A perfectly sweet, thick and creamy banana-free smoothie. Chock full of baby spinach, apple, avocado, pineapple, fresh ginger and coconut water, this green machine smoothie is a nutritional powerhouse!
Simple smoothies are my usual go-to for a healthy breakfast or snack and this green machine smoothie is one of favorite smoothie recipes of all time. This easy smoothie recipe is made with simple ingredients and contains no yogurt or banana.
I like bananas but I find that if I use them in a smoothie, it makes the whole thing taste like banana! For this recipe, we’re going with avocado to make a super creamy smoothie.
Even if the thought of drinking green stuff doesn’t appeal to you, you will love this smoothie! I swear, it’s the only green smoothie recipe that you will ever need. It’s packed with healthy ingredients, filling and perfect for breakfast on the go, meal replacement or afternoon snack.
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Why you will love this green smoothie recipe
I call it the “green machine” because it keeps you full, gives you a great boost of energy and keeps everything else moving like a machine…if you get what I mean.
A morning smoothie is a great way to pack in several servings of fruit and leafy greens and get your day started off on the right foot. Whether your goals weight loss, heart health or just feeling good in your body, homemade smoothies are a great addition to your daily routine.
Aside from the clear health benefits, I find that when I enjoy a fruit smoothie most days of the week, I notice a significant difference in the way I feel and the way I look. Better sleep, more energy, softer skin, better hair. I swear, it makes you more beautiful!
Green Machine Smoothie Ingredients and Variations
This healthy smoothie recipe is highly customizable based on your tastes, but I believe it’s perfect just the way it is. These are the exact substitutions I have tried when I don’t have all of the ingredients on hand.
- Frozen Pineapple – pineapple is definitely the star in this recipe and there is no substitute. It gives the natural sweetness and tropical flavor that makes this delicious smoothie so good! You can definitely use fresh fruit but I highly recommend freezing it before making a smoothie. Frozen fruit helps make a cold, thick smoothie without adding ice cubes. The rest of the ingredients in this recipe are refrigerator or room temperature so make sure your pineapple chunks are frozen!
- Baby Spinach – spinach is my favorite green to use in smoothies. It’s soft, mild tasting and blends easily into any smoothie base. You can definitely substitute kale or any leafy green you like but it will have a more pronounced taste. If I don’t have any fresh leafy greens on hand or feel like adding an extra boost, I toss in a scoop of Metabolic Greens.
- Apple – adds tartness, natural sweetness and lots of fiber to keep you fuller longer. I always buy fuji or honeycrisp apples.
- Avocado – adds healthy fats to make a well-rounded smoothie. Avocado is also what gives the smoothie a creamy texture without using frozen banana or yogurt.
- Fresh ginger – adds some spicy kick.
- Coconut water – coconut water is my favorite liquid to use in this smoothie. For extra creaminess and tropical flavor, try coconut milk. You can also substitute water, regular milk, soy milk, oat milk or almond milk.
- Lemon – a little squeeze of lemon juice adds a pop of citrus that brings all of the flavors together.
- Cayenne Pepper – totally optional but I love just a pinch cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy vibe.
- Add-ins – for extra sweetness, add a bit of maple syrup or honey. I rarely add any additional ingredients but if you have a favorite protein powder or want to add a scoop of chia seeds or flax seeds, go ahead and experiment. All smoothie lovers know that discovering your perfect drink is part of the fun!
Step by step instructions
The best part about this smoothie recipe is that it’s easy to make in just a few minutes!
- Step One: Add baby spinach and coconut water to a high powered blender and blend. Liquifying the greens first ensures that they are fully incorporated. No one wants any random spinach leaves in their smoothie!
- Step Two: Add the rest of the ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth. Add more coconut water as needed.
That’s it!
Tips for making perfect smoothies
- Invest in a powerful blender. If you think you don’t like homemade smoothies, it’s probably because your blender isn’t cutting it. So so blenders result in grainy, often chunky smoothies that are not appetizing. For thick and creamy smoothies, a good, high powered blender is key. Consider an upgrade to your blender an investment in your health!
- Blend the greens and the liquid first. This ensures that the greens liquify and fully incorporate into the smoothie.
- Prep some ingredients beforehand like portions of frozen pineapple chunks in silicone freezer bags, lemon wedges in the fridge and coconut water in ice cube trays. Pre-measured, grab and go ingredients cut down on time and make it more likely that you’ll go for a healthy smoothie first thing in the morning.
More healthy snack recipes you will love
- Mango Chia Pudding
- Vanilla Almond Granola
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Chickpea Cookie Bars
- Cherry Berry Beet Smoothie
- Herbed Greek Yogurt Dip
- Sweet Potato Avocado Toast
Green Machine Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- ½ large or one small apple seeds removed, cut into chunks
- ¼ of a large or ½ of a small ripe avocado
- 1 inch chunk of fresh ginger no need to peel
- ½ cup coconut water plus more if needed
- ¼ lemon juiced
- dash of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a high powered blender, add spinach and ½ cup of coconut water and blend until greens are liquified.
- Add in frozen pineapple chunks, apple, ginger, avocado, lemon and dash of cayenne pepper and blend on high until smooth.
- Check for consistency and sweetness and add in more coconut water, frozen pineapple or sweetener of your choice to taste. Serve immediately.
Valeria Henderson
This smoothie is full of nutrients, I loved the addition of ginger. After a brisk two mile walk, this was the best treat!
Crystal DaCruz
I loved this smoothie! It was delicious and so full of nutrients! Definitely will be making it again and again!
Kate
I have now made this smoothie for the third time this week. What a great way to start the day! The ginger gives it a refreshing boost. Loved this!
Tamara
This smoothie recipe has definitely become a staple in our morning routines! It is absolutely delicious, and always leaves us feeling full, and so much better after drinking it!
Britney Brown
This shake was so good that I had it for breakfast and then made it again for lunch! Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
Calysta Watson
Ok, so I’m hoping this smoothie recipe is going to counterbalance all of my holiday eating!!! It is looking delicious and healthy and I can’t wait to indulge!
Marta
I totally needed this smoothie today to reset myself after such an indulgent weekend.
Cheryl Norris
I love the combination of all these flavors, especially adding the apple for a little sweetness. I plan to make this, will let you know how it turned out.
Robin Sparks
I love the addition of the avocado! It made me feel like I was having something decadent while still detoxing. Thank you Jessica!