Spinach Ginger Smoothie
Oh man did this spinach ginger smoothie hit the spot last week. Our house hasn’t completely forgotten healthy eating, but to say there aren’t donuts and bagels in the kitchen on the regular would be a lie.
The problem is we discovered the raised donuts at Sacramento’s Marie’s Donuts. It’s an unassuming donut shop that’s painted turquoise and has a walk up window. And they are AMAZING! Like eat it down as quickly as possible. Kind of embarrassing.
You know what the worst part is? I don’t feel guilty about it after I eat it. They’re so light.
Alas. We needed to include some other breakfast items in the rotation that are light, bright, delicious (and make sure I get some veggies and nutrients) before/after the donut.
CONTENTS
Ginger Smoothie
I used to make smoothies with baby spinach leaves like this one. Then I started buying kale because I was tired of the plastic bag around spinach (not even plastic bag recyclable). Then I found organic baby spinach leaves just wrapped with a fancy twist tie, so we started buying spinach again!
Kale and spinach are both great greens to put in any smoothie (you can swap them here too), but they do have different flavors and consistencies.
The spinach is lighter and not quite so earthy. With something like this green smoothie that has the stronger flavors of lemon and ginger, I’m a fan of spinach.
In smoothies with berries or other fruits, I like to do kale so it doesn’t taste so sweet! That is if you aren’t just making this summer melon smoothie that’s so, SO good!
Can you use fresh spinach in a smoothie?
It seems a little counterintuitive to use fresh greens in smoothies, but it’s the best way to use them. Greens (lettuces, kales, etc.) all have a high water content, so they break down very easily in a blender.
I actually think fresh, raw spinach is the best for smoothies. Cooked spinach takes on a completely different flavor and frozen spinach has a more watery consistency. But you do you!
If calling this a ginger smoothie scares you, you can always try naming it a lemon ginger smoothie! Or a Spinach ginger smoothie! Or even a banana spinach smoothie. It’s amazing what a little name change can do for your enjoyment!
Can this be a kale ginger smoothie?
Without going into details (because there aren’t too many here), yes! You can absolutely split the spinach called for in this recipe between kale and spinach.
Smoothies w/o Milk
Most smoothie recipes call for milk (whatever kind of milk you like). This one calls for water. The liquid of milk and water both work to get a smoothie to the right consistency rather than a thick paste or even a milkshake.
Water gives you the right consistency, is always available, and makes smoothies lighter (more on the experience of a thick juice than a heavy smoothie).
Milk (dairy or nut-based) gives you the right consistency, adds some protein, and makes a smoothie more filling!
Moral of the story, milk and water can be interchanged in any smoothie recipe, just know that it will take less water to get the same consistency, so start with less and add more until you get the right thickness!
Healthy, Quick Breakfast | Ginger Smoothie
My husband has turned me onto the idea of smoothies for breakfast. I don’t do them everyday, but before a long day out or on the weekends when I have no desire to make anything, they’re great.
I love how fast ginger smoothies (or kale) are to make. I think the hardest, most difficult part of smoothies is cleaning the blender! But we can do that later!
Best Glass Pitcher Blender
If you’re looking for a good glass blender. I did a lot of research for the holidays last year. I wanted to get my husband a new blender for his smoothies, but I wanted a glass pitcher.
I was ready to spend whatever it took to get the best. And you know what, there are not that many blenders with glass pitchers – expensive or otherwise.
Anyway, all the reviews pointed to this blender. So I bought it, wrapped it up, and we LOVE it. It’s less than $70 and it makes great smoothies with little work!
GINGER SMOOTHIE
Ingredients
- 1 large banana frozen
- ยผ teaspoon lemon zest
- ยผ cup fresh lemon juice preferably Meyer lemon
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 ยฝ teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger root
- Pinch fine sea salt
- โ cup water or as desired
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the blender, except for the water.
- Puree on medium-low to begin blending the ingredients. Add water as desired to reach preferred thickness. Puree on high for at least 30 seconds until smooth.
- Serve right away.
Notes
Nutrition
Read these tips for how to store bananas properly!
Can you keep this is the fridge for any time or does it have to be consumed immediately?
Hi Cassie! It’s best to consume after making. The frozen banana starts to change its consistency as it thaws and then sits. It wouldn’t go bad, but I don’t think it’d be as enjoyable. I think the water in the spinach might start to separate too if it sits. Most smoothies will have this problem because of the frozen component. Juices are more easily stored, but those are seriously lacking in fiber (if that’s what you’re looking for).
Enjoyed this for breakfast this morning and it did not disappoint! Cool, refreshing and smooth; exactly what I needed to get the day started!
Perfect smoothie to start off the new year! After all of the unhealthy eating I did, this has been perfect to get me back on track!
Super refreshing and nutritious! We can’t wait to make again! ๐
I made one of these for breakfast this morning and it was the perfect way to start my day! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Tbh I really didnโt like this smoothie ๐ The banana made it taste really weird… we added some pineapple to cover the taste and it was ok but better to leave out the banana and maybe add cucumber or a tart fruit or something instead.
SO sorry to hear the flavors didn’t work for you. I find smoothies to be so subjective with flavor too. My husband and I rarely like the same flavor mixes. I hope you found a version that suited you! xo Luci
I really enjoy spinach smoothies! I’ve never tried one with lemon and ginger but this sounds so gooood!!
I love the freshness and tangy flavors from ginger and lemon here! This is quite a tasty breakfast that would fuel me through the day!
Love your healthy and delicious breakfast recipe. This is so very interesting and I love the combinations. Perfect and yum.
Such a delicious and healthy smoothie! I love it!
I have always wanted to include a good spinach smoothie in my routine. I love that you have used bananas in the recipe. Ginger and lemon is a great addition.
What a delicious energy booster this is! Love the fresh lemony taste here!
I too make something similar! Love a good green smoothie
I made this for breakfast today and it was so delicious. I will definitely be making this again!
I start my day off with a spinach smoothie with ginger and turmeric everyday. I have never tried it with fresh lemon but I am going to give it a whirl tomorrow.
This smoothie is exactly what we need around this house to get back on track. Thanks for sharing!