5-Minute Blueberry Spinach Smoothie

A bright purple smoothie that tastes more like a blueberry milkshake than a handful of spinach. It comes together in about five minutes and leaves you with one blender jar to rinse, which is exactly what a busy morning needs.

What Makes This Smoothie a Morning Staple

The frozen banana and blueberries do all the work. They chill the smoothie without watering it down, so every sip is thick and creamy, almost like soft-serve.

I keep bags of both in the freezer, and a tub of spinach in the fridge, so this is the drink I reach for when I want something that feels like a treat but holds me over until lunch. There is no grassy aftertaste, just sweet berry and a hint of tang from the yogurt.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, packed: baby spinach blends the smoothest
• 1 large ripe banana, peeled, sliced, and frozen: the riper the banana, the sweeter the smoothie
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries: wild or regular both work
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: full-fat or 2% for creaminess; use a plant-based yogurt for dairy-free
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk: or your preferred milk
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup: optional, taste before adding

Variations / Substitutions

• Swap the spinach for kale: remove the tough stems first, and expect a slightly more earthy finish
• Use coconut yogurt and oat milk: makes it fully dairy-free with a subtle tropical note
• Trade blueberries for mixed berries: raspberries or blackberries change the color and add a little tartness
• Add a tablespoon of almond butter or a scoop of vanilla protein powder: turns it into a more filling post-workout drink

If you like a tropical spin, my Mango Pineapple Smoothie is another five-minute favorite.

How To Make a Blueberry Spinach Smoothie

Step 1: Add the Ingredients to the Blender

Pull out your blender and add the 1 cup spinach, the frozen banana, the 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, the 1/2 cup yogurt, the 1/2 cup almond milk, and the teaspoon of honey if you are using it. The whole pile goes into the pitcher in less than a minute.

Step 2: Blend Until Completely Smooth

Seal the lid and start on low speed, then ramp up to high. Blend for 30 to 60 seconds, until the motor sounds smooth and you cannot spot any leafy flecks. Stop and scrape down the sides once if needed, then give it another quick pulse.

Step 3: Pour and Serve Right Away

Pour the smoothie into a tall glass, top with a couple extra frozen blueberries if you want, and drink it while it is still icy and thick. A wide straw helps with the texture, but a spoon works too.

A Few Blending Notes

• Use frozen banana and berries for instant chill and a milkshake body; fresh fruit gives a thinner drink, so add a handful of ice
• Start with less milk for a thicker smoothie, then thin it out a splash at a time until it moves through the blender easily
• Taste before you add any sweetener: the banana and yogurt carry a lot of natural sweetness, and overdoing the honey can cover the berry flavor

Scale it up for two:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without banana?

Yes, but the texture will be thinner and less creamy. Replace the banana with half an avocado and add a little extra sweetener.

Does it actually taste like spinach?

No, the blueberries and banana cover the spinach flavor entirely. If you are nervous, start with half a cup of greens and work up.

Can I use water instead of milk?

You can, but the smoothie will lose some body. Add a teaspoon of nut butter to help round it out.

Is this smoothie okay for meal prep?

It is best right after blending. It will oxidize and separate after an hour or two in the fridge. If you need to make it ahead, freeze it in an airtight jar and let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours.

Blueberry Spinach Smoothie Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1 (about 16 oz)

Calories: 240

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, packed
• 1 large ripe banana, peeled, sliced, and frozen
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

Method

 

1. Put the spinach, frozen banana, frozen blueberries, yogurt, almond milk, and honey into a blender.
2. Blend on low, then high, for 30 to 60 seconds until completely smooth with no visible bits of green.
3. Pour into a glass and serve immediately, with extra berries on top if you like.

Notes

For a thicker smoothie, use less milk or add a few ice cubes. If you only have fresh blueberries, toss in a handful of ice so the drink stays cold and has some body.