Creamy and delicious, this Berry Spinach Protein Smoothie is packed with protein and fiber to give you lasting energy.
Mornings are a busy time – we have children to feed, jobs to get ready for, social media to check… If I had to pick one healthy breakfast recipe to suggest for busy people, without a lot of time in the morning, it would hands down be my Berry Spinach Protein Smoothie. Don’t get me wrong, as the known smoothie queen around here, I love all smoothies, but this Berry Spinach Smoothie is the one I’m currently obsessed with, and not only me, but my children are, too.
Ingredients
- Mixed berries: Frozen or fresh, throw in your favorite mix of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Naturally sweet and vibrant.
- Banana: Creamy, sweet, and full of nutrients.
- Greek yogurt: Full of protein and healthy fats, as well as adds extra creaminess.
- Protein powder: Adds flavor, sweetness, and extra protein.
- Flaxseed meal: Mostly tasteless, but full of fiber, omega 3s, and antioxidants.
- Ginger: Adds sharp, bright flavor as well as vitamins and nutrients.
- Cinnamon: A bit of delicious spice to round out the smoothie’s flavors.
- Spinach: Barely noticeable once blended in the smoothie, but full of nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants.
How to Make Berry Spinach Protein Smoothie
Start your Berry Spinach Protein Smoothie by adding your mixed berries and banana to a blender.
Next add the plain Greek yogurt.
Followed by your favorite protein powder.
And flaxseed meal.
Then shove down your leafy greens.
Top it off with some cinnamon and ginger.
Add ice and some water, then blend until smooth.
Pour evenly into glasses, serve, and enjoy!
Change It Up
- Swap the berries. You could use just strawberries or raspberries and still have a delicious smoothie.
- Change the greens. Instead of spinach, add kale, chard, lettuce, or celery.
- Switch out the additive. Instead of flaxseed meal, add chia seeds, hemp seeds, or wheatgrass.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are smoothies good for you?
By nature, they take longer to consume which gives the brain the extra time to register fullness. And they’re a low-calorie source of protein and fiber which means you will have lasting energy and won’t be hungry an hour later.
Do I have to add ice to frozen fruit in a smoothie?
Nope! Unless you want it thicker, than slowly add it until you reach the consistency you like.
Can I pre-make this smoothie?
Yes! In fact, I love making smoothie freezer bags in advance for even faster breakfasts and added variety.
More Smoothies
- Carrot Apple Ginger Smoothie
- Kale Banana Berry Smoothie
- Chocolate Orange Smoothie
- Pineapple Mango Green Smoothie
- Blueberry Cinnamon Smoothie
Did you try this smoothie? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials. Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your drink.
Smoothies are a delicious way to start your day, but they’re also so easy to make, you can get your kids involved as well! My boys love smoothies, and they can whip up a batch all on their own now. And they love this Berry Spinach Protein Smoothie as much as I do, and I know you will, too.
Your straw is waiting.
Berry Spinach Protein Smoothie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed berries (frozen)
- ½ banana
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (0% fat)
- 1 scoop protein powder
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon flax seed meal
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups baby spinach
- handful ice
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth.
This may already be listed somewhere and I overlooked it, but about how many liquid ounces does one serving make?
I struggle fitting lunch into my daily schedule and I’m thinking this would make for a great meal substitute! Might add a small bit of kale to it. Thanks!
It varies based on people’s preference and how much ice they add, but I’d say between 6-8 fluid ounces!
Do you use plain yogurt? I’m new to the smoothie world :)
Yes I always use plain yogurt – either Greek or regular plain. I don’t use sweetened yogurt because I always add fruit. :)
Loved the recipe! we exchanged the greek yogurt for protein powder and the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice…… and will definitely make it again.. Thanks!!
Hi Liz! Sorry, if you have posted this somewhere already, but what type of protein powder do you recommend? And would it be beneficial to do a smoothie more than once a day…to really help with weight loss? Thanks a bunch!
Hi Casey! Great question and one I get all the time. So much so in fact that I have a tab on my main page called “Shop” where I link to all of my favorite ingredients, gadgets and more through Amazon. Here’s the link in case you can’t find it: http://astore.amazon.com/thlebo-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=1 BioChem is my favorite protein powder and we use it daily!! As for having a smoothie more than once a day – I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that but personally I would get bored and give up. To lose weight, just try to cut 500 calories a day (or burn 500 calories or split the difference cutting 250 and burning 250.) Of course I am not a medical professional so I can’t give out specific weight loss advice. :-)
Thank you so much!!! :) I’ve never counted calories…guess I’ve just been intimidated to do that for some reason.
Thanks for the advice!
I love smoothies! This looks so good, and I love the fact that you added ginger! :)
I’m so glad you like the ginger add – it’s my favorite too!!!
I’ve been ‘free-stylin’ my smoothies lately and they have been less than delicious. Thanks for a great recipe that I can follow to get me back on track! I was hunting for a green one with berries–thanks! :)
I love that you can make this the night before, makes the morning so much easier!
YES Jessica!! Such a time saver!!
yum! We have smoothies almost every morning, but I never use ginger or cinnamon or flax seed… I think I’m missing out on some health benefits!
Ginger tastes so good with the berries (or peaches or any fruit) and it is a natural digestive aid. The cinnamon has a ton of antioxidants (plus good flavor) and the flax seed is obviously great for you. Let me know what you think Megan!
YOU ROCK. This smoothie recipe is what I needed (especially the tips). I always make my smoothies in the mornings but it’s SO loud that I can’t do it on the weekends cause I’ll wake up the fiancé. So smart to make it the night before then blend it in the morning with ice or just drink it without the ice – it’s still cold, right?! I need to get some protein powder – I’m sure it’d keep me fuller. I need to get back on track with my diet. Which, I was actually thinking about you a lot today and I need to email you soon. You seem like a great motivator ;)
So funny about waking your fiance!! I’ve never actually tried blending it the night before since I always add ice in the morning but it will most definitely still be cold. And yes, the protein powder is a must or else you’ll be hungry five seconds later. If you workout, it’s especially key. Shoot me an email any time!! Would be happy to motivate. :-) xoxo
This could fit right in to my current smoothie addiction! I keep meaning to add spinach in and haven’t yet–looks so tasty. :) Also, I love fresh ginger in smoothies and tea…so good.
You’ve gotta try it – I swear you won’t taste it!! My son and husband love green smoothies and trust me, they aren’t drinking them for the health benefits. ;-)
I love making smoothies in the morning, but never thought to prep everything in the blender and leave it in the fridge overnight. So smart! I’m always up for a new tip to give me more time to sleep :)
Yes!! It’s SUCH a time saver!!! Enjoy! :)
Liz, you are brilliant! I can’t wait to get my blend on. I’ve been looking for great smoothie recipes and this looks amazing. High-five, gurrrr!!
You are so sweet… FIST PUMP right back ‘atcha!
I am on a smoothie kick lately – just got a blender for Christmas! I have been wanting to try one with spinach, and this isn’t green – so I stand a chance of my 7 year old drinking! Pinning and trying soon!
The berries are darker than the baby spinach so it never turns totally green!! Also, I add cinnamon for extra flavor and antioxidants which also prevents it from looking green. :-) Put it in a fun colored to-go cup/straw they also can’t tell the color! :-)
It must be smoothie day, I’m seeing these all over! :) This looks great!
I loooove berry protein shakes. My hubby always does chocolate versions and it’s too much for me. Can’t wait to try your version
Let me know what you think, Carrian! I don’t have a big sweet tooth so I love the tartness that the berries bring.
I love smoothies – such a great way to start the day and get key nutrients into our little ones!
It’s so true!! Plus, I swear my son wants to eat whatever I am eating so he always drinks a good amount of mine – lol.
Smoothies are one of my favorite daily treats. I usually end up having it as an afternoon snack. And I’m always looking for new ways to make them! Love your recipe and look forward to trying it.
Thanks so much Kim!!! When I had my son, they became a necessity. I love that they can sit for awhile. :-) Have a great week!