When most of us make (fruit based) smoothies it’s a lot of throwing in whatever we have in the fridge or fruit bowl along with some icecubes and juice or milk or both. It’s simple. But then we tend to over-think green smoothie recipes and stress about what to use and how to not make it taste like grass or dirt. When it comes down to it really the only difference between a regular smoothie and a green smoothie is usually just a handful of something leafy and this doesn’t have to change the taste dramatically.

Choosing your leafy greens for your smoothie can be daunting but if you stick to something you know will give you a palatable result, it’s simple. The answer?

Spinach.

It’s nearly tasteless and gives that gorgeous green color that makes us feel like we totally know what we’re doing, right? It’s when we get into the more “serious” leafy green territory that it gets tricky.  I keep things simple and stick with spinach for the most part. If you choose Kale, just be sure to remove the leafy parts from the spine otherwise it will be super bitter.

Now, how to make your smoothies smooth?

First thing you have to do is blend your spinach with whatever liquid you’re using (water, orange juice, chilled green tea, milk, etc.). Once your spinach/liquid mix is creamy THEN add in the other ingredients.

Here, I’ve started with about 3/4 cup of orange juice and a big handful of spinach.

Blend, blend, blend….

And you’re left with this. The base for your smoothie.

Now, here’s my kid & husband friendly green smoothie recipe 🙂

– 1 granny smith apple (leave the skin on for a thicker smoothie)

– 1 banana

– 2 cups spinach

– 3/4 cup orange juice

– 1 tsp honey

– optional: 1 tbsp fish oil (we use apple flavored Nutra Sea Green Apple Flavor)

First blend the spinach and orange juice. Add in remaining ingredients one at a time (I find this works best for my magic bullet), then pour in a tall glass or mason jar over ice. Stir and enjoy!

Join me in the 30 Day Green Smoothie Challenge!

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