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This single serving green smoothie is made with spinach, banana, pineapple, blueberries, and ginger. It’s fresh, flavorful, and ready in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Just blend and go.
- Nutrient-Rich: Filled with leafy greens, fruit, and fresh ginger.
- Great Flavor: Sweet, vibrant, and well-balanced.
- Customizable: Use your favorite fruits and greens.
- Energizing: A refreshing boost for mornings or pre-workouts.
What I love most about this green smoothie is how simple and satisfying it is. No big blender mess, no leftover smoothie sitting in the fridge. Just one perfectly portioned glass, made fresh and just for you. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with good-for-you ingredients that leave you feeling energized without being weighed down.
This recipe has become my go-to when I want something quick, easy, and nourishing. I can throw everything into the blender, give it a quick whirl, and have something bright and flavorful in minutes. There’s no waste, no guesswork, and no need to make a huge batch. It’s exactly what I need when I’m short on time but still want to make a healthy choice.
This green smoothie is great any time of day. Enjoy it with an egg wrap or avocado toast for breakfast, as a midday snack, pre- or post-workout boost, or even as a light, nutrient-packed dessert. It also pairs well with a simple green salad and homemade vinaigrette for a refreshing lunch.
Ingredients
This green smoothie is easy to customize. Here’s a favorite combination:
- Spinach: Use 2 to 2 1/2 cups loosely packed fresh spinach. It blends smoothly without altering the flavor. If substituting with kale, expect a bolder taste. Extra spinach? Use it in Tuscan chicken for one or a single breakfast sandwich.
- Banana: One medium or large banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess. Leftover banana? Try banana bread with one banana or small batch banana pancakes.
- Blueberries: Add 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries for flavor and antioxidants. Extra berries are great in a mini blueberry crisp or single serving baked oatmeal.
- Pineapple: Use 1 cup chopped pineapple for a tropical touch. Leftovers work well in single serving ambrosia salad or a tropical smoothie.
- Ginger: Add a 1/2-inch piece of peeled, grated or sliced fresh ginger for a zesty kick. Fresh is best. Use extra in ginger turmeric tea or chicken tikka masala for one.
- Juice: Use 1/2 cup of no-sugar-added juice (cranberry, apple, or pineapple), or a plant-based milk like almond, cashew, soy, or coconut. If using water, add a little honey or other sweetener if needed.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Protein Powder: Makes the smoothie creamier and more filling. Use your favorite or leave it out.
- Ice: Add for a colder smoothie, especially if using fresh fruit. Frozen fruit can be a good substitute.
- Good Fats: Add coconut oil, nuts, seeds, or 1/4 of an avocado for extra nutrition.
Pro Tip: Try other fruits like mango, strawberries, apple, or pear to switch up the flavor. This recipe is flexible, adjust it to your taste.
How To Make A Green Smoothie
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Add the ingredients to a blender: Combine spinach, banana, blueberries, pineapple, ginger, and juice (or milk/water) in a blender. If using any optional add-ins like protein powder, avocado, or ice, add them now.
- Blend until smooth: Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stop to scrape down the sides if needed.
- Taste and adjust: Give the smoothie a quick taste. If you’d like it sweeter, add a touch of honey or maple syrup and blend again.
- Serve immediately: Pour into a glass and enjoy right away while it’s cold and fresh.
Expert Tips
- Blending in Stages: If using a lower-powered blender, blend the spinach and liquid first until smooth. Then add the fruit and blend again. High-powered blenders (like a Vitamix) can handle everything at once.
- Use Frozen Fruit Instead of Ice: Frozen fruit keeps your smoothie cold without watering it down. You can freeze ripe bananas (peeled), spinach, and kale for easy use.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If the smoothie tastes too “green,” add more naturally sweet fruits like banana, pineapple, mango, apple, or pear.
- Fruit Swaps: Don’t like or can’t eat certain fruits? Swap them with an equal amount of your favorites.
- Control the Texture: For a thicker smoothie, add more fruit or a bit of avocado. To thin it out, add more liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir before drinking.
It’s naturally sweet from the fruit, but you can add honey or maple syrup if you want it sweeter.
Yes, simply double the ingredients to make two servings.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this green smoothie or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Green Smoothie For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups loosely packed spinach
- 1 medium banana
- ½ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or frozen)
- ½-inch knob peeled fresh ginger -sliced, chopped, or grated
- ½ cup no-sugar added fruit juice
- ½ cup ice cubes (optional)
- Optional ingredients: protein powder or collagen powder
Instructions
- Combine spinach, banana, blueberries, pineapple, ginger, and juice in a blender. If using any optional add-ins like protein powder, avocado, or ice, add them now.
- Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stop to scrape down the sides if needed.
- Give the smoothie a quick taste. If you’d like it sweeter, add a touch of honey or maple syrup and blend again.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy right away while it’s cold and fresh.
Notes
- Blending in Stages: If using a lower-powered blender, blend the spinach and liquid first until smooth. Then add the fruit and blend again. High-powered blenders can handle everything at once.
- Use Frozen Fruit Instead of Ice: Frozen fruit keeps your smoothie cold without watering it down. You can freeze ripe bananas (peeled), spinach, and kale for easy use.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If the smoothie tastes too “green,” add more naturally sweet fruits like banana, pineapple, mango, apple, or pear.
- Fruit Swaps: Don’t like or can’t eat certain fruits? Swap them with an equal amount of your favorites.
- Control the Texture: For a thicker smoothie, add more fruit or a bit of avocado. To thin it out, add more liquid.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I tried this today and I really enjoyed it! I’m wondering though, it it really 1 serving? It makes a LOT! I have a Ninja blender with single serve cups and I knew that I could not make this in one of the singles; I had to use the big blender. I loved the zip of the ginger and since I’ve had some issues with muscle inflammation, I’m hoping this will help! Now for the laugh – I used frozen fruit and because I like my smoothie cold, I added some ice too – it was so thick, I needed to add more liquid! Next time, I’ll know! Thanks for always providing great recipes!