Smoothies are such a quick and easy way to start the day, and if you make them right, you can get many of your vitamins plus a protein boost out of one yummy and refreshing drink. Keep reading to check out one of my favorite green smoothie recipes.

This tropical smoothie features island fruit like pineapple, passion fruit, and coconut, which pair so well with the earthy matcha flavors from the protein powder I used. It also packs a secret antioxidant rich ingredient that gives it that green color: spinach. I know some people have an aversion to spinach, and I can’t blame you. Growing up, I only remember eating that frozen spinach that had to be thawed, squeezed, and drained before serving, and it was just so bland and texturally unappealing. Almost slimy?Ick, I’m sad just thinking about it. But spinach has come a long way, and now it’s the star of many of my favorite meals.

So why choose a smoothie with greens?

Swapping out processed carbs like toast or a cereal bar for a gluten free, dairy free, smoothie like this one can help you lose weight as part of a healthier lifestyle. Here’s why these ingredients are my top picks:

Spinach

Did you know spinach actually contains protein? Not a ton, but hey, I’ll take what I can get. It’s also packed with fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and keep you, uh, regular? If you’re a vegan, you know what I’m talking about. It also has antioxidants that combat free radicals, meaning it helps slow the aging process and fight against Diabetes and cancerous cells. And, finally, spinach is loaded with vitamins A, C, K, iron, and even calcium. Dang spinach, I see you.

Pineapple

One serving of pineapple contains more Vitamin C than you even need in a day – hello cold and flu season. Like spinach, it also contains antioxidants that help prevent heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. With these benefits, plus it’s ability to naturally sweeten your smoothie, what’s not to love?

Coconut

Another antioxidant rich tropical treat, coconuts have copper and iron, which are good for keeping your blood healthy, They also contain boatloads of fiber, which is helpful for stabilizing blood sugar. Plus they make you feel like you’re on a beach somewhere, and that’s all I really need.

How can i switch up my smoothie game?

Substitutions:

The Greens: You can substitute kale if you like! Just make sure to massage it a bit before you throw it in your high speed blender or food processor. Kale contains oxalic acid, which isn’t great for humans, but if you squish the leaves between your fingers for a minute first, it breaks down the cell walls that trap this acid, making it perfectly healthy for human consumption.

The Veggies: throw some zucchini or cauliflower in that thing! These vegetables are healthy, and don’t really impact the flavor of your smoothie, any more than the spinach does. Plus the sweetness from the pineapple and coconut would mask them quite easily. Good way to get your kids to eat their veggies perhaps?

The Vegan Milk: I used oat milk for my smoothie because it’s super creamy, and also is the best milk for the environment, but that’s a post for another day. You can use almond milk, rice milk, or soy milk depending on what you prefer, and it will still come out just as creamy and delicious.

Can I meal prep my smoothie?

Smoothies don’t store well, surprisingly. They separate and oxidize so you have a bunch of thick fruit particles on the bottom and a thin liquid hanging out on top. You can make one the night ahead and just shake really well in the morning, but to me, waking up two minutes earlier is worth a fresh smoothie. The best plan of action, is to gather a few glass containers, and pop them into the freezer with your smoothie components in it, so all you have to do is toss into a blender or food processor with some milk.

Smoothie Toppings

A simple green smoothie is great for detoxing, cutting carbs, or even good for kids since the fruits mask the spinach. I prefer a smoothie bowl because I am very particular about my topping distribution, but it’s great in a to-go mug as well. I topped this one with strawberries, sunflower butter, coconut shreds, chia seeds (a vegan superfood!), passion fruit, and fresh pineapple. The best part of smoothies is switching up the toppings though, so you feel like you’re diving into a different smoothie each time. Try blueberries, dates, peanut or almond butter, pumpkin seeds, kiwi, or even cut up chunks of your favorite protein bar for variety.

The Protein Powder (+15% off)

I used Nuzest’s Vanilla Matcha protein powder, which I could not recommend more highy. It adds a depth of flavor I love, and it keeps me full for hours, fueled and ready to go for the day. Click if you want to check out Nuzest’s line of protein powders in flavors like coffee coconut (which I used in these banging vegan coffee cake crumble breakfast protein muffins), strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, plain, chai turmeric, etc, and even a vanilla probiotic one if you’re having tummy troubles. See below for other recipes where I used my protein powder. Use my code chickpeaandherb for 15% of your purchase.

As always, if you make this recipe, tag me on Facebook or Instagram, and let me know how it goes! If you have questions, leave me a comment here, and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

You can also check out my Pinterest page for more easy smoothie inspiration and ways to use your protein powder! If you liked this recipe, you might also enjoy these other easy ideas:

• Low Carb Pineapple Rice with Tofu

• Rainbow Color Coded Vegan Smoothies

• Coffee Cake Breakfast Protein Muffins

• Maple Vanilla Probiotic Cookies with Protein