This creamy banana spinach smoothie is a quick and nourishing way to start the day. With just five simple ingredients—almond milk, frozen spinach, a frozen banana, ground flaxseed, and a spoonful of nut butter—this green smoothie comes together in minutes and delivers a smooth, naturally sweet flavor without a strong spinach taste. The banana and nut butter balance the greens for a mild, pleasant drink you can enjoy any morning.

I love starting my day with a green smoothie because it feels like an easy, healthy choice that requires very little prep. Using frozen fruit and vegetables makes this recipe practical and ready-to-blend whenever you are. Frozen bananas create a thick, creamy texture without needing ice. The nut butter adds richness and a bit of protein, while ground flaxseed contributes fiber and a subtle nutty flavor.
If you’re new to green smoothies and worried about a leafy taste, don’t be: the banana and nut butter mask the spinach well. The result is a subtly sweet, creamy smoothie that still packs in greens—perfect for busy mornings or as a post-workout refuel.
Just a Few Simple Ingredients

- Milk: This recipe uses almond milk for a mild, slightly nutty base. You can substitute whole milk, soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or water if you prefer. Choose unsweetened milk to keep added sugar low.
- Bananas: Frozen bananas create thickness and creaminess. When bananas get very ripe, peel them, cut in half, and freeze in a bag for smoothies later.
- Nut Butter: Use any nut butter you enjoy—peanut, almond, or cashew are all great choices. Nut butter adds flavor, healthy fats, and a satisfying texture.
- Spinach: Frozen spinach is convenient and blends smoothly. If using fresh baby spinach, increase the amount to about 1 cup to match the volume of ½ cup frozen spinach.
- Ground Flaxseed: A tablespoon of ground flaxseed provides fiber and a mild, nutty note. It is easy to add and blends well into smoothies.

Step 1: Place all ingredients in a blender.
Step 2: Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add a splash more milk to thin the smoothie to your desired consistency.

Making the Perfect, Thick Smoothie
This smoothie is naturally thick thanks to the frozen banana, but you can make it even thicker if you like. A small handful of frozen cauliflower rice blends in without changing the taste and adds bulk and fiber. Greek yogurt is another option to increase creaminess and add protein.
A high-speed blender will give the smoothest texture and make quick work of frozen ingredients. If your blender struggles, start with the liquid and softer items first, then add frozen ingredients and blend in short bursts.

Recipe

Banana Spinach Smoothie
Ella Gilbert
A quick green smoothie made with frozen banana, spinach, nut butter, and flaxseed. Smooth, slightly sweet, and ready in minutes.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 smoothie
Calories: 298 kcal
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- ½ cup frozen spinach
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon nut butter
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the blender: milk, frozen spinach, frozen banana, ground flaxseed, and nut butter.
- Blend on high until everything is smooth and creamy. Pause and scrape down the sides if needed, then blend again.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more milk and blend to reach your preferred consistency.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
Add-ins: Optional additions include chia seeds, hemp hearts, protein powder, Greek yogurt, or a small cucumber for extra freshness.
Spinach: If using fresh baby spinach, use 1 cup instead of ½ cup frozen.
Milk: Substitute any milk you prefer—oat, soy, cow’s milk, or cashew milk all work well.
Storage: This smoothie is best enjoyed right after blending. If you need to store it, keep it refrigerated in a sealed container and consume within 24 hours; separation is natural, so shake or stir before drinking.
Nutrition (estimate per serving)
- Calories: 298 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Sugar: 16 g
- Potassium: 869 mg
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment to share how it went or what variations you tried. I love seeing your versions and hearing any tweaks that worked well for you.