Low Carb Banana Spinach Smoothie (2024)

With a cheerful hue, a creamy-dreamy consistency, and a sweet vanilla flavor profile, this Healthy Banana Spinach Smoothie is an utter delight. Perfect for snacking on the go (with a baby in one arm, no less!), my easy low-carb smoothie recipe is a busy Mom’s morning savior and a great way to start the day!

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What are mornings like in your household? Here in the Byrd residence, there’s a lot of hustle bustle as I try and get my eldest dressed & ready for the day while simultaneously trying to get breakfast on the table AND dealing with baby diapers & bottles. If I’m being honest, it’s pure chaos.

Enter my banana spinach protein smoothie. This mean green goblet of creamy, sweet, slurpable sustenance packs a wallop of flavor and all the nutrients to match. With 31 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber, and only 3 grams of sugar per serving, this is one healthy green smoothie!

And, while we might be coloring this green smoothie with spinach, it really drinks more like a low-carb shake. Seriously, friends. It tastes like dessert! So, what are you waiting for? Meet me in the kitchen so we can whip up a batch of these low-carb protein smoothies and start your day off on the right foot.

What is a low-carb green smoothie?

These low-carb green smoothies are a magical blend of nature’s finest gifts, meticulously crafted to tantalize your tastebuds while keeping those carb counts at bay. They’re essentially a magic potion that celebrates health and flavor in perfect harmony.

At its core, this enchanting elixir embraces the vibrant essence of green. Each low-carb high-protein smoothie starts with a lush foundation of fresh spinach, a verdant treasure brimming with vitamins and minerals. This emerald superstar sets the stage for the adventure that awaits.

Adding some smart additions – like protein powder, flavor extract, and frozen ripe bananas, to name a few – and blending to creamy perfection means you can revel in the vanilla deliciousness without worrying about breaking your carb bank.

So, there you have it, the essence of my low-carb fruit smoothie unveiled. It’s a bewitching blend of fresh greens, creamy delights, and a touch of nutritional wizardry. Let this elixir whisk you away on a journey of flavor and well-being, as you sip your way to a healthier, more vibrant you.

What does it taste like?

Brace yourselves for a frosty, sweet sensation that will make you believe in magic. I’m about to weave a tale of flavors and transport you to a world where vanilla reigns supreme, and the mighty spinach remains unseen. Behold, my low-carb smoothies.

Imagine a frosty elixir that sparkles with joy, tickling your senses with its cool embrace. As you take your first sip of this green banana smoothie, you’re greeted by a symphony of vanilla enchantment. The vanilla extract and protein powder join forces to create a melody of sweetness that dances upon your tongue, leaving you craving more.

Now, here’s where the magic truly unfolds. Can you believe that amidst this delightful blend, the mischievous spinach hides, undetected? It disguises itself so well that not even the most discerning tastebuds can uncover its presence in these low-carb green smoothies. It’s the a secret potion, blending seamlessly with the other ingredients, whispering, “Shh! You won’t even know I’m here.”

But what makes this spinach yogurt smoothie truly extraordinary are the frozen wonders it holds. A frozen banana, full of natural sweetness, twirls its way into the mix, adding a touch of fruity delight. And behold, the frozen avocado, with its creamy essence, swirls in to create a velvety texture that will make you feel like you’re sipping on a dream.

As if that weren’t enchanting enough, a scoop of plain Greek yogurt graces this low-carb green smoothie concoction, lending its tangy allure and making every sip a celestial experience. And let’s not forget the magical chia seeds, those mystical crunch-filled gems that bring an extra dose of nourishment to this elixir of wonder.

Now, imagine this fantastical blend being held together by a river of unsweetened almond milk. This light n’ creamy liquid adds a nutty note, intertwining with the other ingredients to create a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a realm of pure bliss. And the best part? It keeps those pesky carbs at bay, making this healthy smoothie recipe a guilt-free indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Spinach Smoothie Recipe

Still on the fence? This easy spinach banana smoothie recipe is:

• Wholesome & Nutritious – Vegetables for breakfast? Enough said.
• Frosty & Refreshing – For real, friends. These low-sugar green smoothies taste like a vanilla dream.
• Low-Carb, High-Protein, & Packed With Vanilla Flavor – These low-carb smoothies for diabetics are the picture of virtuousness but have all the flavor of your favorite fast food milkshakes. They’re MAGIC.

Ingredients Needed

You only need a a few simple ingredients to make a simple spinach smoothie that’ll knock your socks off. Here’s what to grab:

• Fresh Spinach – You’ll almost always find a clamshell of fresh baby spinach in my fridge because it’s so dang versatile. If you’re using mature spinach, make sure to trim off any woody stems first.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk – Plain or vanilla flavor work best.
• Frozen Banana – We’re only adding ¼ cup, so we get the sweetness and “nice cream” texture without a ton of carbs.
• Frozen Avocado – For added greenness, creaminess, potassium, and heart-healthy fats.
• Plain Greek Yogurt – I find that lower-fat options tend to have more protein than full-fat varieties. Choose whichever suits your needs best.
• Chia Seeds – Boosting your green smoothie with chia seeds is optional, but these little black beauties add a ton of nutritional value. Oh, and if you leave them to hang out in the smoothie for a bit? They kinda take on a mini-boba vibe that’s pretty awesome.
• Vanilla Extract – This is my secret weapon for making this low-carb banana smoothie taste like dessert.
• Vanilla Protein Powder – Doubling down on the vanilla vibes and adding a boost of protein is the best thing you can do for this spinach breakfast smoothie!

Substitutions

While I love this healthy green smoothie recipe just the way it is written, there are plenty of opportunities for you to make ingredient swaps depending on what you have on hand.

• Fresh Spinach – You’re welcome to use frozen spinach if you don’t have fresh spinach leaves. Just make sure to only use about ½ cup, which is what the fresh stuff would cook down to. You can also try using other types of leafy greens like kale (which has an earthy flavor) or romaine (which is much more mild).
• Unsweetened Almond Milk – Feel free to swap in your choice of unsweetened vanilla almond milk or plain plant-based/non-dairy milk, unsweetened soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or any percentage of dairy-milk you prefer. You can even use a little orange juice, too!
• Frozen Banana – Using a banana that has been frozen gives this spinach almond milk creamy smoothie ice cream vibes, but you can also use room temp fresh banana if you’re in a pinch. You’re also welcome to swap in other frozen fruits like mango or pineapple for a punch of tropical sweetness.
• Frozen Avocado – Transport yourself to an exotic island by using frozen coconut meat instead. It brings a unique creaminess and a hint of tropical flair that’s lovely! Alternatively, sneak in some extra veggies by using frozen zucchini. It blends smoothly and adds a subtle, neutral taste to the mix.
• Plain Greek Yogurt – You’re welcome to use plain regular yogurt, but you won’t get quite as much protein if you do. You’ll also want to cut back on the liquid by a splash since regular yogurt is thinner. Plant-based greek-style yogurt or skyr is also totally acceptable!
• Chia Seeds – Feel free to omit these little beauties, or replace them with other seedy nutrient powerhouses like flax seeds or hemp seeds.
• Vanilla Extract – You can also use an equal amount of vanilla paste or vanilla powder, or use half as much ground vanilla bean. Alternatively, consider using different flavors of extract (like coconut, maple, or almond) for a slightly different vibe. Maple syrup also tastes great in this smoothie!
• Vanilla Protein Powder – While I prefer this avocado banana spinach smoothie to lean more vanilla, you’re welcome to shake things up with different flavors of protein powder like chocolate, peanut butter, or strawberry.

How To Make A Low-Carb Spinach & Banana Smoothie

These low-carb fruit smoothies come together in a flash. Here’s how:

Step 1: Blend frozen banana, frozen avocado, spinach, chia seeds, vanilla extract, almond milk, and Greek yogurt in the high-speed blender for 30 seconds to a minute, until no spinach shreds remain.

Step 2: Add protein powder, and pulse 4-5 times until combined. Serve!

For Pre-Made Smoothie Freezer Packs:

If you’re a Type A, planning kinda person, you can easily prep a few bags of frozen spinach smoothie freezer packs as a gift to Future You. Here’s how:

Step 1: Freeze banana, avocado, spinach, chia seeds, and vanilla in a large wide-mouth jar or quart sized ziplock for up to 3 months.

Step 2: Blend. When ready to make your smoothie, add the contents of the smoothie pack, Greek yogurt and protein powder into your blender and blend until smooth. Ta-da! 2 minute breakfast FTW.

Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

As much as my toddler and I love these healthy low-carb smoothies just the way they’re written, smoothie recipes are basically begging to be customized. Here are a few of my favorite variations:

• Add More Fresh Fruit. Try a spinach pineapple banana smoothie or mango banana spinach smoothie for a yummy tropical twist. You can also make a spinach apple banana smoothie to use up your fall bounty.
• Try a Spinach Peanut Butter Smoothie. Enhancing this green smoothie with peanut butter (or almond butter) adds a dose of creamy-salty-sweet goodness for a peanut butter banana smoothie, plus some extra protein and fat to help keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Since it’s summertime, my eldest is with me a bit more often, which means she’s my little kitchen sidekick. We’ve come up with some fabulously fun ways to make this low-carb spinach banana smoothie even more of a treat:

• Fairy Dust Toppings: Sprinkle a dusting of edible glitter or colored sugar on top of your smoothie to add a touch of enchantment and sparkle. It’ll make your smoothie look like a magical potion.
• Fruit Skewers: Thread colorful fruit chunks onto skewers and place them across the rim of your glass or jar. It creates a whimsical and playful presentation that’s perfect for sipping your smoothie.
• Magic Wand Straws: Use colorful paper straws and attach small decorative stars or shapes at the top to create magic wand-inspired straws. It adds a touch of whimsy and makes sipping your smoothie feel extra special.
• Flower Crowns: Garnish your smoothie glass or jar with a mini flower crown made from edible flowers or small herb sprigs for a beautiful, ethereal touch.
• co*cktail Umbrellas: Place a cute tropical umbrella in your smoothie as if it’s a mini island paradise. It’s a fun and playful way to transport yourself to a sunny getaway, all from the comfort of home.
• Cookie Crumb Rim: Dip the rim of your glass into melted dark chocolate or honey, then roll it in cookie crumbs like graham crackers or chocolate wafers. This is how I like to make them when I serve them up as “dessert.”
• Personalized Drink Charms: If you’re serving a crowd, this is a must. Use small charms or decorative keychains with initials or fun shapes and attach them to the straw or glass rim to make it easy to identify everyone’s smoothie.

Remember, presentation is part of the enchantment, so let your imagination run wild!

Recipe Success Tips

Here are some pointers to ensure your low-carb green smoothies turn out splendidly every time:

• Blend with Care: Start by adding the liquid ingredients, like almond milk, to your blender first. This helps prevent any dry ingredients from sticking to the bottom.
• Frozen First, Fresh Last: Add your frozen ingredients (i.e. frozen banana and avocado) before adding fresh ingredients like spinach. This helps the blending process by allowing the blender blades to break down the frozen goodies smoothly.
• Use a High-Powered Blender for the creamiest consistency.
• Customize the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker smoothie, use less liquid or add a few ice cubes to the mix. For a lighter consistency, adjust the amount of almond milk or add a splas of another liquid until you achieve your desired texture.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play with the ingredients! Want more sweetness? Add a drizzle of honey or a dash of stevia. Craving a tropical twist? Toss in a handful of frozen pineapple. The magic is in your hands, so don’t be afraid to explore different flavor combinations.
• Savor the Freshness: To preserve the vibrant colors and flavors, enjoy your smoothie soon after blending. However, if you need to store it, transfer any leftovers to a popsicle mold for future treats.
• Cleanse with Warm Water: After blending, give your blender a little TLC. Rinse it with warm water, then run it with some clean water and a drop of dish soap to keep your blender sparkling clean for future smoothie adventures.
• Share the Magic: Smoothies are best enjoyed with friends and loved ones. Spread the joy and share your creations with others. Whether you have a smoothie party wit your tots or make a surprise delivery to a friend, let the magic of your frosty goodness bring smiles to those around you.

Remember, these tips are just the beginning, so feel free to infuse your own magic. May your blending adventures be filled with deliciousness and enchantment! And, if you come up with any brilliant tips the world should know about, let me know in the comments below!

FAQs

Storage & Freezing

As with most of my recipes, this one is totally freezer friendly! It’s quick and easy to make smoothie packs with this recipe. Simply put the banana, avocado, spinach, chia seeds and vanilla into a wide-mouth glass jar or a quart-sized zip lock. Freeze for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to blend up your low carb smoothie, add the contents of the frozen smoothie pack, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and protein powder to the blender, and blend it up! Super easy, and saves a ton of time in the mornings.

Nutritional Info

Total nutritional content per smoothie is:

• Calories: 335 calories
• Total Fat: 15 grams
• Protein: 30 grams
• Sodium: 326 mg
• Carbohydrates: 25 grams (15 net carbs)
• Fiber: 10 grams

*This nutritional information is an estimateand calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

Pricing Info

This is what I personally paid to make this recipe:

• 1 ½cupsfresh spinach: $0.15
• 1cupunsweetened almond milk: $0.67
• ¼cupfrozen banana: $0.05
• ¼ cup frozen avocado: $0.35
• ¼cupplain Greek yogurt: $0.22
• 2tspchia seeds (bought in bulk): $0.09
• ½tspvanilla extract: $0.07
• 1scoopvanilla protein powder: $0.86

The total to make this smoothie is roughly $2.46!

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I can honestly say that you will love this low carb smoothie when you try it! It’s easy, healthy, and delicious, and comes together in less than 5 minutes! I can’t wait to hear what you think!

xoxo Megan