Start your day with a nutritious boost! Try this 4-Ingredient Banana Spinach Smoothie with Yogurt - a simple, vibrant, and delicious way to fuel your morning.
Prepare the Ingredients: Peel the ripe banana and break it into slices. Rinse the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly. Measure out the plain yogurt, water, and ice cubes.
Combine the Ingredients: In a high-speed blender, add the banana slices, fresh spinach leaves, plain yogurt, water, and ice cubes.
Optional Add-Ins: If you want to enhance the nutrition or flavor of your smoothie, you can add a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. You can also add a dash of cinnamon for warmth and flavor. If you like your smoothie extra cold, throw in a few more ice cubes.
Blend Until Smooth: Start blending at a low speed and gradually increase it to high. Blend until all the ingredients are well combined and the smoothie is creamy and smooth. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more honey or maple syrup if desired. Blend briefly to incorporate.
Serve: Pour the smoothie into a glass, and you're ready to enjoy your refreshing Banana Spinach Smoothie with Yogurt. This smoothie is best enjoyed right after preparation to retain its freshness and vibrant green color.
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Notes
Refer to the post above for video instructions and other useful information.
Nutrition information is an estimate and will depend on your specific ingredients.
Fresh Banana: The base of this smoothie is a fresh banana. I like using ripe bananas because of their natural sweetness due to the increased sugar content that develops as they ripen. This sweetness perfectly balances out the flavors in the smoothie without the need for added sugar or sweeteners. If you choose to use a banana that is not ripe, add some honey or maple syrup to your taste.
Fresh Spinach: The vibrant green color of this smoothie comes from fresh spinach. I typically use fresh baby spinach leaves. Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse with vitamins A, C, K, folate, and essential minerals like iron and potassium. It's also a source of antioxidants that can help combat oxidative stress.
Plain Yogurt: Plain yogurt has a creamy and smooth texture with a moderate thickness. It can be relatively runny, depending on the brand and fat content, and it boosts the protein content of this smoothie. It's rich in probiotics, aiding digestion and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. If you prefer, you can add Greek yogurt instead. Greek yogurt is mildly tangy, but its flavor is generally richer and more concentrated due to the straining process that removes excess liquid.
Water and Ice Cubes (I count this as one ingredient—the Chemist in me has to stress that they are the same molecule in different states 😏): Water is excellent for thinning out a thick smoothie. If your smoothie is too thick and you prefer a thinner consistency, water can help achieve that without adding extra calories or altering the flavor significantly. Also, adding water to your smoothie can increase its hydration potential, making it an excellent choice for post-workout recovery or staying hydrated on a hot day. Ice cubes help make your smoothie cold and refreshing, especially on a hot day or after a workout. A cold smoothie can be more enjoyable and refreshing.