hours refrigerated

Ingredients

  • 2 cups spinach (fresh, packed)
  • 1 banana (ripe, preferably frozen)
  • 1/2 cup mango (frozen chunks)
  • 1 cup coconut water (plain, no added sugar)

Steps

  1. Add the coconut water to the blender first — liquid at the bottom helps the blade catch and blend evenly.
  2. Add the spinach on top of the liquid. Blend on high for 15-20 seconds until the spinach is fully broken down and the mixture is uniformly green with no visible leaf pieces.
  3. Add the frozen banana and frozen mango chunks. Blend on high for 30-45 seconds until completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Check the consistency. If too thick, add coconut water 2 tablespoons at a time and blend briefly. If too thin, add a few more frozen fruit pieces.
  5. Pour into a glass and drink immediately for the best flavor, color, and nutrient density.

Why It Works

Blending the spinach with the liquid first — before adding fruit — ensures the greens break down completely, eliminating any gritty texture. You will not taste the spinach at all because the natural sugars in the banana and mango overpower the mild spinach flavor. Using frozen fruit instead of ice creates thickness and creaminess without diluting the flavor, and coconut water adds natural electrolytes and a subtle sweetness that complements the tropical fruit.

Tips

  • Variation. Add 1 tablespoon of almond butter for protein and healthy fats, or throw in a tablespoon of chia seeds before blending for extra fiber and omega-3s.
  • Storage. If you must make this ahead, store in an airtight mason jar filled to the very top (minimal air contact) and shake well before drinking. It will separate and darken slightly — that is normal and does not affect taste.
  • Freezer prep. Pre-portion smoothie ingredients into freezer bags: 2 cups spinach, 1 banana (peeled and broken into chunks), and 1/2 cup mango per bag. In the morning, dump a bag into the blender with coconut water and blend. Total time: under 2 minutes.

More Morning & Daily recipes

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