Save I used to think green smoothies were all hype until I blended this one on a sluggish Tuesday morning. The avocado made it so creamy I forgot I was drinking spinach. My sister called it swamp juice until she tried it, then asked for the recipe. Now it's my reset button whenever I need energy without the jitters.
I started making this for my roommate during exam week, and she swore it was the only reason she survived her finals. We'd blend two batches at dawn, sit on the fire escape, and watch the city wake up. The mango sweetness covered up the green, and the chia seeds made us feel like we had our lives together. It became our quiet morning ritual before the chaos started.
Ingredients
- Fresh baby spinach: Use the tender leaves, not the tough stuff, and rinse them well because grit in a smoothie ruins everything.
- Ripe avocado: It should yield to gentle pressure, the creaminess here replaces yogurt and makes the texture impossibly silky.
- Ripe banana: Brown spots are your friend, they add natural sweetness so you don't need much else.
- Frozen mango chunks: Frozen fruit thickens the blend and keeps it cold without diluting the flavor like ice does.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Any plant milk works, but almond keeps it light and doesn't fight with the fruit.
- Fresh lemon juice: Just a splash brightens everything and cuts through the richness of the avocado.
- Chia seeds: They don't change the taste but they thicken it slightly and make you feel like you're doing something right.
- Honey or maple syrup: Only if your fruit isn't sweet enough, taste first before adding.
- Ice cubes: For when you want it frosty and thick, but the frozen mango usually does the job.
Instructions
- Load the blender:
- Toss the spinach, avocado, banana, mango, and almond milk into the blender in that order. Liquid on the bottom helps the blades catch everything without jamming.
- Add the boosters:
- Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle the chia seeds if you're using them. They'll disappear into the blend but add a subtle thickness.
- Blend until smooth:
- Run the blender on high until no green flecks remain and the texture is creamy. This usually takes about 30 seconds, maybe a bit more if your blender is older.
- Adjust sweetness:
- Taste it with a spoon and add honey or maple syrup only if it needs help. The banana and mango are usually sweet enough on their own.
- Thicken if desired:
- If you want it colder or thicker, drop in a few ice cubes and blend again for 10 seconds.
- Serve immediately:
- Pour it into two glasses and drink it right away. It separates if it sits too long, and nobody wants a grainy smoothie.
Save 
Save The first time I brought this to a brunch potluck, someone asked if I'd bought it from a juice bar. I didn't admit I'd made it in my pajamas ten minutes before leaving. It felt good to serve something that looked impressive but required zero skill. Everyone went home with the recipe scribbled on napkins.
Swaps and Variations
Frozen pineapple or peaches work just as well as mango if that's what you have. I've also thrown in a handful of fresh mint when I wanted it to taste more like a mojito than a smoothie. If you need extra protein, a scoop of vanilla plant-based powder blends in without changing the flavor much. For a thinner drink, just add more almond milk a little at a time until it pours the way you like.
Storage and Prep
This doesn't store well because the avocado oxidizes and the texture gets weird after a few hours. If you absolutely must make it ahead, blend everything except the lemon juice, store it in an airtight jar in the fridge, and add the lemon right before drinking. I've also frozen leftover smoothie in ice cube trays and re-blended them later with a splash of milk, which works better than I expected.
Serving Suggestions
I usually drink this straight from the blender cup on rushed mornings, but it's nice in a tall glass with a paper straw when I have time. It pairs well with toast, granola, or nothing at all if you're running out the door.
- Top with a sprinkle of chia seeds or hemp hearts for texture.
- Serve alongside scrambled tofu or avocado toast for a full breakfast.
- Pour into a bowl and add granola and berries for a smoothie bowl situation.
Save 
Save This smoothie taught me that eating well doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming. It's just about keeping good ingredients around and blending them before you talk yourself out of it.