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    Home » Breakfast

    The Best Green Smoothie (for beginners)

    June 30, 2017 by Bailey Sissom 13 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    The Best Green Smoothie (for beginners) is a cool, creamy, sweet vegan smoothie with banana, peanut butter, kale, chia seeds, cinnamon and almond milk.

    The Best Green Smoothie (for beginners) is a cool, creamy, sweet vegan smoothie with banana, peanut butter, kale, chia seeds, cinnamon and almond milk. 

    Pin The Best Green Smoothie (for beginners) for later!

    A cool, creamy, sweet vegan green smoothie with banana, peanut butter, kale, chia seeds, cinnamon and almond milk.

    This smoothie is a part of Smoothie Week 2018. To get ALL the recipes + tricks and tips for batch prepping make ahead smoothies.. download the guide HERE.

    Green Smoothies.. they're "all the rage."  Anybody who's EVER opened Instagram knows that. They're full of nutrients, high in fiber and make you glow from the inside out... yada yada yada.

    I'm going to level with you, in general, I don't care for them. They can be bitter, taste "earthy" (<-- if you've tried a bad one you know what I mean) and perhaps most off putting.. they are very very green. Yeah, throwing a salad into my blender and drinking it, well.. the thought just never did much for me.

    The first time I made a green smoothie, I felt healthier for just purchasing all those swanky ingredients. Hemp hearts, chia seeds, flax, baby kale, spinach leaves.. I just knew drinking green smoothies was going to change everything. I was going to compete in a Tough Mudder, run marathons and most definitely become the next American Ninja (<--yep, legitimate dream?).

    The fact that I find Tough Mudder obstacles terrifying, that I have never run more than a 5K and that I can't even climb halfway up a rope.. NOT A PROBLEM. With Green Smoothies in my life.. ANYTHING was going to be possible. After all, they are made almost entirely of superfoods!

    You guys, I made one smoothie. It. Tasted. Awful. The spinach and kale rotted in the crisper drawer of my refrigerator, and along with it, my dreams of fitness domination.

    Until I tried.. THIS GREEN SMOOTHIE.

    A cool, creamy, sweet vegan green smoothie with banana, peanut butter, kale, chia seeds, cinnamon and almond milk.

    The ingredients are basic, affordable and simple to find. No hunting down unicorn blood and moon dust. Because in all honesty.. I don't have the time, patience or budget for that. Just milk (almond if you're feeling fancy), bananas, baby spinach or kale, vanilla, cinnamon, any nut or seed butter you like, and chia seeds (which can be left out if you don't have them on hand).

    I know, I know.. I didn't solve the whole "I don't want to drink salad" issue. BUT, it is honestly mind boggling how many greens can be hidden within cold creamy goodness.

    This smoothie is PERFECT for a beginner. It's sweet, peanut-buttery and LOADED with good for you stuff that you can't even taste.

    There are BILLIONS of green smoothie recipes on the web.

    This week, I tried LOTS of them.

    This one is the BEST, and... my kids like it.

    A cool, creamy, sweet vegan green smoothie with banana, peanut butter, kale, chia seeds, cinnamon and almond milk.

    Let's get specific about the health benefits of THIS green smoothie.

    Almond Milk: First of all, it's SO rich and creamy?. It's heart healthy, containing no cholesterol or saturated fat. It's also low in sodium and high in healthy fats which helps prevent high blood pressure and heart disease.

    Kale/Spinach Greens: Greens ares low in calories, high in fiber and don't contain any fat. They aid in digestion, improve complexion are filled with many nutrients and vitamins.

    Banana: Bananas contain lots of nutrients (think potassium, B6 and vitamin C). They help to moderate blood sugar levels, improve digestive health, contain antioxidants (keep ya young), and help keep you feeling full. 

    Almond Butter: Almonds contain lots of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium and vitamin E. They lower blood sugar levels, reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol. They also keep you full which can help with weight loss. Since almonds are the sole ingredient in almond butter.. the benefits apply!

    Chia Seeds: Chia Seeds deliver a massive amount of nutrients with few calories. They are loaded with antioxidants and high in quality protein. They are also high in omega-3 fatty acids (it contains more than salmon gram for gram).

    A cool, creamy, sweet vegan green smoothie with banana, peanut butter, kale, chia seeds, cinnamon and almond milk.

    Time Saving Tips and Tricks:

    Prep: The bananas MUST be frozen for this smoothie. I like to purchase 1 bunch of bananas, peel them, wrap them in plastic and store them in the freezer. This way, when I need a banana that is frozen I'm good to go.

    Make Ahead: Smoothies will keep overnight in the refrigerator when sealed in a mason jar. This is perfect if you don't want to run the blender in the morning and wake up the household!

    Freezer:  The classic green monster smoothie can be assembled as a smoothie pack and stored for up to a month in the refrigerator. I usually make 5-10 at a time. Keep in mind that each bag will make 2 servings. Directions: In a gallon Ziplock bag add kale, banana (broken into pieces), ice cubes, nut butter of choice, chia/flax seeds, vanilla, and cinnamon. Using a permanent marker label the bag "Beginner Green Smoothie" and write the date. Remove all air, and seal the bag. When you are ready for a smoothie, dump the bag into your blender. Add 1 cup of almond milk and a splash of vanilla. Hit Blend. Done.

    Print
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    The Best Green Smoothie (for beginners) is a cool, creamy, sweet vegan smoothie with banana, peanut butter, kale, chia seeds, cinnamon and almond milk.

    The Best Green Smoothie (V, GF)

    ★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews
    • Author: Bailey Sissom
    • Prep Time: 5 mins
    • Total Time: 5 minutes
    • Yield: 2 smoothies 1x
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 cup almond milk (or other milk)
    • 1 cup baby kale or spinach leaves
    • 1 frozen banana, roughly chopped
    • 2-3 ice cubes
    • 1 TBS almond butter or peanut butter
    • 1 TBS of pure chia seeds
    • ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract (eliminate for Whole30)
    • Pinch of ground cinnamon

    Instructions

    1. Add all ingredients to blender and blend until combined.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @simplysissom on Instagram and hashtag it #simplysissom

    Helpful Hints:

    1. If you are new to green smoothies you may not adore the taste of kale.  Try using spinach... it tastes better. Once you begin to drink green smoothies consistently you can make the switch to Kale if you are feeling ambitious.
    2. I like to use almond milk to make my smoothies. It gives them a rich creaminess that I like. If you don't have any sitting around you can definitely swap it out for the milk of your choosing.
    3. A good blender is important if making smoothies is going to become a regular thing in your life. The Top brands are Vitamix and Blendtec. I have used both, but prefer (and own) the Blendtec. It isn't as tall so it stores much easier and I like that it has presets like "smoothie" and "soup" so I can blend with the touch of a button. I purchased mine refurbished (because they are EXPENSIVE). It's not as gross as it sounds. Only the insides of the blender are "used," the pitcher, blade  and lid are sealed in plastic and completely brand new. You can find Refurbished Blendtec Blenders HERE.
    4. To make this smoothie Whole30 compliant, opt for almond milk and butter. You will also need to eliminate the  vanilla extract.

    My Favorite Smoothie Essentials:

    Favorite High Speed Blender:

    • Blentec Total Blender Classic with Wildside Jar (refurbished)

    Containers/Freezer Storage:

    • Ball Wide Mouth Quart Glass Jars
    • 16 oz. Plastic Smoothie Cups with Flat Lids
    • Reusable Silicone Bags- Quart Size
    • Ziplock Freezer Safe Bags - Quart Size

    Accessories:

    • Jumbo Smoothie Straws (Assorted Colors)
    • Metal Smoothie Straws
    • Ball Sip N' Straw Lids (Wide Mouth) - these only work with widemouth jars

    Let's Connect:

    • Prep-Ahead recipes are my all time favorite! Join the BRAND NEW Simply Sissom Community Private FB Group and let’s meal prep together! Each week I share an exclusive recipe in the group via FB Live that is REALLY simple and make-ahead friendly. Join us!
    • You can also find Simply Sissom on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook. Check it out and if you like what you see.. follow!

    Other Smoothie Recipes You Might Like:

    How To Batch Prep Smoothies:

    Simple tips and tricks on how to batch prep grab n' go smoothies quickly. Make them in advance, and enjoy them for the week, or even the whole month!

    Wild Blueberry Banana Smoothies: 

    Wild Blueberry Banana Smoothies in glasses.

    Cherry Limeade Smoothie:

     

    Cherry Limeade Smoothie in glass.

    Simple Strawberry Banana Smoothie:

    Simple Strawberry Banana Smoothie in glass cups.

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    About Bailey Sissom

    Bailey Sissom is a 3rd grade teacher turned stay-at-home mom and the creator of Simply Sissom, a blog for busy moms who value feeding their kids healthy meals and snacks, but struggle with finding the time to make it happen. On Simply Sissom, Bailey shares practical recipes, tips and tricks to help make preparing whole food meals happen consistently.

    Comments

    1. Sarah | Well and Full says

      May 11, 2016 at 4:41 pm

      I can't get over the vibrant green color of this smoothie! So pretty! And props to you for putting it in a popsicle mold and giving it to your kids. I'll have to keep that in mind for when I have little ones! 😉

      Reply
      • Bailey Sissom says

        May 12, 2016 at 5:46 pm

        Thanks Sara! I can't take credit for the smoothie popsicle idea, it was an internet find? Buuutt.. you should definitely keep it in mind when you have kiddos. Anytime kids are excited about a dessert made with Spinach, well.. it's a win!

        Reply
    2. Judith Abramsohn says

      March 15, 2017 at 7:04 am

      I have been wanting to try smoothies for awhile and this makes it so much easier to get it going in the morning. Thanks.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Bailey Sissom says

        March 16, 2017 at 1:45 pm

        Of course! Hope you love it:)

        Reply
    3. Nicholasa says

      January 17, 2018 at 8:11 am

      Hi. My husband and I gave it a go thid morning. Pretty good. Ty. Do you know off hand the calories or nutrition for this? Thanks

      Reply
      • Bailey Sissom says

        January 20, 2018 at 12:32 pm

        I'm so glad you guys enjoyed it. All nutrition information is located underneath the recipe on Simply Sissom. If for some reason it isn't showing up for you, do you mind letting me know??? That said, the smoothie makes enough for 2 servings with 150 calories each:)

        Reply
        • Nicholasa Najar says

          January 20, 2018 at 12:35 pm

          Ty. I see it😊

          Reply
    4. Liz says

      March 29, 2018 at 2:38 pm

      can you drink this in the afternoon?

      Reply
      • Bailey Sissom says

        March 29, 2018 at 2:39 pm

        Definitely!!!! My kids have it for an afternoon snack all the time:)

        Reply
    5. Jane says

      February 25, 2019 at 10:24 pm

      How much fiber per serving?

      Reply
      • Bailey Sissom says

        March 07, 2019 at 10:12 am

        Hey Jane, the nutrition information should be listed under the recipe:)

        Reply
    6. Kate says

      August 19, 2019 at 3:41 am

      Great recipe! I have made it yesterday and everyone in my home sweet home totally loved it! Thank you Bailey for your awesome recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Bailey Sissom says

        August 28, 2019 at 9:57 am

        I'm so glad that they loved it!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Bailey! Boy Mom x3 and former teacher turned food blogger. On Simply Sissom you will find simple, tasty, fuss-free recipes that are perfect for busy families.

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