Green Detox Smoothie

Boost the start of your day with this quick green detox smoothie! Featuring simple ingredients like spinach, green apple, and pineapple, it’s bright, refreshing, and energizing. Just blend and sip in 5 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or whenever you need a nourishing pick-me-up!

This green detox smoothie delivers so many nutrients with just a handful of affordable ingredients you likely have on hand. And if you love quick, health-boosting drinks, check out my cucumber smoothie!

Why I Love This Recipe

I turn to this green detox smoothie whenever I need a “toss and blend” breakfast. It’s made with simple, healthy ingredients like spinach, green apple, ginger, and chia seeds, so it’s both budget-friendly and packed with good-for-you nutrients!

Thanks to the frozen banana and pineapple, the texture is ultra-creamy and refreshing, and the lemon juice and mint leaves help brighten things up.

I love that it’s kid-friendly, too—sneaking in spinach and other veggies is a breeze when a green smoothie tastes this good! Enjoy it for a morning boost or a midday pick-me-up bursting with vitamins and minerals.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this green detox smoothie.

• Baby Spinach: Adds a boost of vitamins and minerals without overpowering the flavor.
• Green Apple: Provides a crisp, tart note that brightens this green detox smoothie.
• Bananas: Add natural sweetness, creaminess, and thickness. Use frozen banana slices to make your smoothie cool and refreshing!
• Pineapple: Provides a tropical, juicy flavor that balances the greens.
• Almond Butter: Offers healthy fats and a subtle nutty flavor, enhancing the creaminess and making the smoothie more filling. Feel free to use raw or roasted almond butter.
• Lemon Juice: Adds more acidity and brightness, helping give this smoothie a fresh flavor. For the best taste, use freshly squeezed lemon juice (not bottled).
• Mint Leaves: Bring a cooling, refreshing aroma and flavor that complements the fruits.
• Ginger: Adds a subtle warmth and spice. Bonus: fresh ginger aids in digestion and balances the sweetness.
• Chia Seeds: Provide fiber and omega-3s, making this smoothie more satisfying.

Substitutions

• Spinach: Feel free to swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard in the same amount.
• Green Apple: For a similar flavor, choose a different apple variety or even a pear.
• Banana: In a pinch, you can use frozen mango or peaches in equal amounts. 
• Pineapple: No pineapple on hand? Replace it with the same amount of mango chunks!
• Almond Butter: Feel free to use peanut or cashew butter instead. If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seed or pumpkin seed butter!
• Lemon: If you don’t have lemons, use an equivalent amount of lime juice.
• Mint: You can also try fresh basil—start with half to avoid overpowering the smoothie.
• Ginger: If you don’t have ginger, you can use a pinch of ground ginger or omit it altogether. Ground ginger is more concentrated, so start with less and adjust as needed.
• Chia Seeds: Chia seeds can be replaced with flax seeds or hemp seeds if you prefer.

How to Make

Making this detox tropical smoothie is so simple that you can do it with your eyes closed! Just follow my tips for the best results.

Preparation

If you haven’t already, peel the banana, slice it, and place the slices in the freezer for at least 2 hours or overnight. Do the same with the pineapple (if you haven’t purchased frozen pineapple). Using frozen fruit helps achieve a thicker, creamier texture without ice.

Assembly

Step 1
Add the baby spinach, green apple chunks, frozen banana slices, pineapple, almond butter, mint leaves, lemon, ginger, and chia seeds to a high-speed blender.

Step 2
Pour in the water over the top. Secure the lid and blend on low speed initially, then gradually increase to high speed until the mixture is completely smooth.

Step 3
Taste and adjust thickness or sweetness if you’d like. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or plant milk. If you prefer more sweetness, add more fruit or a drizzle of sweetener.

Expert Tip

The secret to a perfectly smooth green detox smoothie is layering your ingredients! Start by placing the leafy greens at the bottom, then add your frozen fruits and chia seeds, finishing with liquids on top.

Start the blender at a low speed to help chop down larger pieces before going high. This extra step prevents chunks from sticking to the sides and ensures a silky-smooth texture.

Recipe Tips

• Use Frozen Fruit: I always recommend using frozen fruit to make your smoothie cool and thick without ice, which eventually waters it down.
• Soak Chia Seeds: If you prefer a smoother consistency, soak your chia seeds in water for a few minutes before blending. This helps them mix more evenly into the smoothie.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth, a handful of berries for antioxidants, or a scoop of protein for an extra-filling green detox smoothie. This recipe is flexible to whatever you have on hand!

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing

Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately, but you can store your detox tropical smoothie in the fridge if needed. Transfer it to an airtight container, filling it as much as possible to minimize air exposure.

It will keep for up to 24 hours, but you may need to shake or stir it before drinking due to separation. You can also freeze the smoothie components (like banana slices and apple chunks) separately and blend them fresh when ready.

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