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Healthy Berry Spinach Smoothie

Christmas is done and now we all look back on all those sugary treats and think, hmm, maybe I shouldn’t have eaten all those cookies, brownies, pies, fudge and candies. What should I do now?

This berry and spinach smoothie is my answer. Frozen strawberries and blueberries, a banana, almond milk, chia seeds and a big handful of fresh spinach blend into a sweet, filling drink, and you seriously can’t tell the greens are in there.

Healthy Triple Berry & Spinach Smoothie - No Diets Allowed

The Best Berry and Spinach Smoothie (You Can’t Taste the Greens)

Well, if you are anything like me you will switch to some healthy alternatives to get your eating back on track and to help your body feel better! I came up with this recipe when I was looking for a way to disguise veggies in delicious foods, because I knew I wasn’t eating enough of them.

A friend of mine suggested putting spinach in a smoothie, and once I tried it I’ve never looked back. You seriously can’t tell. I’ve even heard of people putting frozen okra in their smoothies, so I am going to try that next! Totally weird, but hey, if it works, it works!

This spinach and fruit smoothie is also full of fiber. Did you know chia seeds have 5 grams of fiber per tablespoon? 5 grams! That is a ton! If you aren’t used to eating a lot of fiber, I would recommend making this smoothie with 1 cup of spinach and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, then adding a little more each time you make it.

This recipe makes a lot, so split it into two large cups and share with your spouse, kid or neighbor! It’s so tasty, super filling, and can we just appreciate how beautiful the color is? If you are trying to reset your eating habits and get the New Year started off right, give this healthy spinach and berry smoothie a try. It is sweet and filling and oh so delicious!

Healthy Spinach and Berry Smoothie

Why You’ll Love This Berry Spinach Smoothie

  • Hidden greens. Up to 2 cups of fresh spinach disappear behind the strawberries and blueberries.
  • Full of fiber. Chia seeds add 5 grams of fiber per tablespoon, so this keeps you full.
  • Sweetened by fruit. A banana and frozen berries bring all the sweetness, with no added sugar.
  • One step. Everything goes into the blender at once, and it makes enough for two.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.

  • Unsweetened almond milk: The liquid that gets everything moving in the blender. Unsweetened keeps the sugar in check and lets the berries shine. Any milk you like will work, including dairy milk or oat milk, though the flavor and creaminess will change a little.
  • Banana: Gives the smoothie its creamy, thick body and natural sweetness. A ripe banana with a few brown spots is sweetest. A frozen banana makes the smoothie even thicker and colder.
  • Frozen strawberries: The main berry flavor. Using them frozen means you don’t need ice, so the smoothie stays thick instead of watery. Look for bags with only strawberries on the label, no added sugar or syrup.
  • Frozen blueberries: Add sweetness and that deep purple color. Wild blueberries are smaller and have a stronger flavor if you can find them.
  • Fresh spinach: Use 1 to 2 cups. Baby spinach is the mildest and most tender, so it blends completely smooth and hides best behind the fruit. Start with 1 cup if you are new to green smoothies and work your way up.
  • Chia seeds: Use 1 to 2 tablespoons. They add fiber and help thicken the smoothie as they soak up liquid. If you aren’t used to a lot of fiber, start with 1 tablespoon so your stomach can adjust.
  • Frozen raspberries (optional): Not in the base recipe, but if you’re feeling adventurous, add some and call it a triple berry spinach smoothie. They add a tart, bright flavor.

Every ingredient here is something you can keep on hand. Frozen fruit lasts for months in the freezer, and a bag of spinach and a jar of chia seeds mean you can make this any morning.

Healthy Spinach and Berry Smoothie

How to Make a Berry Spinach Smoothie

  1. Add the liquid first. Pour the almond milk into the blender or food processor. Liquid at the bottom helps the blades spin freely and pull everything else down.
  2. Add the spinach. Pack in the fresh spinach next, so it sits close to the blades and gets blended all the way. This is the secret to no leafy bits.
  3. Add the fruit and chia. Add the banana, frozen strawberries, frozen blueberries and chia seeds. Heavy frozen fruit on top weighs everything down so the blender doesn’t spin on air.
  4. Blend until smooth. Start on low, then turn the blender up to high. Blend until the color is an even, deep purple with no green flecks and the smoothie pours thick and silky. If it is too thick to move, add a splash more almond milk. If it is too thin, add a few more frozen berries. A strong blender takes about a minute, while a smaller blender or food processor may need a little longer and a stop or two to scrape down the sides.
  5. Taste and adjust. If you want it sweeter, a riper banana or a few more berries will do it. If you can taste the spinach, add more fruit next time and a little less spinach.
  6. Serve right away. This recipe makes enough for two, so pour it into two large cups. Enjoy it while it is cold and thick, because the chia seeds keep soaking up liquid as it sits.

Tip: If you aren’t used to a lot of fiber, make your first smoothie with 1 cup of spinach and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, then add a little more each time you make it.

Ways to Customize Your Smoothie

  • Make it triple berry. Add some frozen raspberries for a triple berry spinach smoothie.
  • Try other greens. Kale works too. Remove the tough stems and blend a little longer.
  • Change the milk. Swap the almond milk for dairy, oat or coconut milk.
  • Add protein. A scoop of plain Greek yogurt or your favorite protein powder makes it even more filling.

Berry Spinach Smoothie FAQs

  • Can you taste the spinach? No. The banana and berries cover it completely. Baby spinach is the mildest choice, and blending it well is the key.
  • Can I make it without a banana? Yes. Use extra frozen berries or a little Greek yogurt for creaminess. It will be a bit less sweet and less thick.
  • Can I use frozen spinach? Yes. Frozen spinach is packed tighter, so start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
  • How much fiber is in it? Chia seeds have 5 grams of fiber per tablespoon, and the berries, banana and spinach add more. If you aren’t used to that much fiber, start small.
  • How many servings does this make? This recipe makes enough for two large cups.
  • Can I make it ahead? It is best fresh. You can keep it covered in the fridge for up to a day. The chia will thicken it, so shake or stir it well and add a splash of milk before drinking.
  • Can I prep smoothie packs? Yes. Portion the fruit, spinach and chia into freezer bags. In the morning, add the almond milk to the blender, then the frozen pack, and blend.
Healthy Triple Berry & Spinach Smoothie - No Diets Allowed

Berry Smoothie with Spinach

Lisa
Berry smoothie with spinach, made with frozen strawberries, blueberries, banana, almond milk and chia seeds. It is sweet, filling, full of fiber and makes enough for two.
Servings 2 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • ½ cup frozen blueberries
  • 1-2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1-2 tbs chia seeds

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

This recipe makes enough for two!

Made this smoothie? Leave a star rating in the recipe card and tell us in the comments how you made it your own. Your feedback helps other readers find a smoothie they’ll love.

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This recipe was shared by Lisa. Visit her blog, A Table Full of Joy, for more recipes.

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