Green Protein Power
Green Protein Power is creamy, filling, and easy to drink. Spinach, banana, vanilla protein, almond butter, almond milk, and ice blend into a smooth green protein smoothie with a mild flavor. The banana and almond butter soften the spinach, while the vanilla protein makes it more satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Green Protein Power is a good option when you want greens and protein in one smoothie without a strong green taste. Spinach blends in smoothly, banana adds natural sweetness, and almond butter gives the drink a creamy, nutty finish. Vanilla protein makes the smoothie more filling, while almond milk keeps it easy to sip. It works well as a quick breakfast, a post-workout smoothie, or a more satisfying afternoon snack.
Make-Ahead Tips
Rinse and thoroughly dry the spinach before portioning it with sliced banana in a freezer-safe container. Keep the almond milk, almond butter, and protein powder separate until blending time. If both the banana and spinach are frozen, begin with less ice because the frozen ingredients may already make the smoothie cold and thick. Pour the almond milk into the blender first, followed by the frozen produce, almond butter, protein powder, and only as much ice as needed. A finished smoothie can be refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 24 hours. Shake or re-blend it before drinking because the protein and spinach may settle.
Texture and Flavor Notes
This smoothie should be creamy, smooth, and cold. Almond butter and banana give it body, almond milk keeps it drinkable, and ice chills everything down. Spinach should blend into the background instead of tasting grassy. Vanilla protein can clump when it is added too close to the lid, so place it near the middle of the blender where it can blend into the fruit and almond butter. The final smoothie should look evenly green with no spinach pieces or protein clumps left.
Green Protein Power
Description
Green Protein Power is creamy, filling, and easy to drink. Spinach, banana, vanilla protein, almond butter, almond milk, and ice blend into a smooth green protein smoothie with a mild flavor. The banana and almond butter soften the spinach, while the vanilla protein makes it more satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup loosely packed baby spinach
- 1 medium banana
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, about 30 grams or one package scoop
- 1 tablespoon smooth almond butter
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup ice
Instructions
- 1Gather the spinach, banana, vanilla protein powder, almond butter, almond milk, and ice before you start.
- 2Rinse the spinach under cool water when using loose spinach, then pat it dry.
- 3Peel the banana and break it into a few pieces.
- 4Pour the almond milk into the blender first so the blades have liquid to work with.
- 5Add the banana, spinach, and almond butter.
- 6Add the vanilla protein powder near the middle of the blender so it blends into the fruit instead of sticking to the lid.
- 7Add the ice last so it crushes evenly as the smoothie blends.
- 8Secure the lid and blend on low for about 10 seconds to start breaking down the spinach and banana.
- 9Increase to high and blend for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the smoothie looks creamy and evenly green with no spinach pieces, banana chunks, or protein clumps left.
- 10Stop the blender and taste a small spoonful. Add a splash more almond milk if it feels too thick.
- 11Pour into a chilled glass and drink right away while it is cold and smooth.
Tips and Tricks
- 1
Use baby spinach for the mildest green flavor.
- 2
Add the protein near the middle of the blender so it does not stick to the lid.
- 3
Use frozen banana for a thicker, colder smoothie.
- 4
Blend until the color is evenly green with no spinach flecks left.
- 5
Add almond milk a small splash at a time when the smoothie gets too thick.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per small serving (1/2 of the recipe). Assumes one approximately 30 g protein-powder scoop with about 120 calories and 24 g protein.
Calories: 180kcal, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 7g, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 8g, Sodium: 170mg.
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredient brands, product sizes, preparation methods, and substitutions. It is not intended as medical or dietary advice.