You’ve probably seen 1,001 green smoothie recipes on the interwebs, and I have a couple here on IGE, but I’ve officially found the most delicious one yet. The BEST EVER Green Smoothie, if I do say so myself!
I can’t take all credit as the combination comes from a new-to-me smoothie shop that Ben, Lincoln, and I visited last weekend. We trekked inside, glanced at the menu, and it was all I could do to prevent a Ben-shaped hole from appearing in the doorway because the smoothies were EIGHT DOLLARS a piece. I could buy, like, eight semi-useful things from the Target $1 bin for that kind of cash!
Needless to say we got one smoothie to split between the three of us, but it ended being so unbelievably delicious that I accidentally drank more than my share and made Lincoln cry because he didn’t get as much as he wanted. Can you say Mother of the Year?
I got back in my baby’s good graces the following day when we recreated the smoothie at home for a fraction of the cost, and it ended up being a dead ringer for the $8 one. I mean, we nailed it!
Just four ingredients – kale, baby spinach, frozen mango, and apple juice – are blended until brilliantly green, and silky smooth. If you are a green smoothie skeptic, promise me you’ll try this combo. Lincoln sucked. it. DOWN. and has had one every single day since Saturday. I mean, a salad in a glass that tastes like a tropical drink? Heck yes!
Normally I would never put juice in a smoothie – I prefer to eat my calories vs drink them (except when they’re in fermented grape form, of course) – but for me the pros outweigh the cons in this case. Loads of healthy, dark leafy greens more than make up for using 100% apple juice as the blending liquid, plus the taste is just so gosh darn good. That said, if you want to cut down on sugar you could try using coconut water in place of some of the juice. I tried water and it tasted a little bland.
We’ve been drinking Best-Ever Green Smoothies in the morning or after nap time for a boost of healthy greens, but it’d also make a great pre-workout drink. Pair it with a couple scrambled eggs or piece of peanut butter toast for a well-rounded breakfast, or even replace your nightly fermented grape juice with this smoothie instead. Who am I to tell you when and how to drink it though – just go for it!
Oh! This green smoothie makes great smoothie packs. Stuff the kale, baby spinach, and mango into ziplock baggies then freeze. When you’re ready to drink, pour the contents into a blender, add the liquid, and then blend!
Start with 1 cup packed chopped curly kale. I am counting down the days until our farmer’s market opens so I can use mountains of local kale in here! If you are thinking about starting a vegetable garden this year, consider planting kale. It’s super easy to take care of and grows well into the fall.
Add the kale plus 1 cup packed baby spinach into a blender with 1 cup frozen mango chunks. I have a Blendtec and absolutely love it. Kale can be a bit tough, but it’s blended to smithereens in this high-powered blender.
Finally add 1 cup no sugar added 100% apple juice.
Pop the lid on top then blend until silky smooth. NO color editing here – the smoothie really is this bright green, but doesn’t taste like it!
Pour the smoothie into glasses then add a straw. The recipe makes 16oz so you could split with a partner, or keep the whole thing for yourself. Bright, fresh, healthy, and 100% delicious. I hope you love this healthy smoothie recipe as much as we do – enjoy!
More Healthy Smoothie Recipes
- Back on Track Green Smoothie
- Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie
- Blueberry Muffin Smoothie
- Razzy Navel Smoothie
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Best-Ever Green Smoothie (For the Green Smoothie Skeptics!)
Description
4-ingredient Best-Ever Green Smoothie is gluten, dairy, and banana-free, and is the best-tasting green smoothie EVER! If you don't want to eat your dark leafy greens - drink them instead!
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed chopped curly kale
- 1 cup packed baby spinach
- 1 cup frozen chopped mango
- 1 cup no sugar added 100% apple juice
Directions
- Combine ingredients in a blender in the order listed then blend until very smooth and serve.
Notes
- This smoothie makes great smoothie packs! Combine kale, spinach, and mango in baggies then freeze. When ready to drink, dump contents of one baggie into a blender, add juice, and then blend until smooth.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Video
Hi! I just made this, and it looks beautiful and the flavor is OK, but it has a slightly gritty taste/texture. Any thoughts on what I have done to achieve that grittiness? i’m wondering if it’s my kale. But I just bought it and it’s fresh and came pre-washed. Thanks!
Hi Mariam! Did you use the chopped bagged kale with the stems still on? Those won’t fully blend like the leaves do. Also be sure you’re using a high powered blender.
I made it and I added a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra protein. It was yummy and really green!
Fabulous addition! I’m so glad you loved it, Kristi!!
Hi there! I was wondering what blender you used. It looks SO smooth, but for the price of most smoothie blenders, I want to be extra sure on which ones are truly worth it.
Hi Jackie! I have had a Blendtec for years and years and it is an absolute workhorse. Love it very much!
I absolutely loved the way you took pics of your little boy enjoying his best ever smoothie; all my children are grown with not too little ones lol but I’ll definitely be sharing this recipe with my two daughters. AND!! I’ll definitely be making it for myself tomorrow. To the market I go, I’m an earthly ole girl and love, love spinach, kale, all and anything greens. Thank you for each photo you shared . I’m subscribing to your website NOW !!! For more goodness lol Susansoucie54. I’ll be back for a review
I hope you loved it, Susan!!
I make this a lot. I usually use all spinach instead of the kale and sometimes change up the fruit. Recently used a frozen mix with mango, pineapple and strawberries that was really good!
Hello,
Just found your page and I am trying to get all these medical conditions under control with food. Latest diagnosis Lyme, then barrets, which is chronic acid reflux. I’m in IA as well so it was refreshing to find your page. Any suggestions or help as I’m trying to learn all this on my own. Have 1 other person I just met finally helping. Thank you for your time! Love, Light and Gratitude!
My toddler and I love it!
[…] Best Ever Green Smoothie […]
Let me tell you – I do not believe that anything of that particular color of green should be used for human consumption. I view the yoga-pant clad, muscle tee wearing crowd with an air of amusement and firmly believe that they are masochists desperately trying to lie to themselves that their green smoothies are delicious and healthy.
That said, this was the best thing I have every put in my mouth…ever. I mean, better than dessert, better than fresh watermelon on a hot day – Just amazing. I was really hesitant to try it at first but when I saw the photo you posted of your kid drinking it down, I figured if a kid likes it (rare that children like bitter vegetables like spinach or kale), it must be worth trying.
AMAZING. I happened to have some swiss chard and arugula on hand, so I threw those in as well. I think the arugula actually gives it an interesting sweet yet peppery taste – like strawberries and black pepper together.
Nevertheless, I will be carrying this in an opaque bottle – I refuse to let my yoga-muscle-tee friends think they have won.
HAHAHA!!
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Thank you so much for sharing the best evergreen smoothie. My son hate veggies but when he tasted this recipe we been drinking this everyday for the last 3 weeks. I been using coconut water and it’s so refreshing.
These are great.