Green Breakfast Smoothie

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.

For frozen 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!

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 of this vegan green smoothie will be different, but if it's too strong, add in more banana or even a fresh pitted date to sweeten up this green morning smoothie.

For oat milk:

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!

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.

Smoothie add-in ideas:

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)
• ½ 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)
• ¼ tsp cinnamon (for a flavorful kick!)

Can you store smoothies in the fridge?

If you have any leftover green smoothies, they 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 are no gums or additives in this smoothie, separation will naturally occur if stored for a longer time, so just make sure to stir before enjoying leftovers.