How to Make a Green Smoothie Delicious

Green smoothies are all the rage these days, and for good reason. We can all probably afford to consume more dark leafy greens. Enjoying a green smoothie makes it easy. My daily green smoothie even helped me to quit drinking coffee by supplying my body with raw energy.

Leafy greens fill a smoothie with chlorophyll, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that you can’t get using just fruit, but it’s no secret that it’s easier to make a tasty fruit smoothie than it is a delicious green smoothie. How do you make a smoothie filled with green vegetables taste delicious? I assure you, it can be done.

KNOW YOUR GREENS 

If you want to create a delicious green smoothie, it’s important to choose the right greens. You can’t go wrong with spinach, kale, collards, chard (rib removed), beet greens, and romaine. If you’re new to green smoothies, start with the milder tasting greens like spinach and romaine. Some herbs are also delicious in smoothies. Try cilantro, mint, basil, or parsley blended in with other greens. Though they are incredibly nutritious, mustard greens, dandelion greens, arugula, and other spicy leaves aren’t the best addition smoothies. Save them for salads, or for your favorite cooked dishes including soups and sautées.

ADD THE RIGHT FRUIT 

To add natural sweetness to a green smoothie, incorporate some in-season fruit. In summer, mango, peaches, pineapple, and berries make their way into my blends. For the perfect smooth texture, always use a creamy fruit like mango, banana, or avocado. Frozen fruit makes it even creamier.

LOVE YOUR LIQUIDS 

I like fruity smoothies, so my liquid base is usually a very juicy fruit like pineapple or orange. When blended, these fruits become the only liquid I need. For thinner smoothies, try coconut water, fruit juice, or almond milk; each makes for a unique smoothie.

BULK IT UP 

For added protein, fiber, and flavor, try bulking up your smoothie to make it a complete meal. Chia, flax, and hemp seeds can be blended into smoothies to add healthy protein plus omega-3 fat. You can also try a spoonful or two of your favorite nut butter such as almond, cashew, or peanut.

BLEND IT SMOOTH 

A great high-speed blender such as a Vitamix will take you to smoothie heaven in no time. If you don’t have one of the more expensive machines, that’s okay: try blending your smoothie longer for the perfect texture. Using frozen fruits will help prevent the smoothie from warming up during the blending process.

SHARE WITH US. What’s your favorite green smoothie combo?