Are you looking for a simple Green Breakfast Smoothie that ACTUALLY tastes good?! If so, then this easy 5 ingredient green smoothie is for you. The best part? I’ve also included easy substitutes for each ingredient listed & steps for meal-prepping smoothies in advance so you can make this recipe work with the ingredients you have & your schedule!
The best green smoothie for a healthy breakfast
Since quitting my corporate job to blog full-time, green smoothies have become an integral part of my morning routine to keep me on track. Even when I could easily sleep in and make a decadent unhealthy breakfast, I’ll reach for this breakfast smoothie. Not only is making a green smoothie at home affordable (because hello I am trying to save some $$ over here), but it’s SO easy, can be made in 5 minutes or less, and is easy to meal prep for the week.
I’m honestly mad I didn’t have this smoothie in my life when I was working a 9-5, but you don’t have to make the same mistake as me! This green smoothie recipe is healthy, contains a natural source of protein (no expensive protein powders needed to feel full), and is perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast option.
How to make a green smoothie that ACTUALLY tastes good
Okay now I know you must be excited to start making this green smoothie that is perfect for beginner smoothie drinkers. So, let’s chat about the ingredients, tools, and substitutes you can use in this smoothie recipe.
Ingredients:
- Frozen bananas
- Frozen blueberries
- Spinach (Frozen or fresh)
- Plant-based milk (I prefer oat milk)
- Raw & shelled hemp seeds
While completely optional, I also love to top my vegan smoothies with cacao nibs, dried goji berries, or extra hemp seeds for a little crunch!
Tools:
There is only one tool you need to make a great smoothie recipe and that is a good blender. While I would love to have a Vitamix in my life someday, I currently use my Kitchenaid K400 Blender and it does the trick!
I will say, in order to get a good creamy smoothie texture, you are going to want to invest in a semi-decent blender. Again, it doesn’t have to be an expensive Vitamix, but definitely pick an option that you know can really chop and blend up frozen fruit and veggies.
Green smoothie substitutions
I truly think the best part about fruit and veggie smoothie is that it’s entirely customizable!
Substitutes for Frozen bananas:
This is the one ingredient I actually don’t recommend substituting. Why? Because it is what gives this smoothie that pleasant sweet taste to counteract the bitterness of greens.
Plus, bananas are incredibly high in potassium, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C. Personally, they give me a ton of energy to tackle the day!
If you really want a green smoothie with no banana, it can be subbed 1:1 for frozen cauliflower. Cauliflower gives smoothies a similar creamy texture like bananas do, however, it will offer no sweetness. If I use cauliflower in a smoothie in place of banana, I almost always add in 1 pitted date or 2 Tbsp maple syrup.
Substitutes for blueberries:
I chose to add blueberries into this recipe because they happen to be my absolute favorite berry for smoothies! However, blueberries can be subbed 1:1 for any other frozen berry.
This includes strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries. Technically, you could even add in frozen cranberries, but if that’s what you’re looking for I’d actually recommend checking out my Cranberry Orange Smoothie Bowl recipe instead (just add more milk for a smoothie vs. thick smoothie bowl).
Another option could be frozen kiwi or frozen mango chunks!
Substitutes for Spinach:
Spinach is my FAVORITE green for veggie shakes because it is very mild, contains a decent amount of iron (which is harder to get as a vegetarian), and it has a very smooth texture.
I prefer to use fresh spinach for this recipe, but frozen spinach works just as well (just expect a thicker smoothie).
If you don’t have spinach, it can be replaced for kale, arugula, or even romaine. The tastes will be altered, but if it’s too strong, add in more banana or even a fresh pitted date to sweeten up this smoothie.
What plant-based plant milk works best in smoothies:
For this green protein smoothie I used oat milk. I love using oat milk because it is SO creamy and happens to be nut-free.
However, literally ANY plant-based nut, seed, or grain milk works in this recipe as a 1:1 substitute. That means almond milk, rice milk, cashew milk, flax milk, soy milk, coconut milk, sesame milk, hemp milk, pistachio milk- and virtually any other combo you can think of!
Who else is happy we live in a world where we have so many plant-milk options?! I know I am!
Substitutes for Hemp seeds:
Hemp seeds are a great source of omega-3 and omega-6, Vitamin E, and protein. Also they are a complete protein source and contain all 9 essential amino acids that you must obtain from your diet (aka your body cannot produce these naturally).
I buy my hemp seeds from Manitoba Harvest, but they also have flavored protein powder varieties you can add to this smoothie for more flavor. Also, once the package is opened, I store my hemp seeds in the fridge or freezer to maintain freshness.
If hemp seeds aren’t your thing, flax seeds or chia seeds work as a good substitute (though I would cut the amount in half). If you do use chia seeds, drink the smoothie right away or it will turn into a gelatinous mixture called a chia seed pudding.
Add-ins & extras
There are also additional ingredients you can to this green smoothie to give it extra flavor and enhance the benefits of having a smoothie for breakfast. Here are a few of my favorite add-ins:
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (for even more protein and for a flavored smoothie)
- 1 Tbsp cacao nibs (for a crunch and even more antioxidants)
- 1/2 avocado (for a greener and creamier smoothie)
- 1 Tbsp almond butter (for a creamier thicker smoothie. Can also be replaced with any nut or seed butter)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (for a flavorful kick!)
How to meal prep smoothie ingredients:
I know you all live a busy life and are looking for an easy grab-and-go morning green smoothie. Well, you are in luck because this smoothie is so easy to prep ahead.
MY favorite meal prep hack is to actually create containers of the correct amounts of frozen bananas, frozen blueberries, frozen spinach, and hemp seeds. Then, in the morning take one container out of the freezer, add it to the blender with the plant-based milk, and blend until smooth. No measuring required first thing in the morning and you will have the best grab-and-go vegan green smoothie!
P.S- If you have any leftover smoothie, it will keep in a covered container for one day in the fridge. Sometimes I make two smoothies at a time and then I just shake the stored refrigerated one the next day before drinking it. Since there is no gums or additives in this smoothie, separation will naturally occur if stored for a longer time.
I truly hope this recipe convinces you that greens in the morning CAN taste good. If you are ready for an easy & healthy breakfast option, go out and make this vegan, gluten-free, and added-sugar free Green Breakfast Smoothie recipe today!
Looking for more healthy vegan breakfast recipes? Check out these SGTO favorites!
Gluten-free & Vegan Maple Almond Butter Granola
Vegan & Oil-Free Banana Pancakes
Triple Berry Protein Acai Bowl
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PinDescription
A simple 5-ingredient green breakfast smoothie that makes the best protein packed healthy breakfast to start the day!
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups frozen bananas
- 1 cup spinach (loosely packed)
- 1 1/4– 1 1/2 cups oat milk (use less for thicker smoothie)
- 1/4 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup raw shelled hemp seeds
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a blender. Then, blend on high speed for 2+ minutes until the smoothie is completely blended and smooth.
- Pour the green smoothie into a large 16 oz glass and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 oz smoothie
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 35 grams
- Fat: 22 grams
- Carbohydrates: 51 grams
- Protein: 21 grams
Keywords: green breakfast smoothie, vegan smoothie, fruit and veggie smoothie, banana, simple, 5-ingredient, with spinach, that tastes good, protein, power smoothie, veggie shakes, for beginners
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