Cool, creamy, and LOADED with vitamins and minerals, this is by far my favourite green smoothie recipe!
I need to tell you something, but before I do, you have to promise not to judge me for it. Promise? Okay.
Yesterday was National Cookie Day, but because it was a day for Thinking Out Loud and I couldn’t post a recipe, I was going to get one up for you guys today instead. Better late than never, right? And I would have still been baking and eating cookies on the designated day, so I figured that counted for something.
The only problem was that when it came time to head to the kitchen and fire up the oven… I just couldn’t work up the motivation to do it. I had plenty of recipe ideas that I wanted to test out, but — and here’s where it’s important for you to remember that you promised not to judge me — I just didn’t want cookies.
What I really wanted was one of these…
Stop giving me that look — it’s true. I couldn’t work up the enthusiasm to whip up a batch of cookies, but I got all sorts of excited at the thought of sharing one of my favourite smoothie recipes with you. And before you start calling me crazy for choosing [green] smoothies over cookies during a time of the year where cookies should reign supreme, hear me out.
I love cookies, but I also really love fruits and veggies. In fact, if we’re being completely honest with each other, I’ll admit that I actually crave the latter more often than I do the former. That’s not to say that I never want cookies, but you do start to tire of them after baking (and taste testing) batch after batch after batch…. You start craving something cool, creamy, and fresh; something like a green smoothie…
I know I’m not the only one who still drinks smoothies in the winter, and if I am, then I shouldn’t be. Smoothies (especially green ones!) are a great way to give our bodies the nutrients they need, which is especially important during a time of the year when all the stress from holiday planning and final exams can take a huge toll on our immune systems and make us more susceptible to colds, flus, and general fatigue.
Smoothies are also incredibly energizing thanks to their high concentration of nutrients and the ease with which our bodies can digest them. Think about it. The ingredients are basically broken down for us already, so we don’t have to worry about wolfing down a meal, not taking enough time to chew things properly, and then suffering digestive disturbances or a lull in energy as a result. All our bodies have to do is absorb the rich bounty of vitamins that we give them, distribute that goodness to all our cells, and power us up for an afternoon of Christmas shopping or studying.
Oh, and they taste pretty fantastic too.
If you’re new to green smoothies, don’t worry — you can’t actually taste the greens. Spinach has a really mild flavour, which is easily masked by the sweetness of the bananas, dates, and orange juice. If you’re not keen on the idea of using orange juice (or don’t have any on hand), you can easily sub that out with some almond milk, but I highly recommend trying the juice route at least once, especially since it offers a nice dose of vitamin C. And if you’re wary about the avocado, don’t be! You don’t taste it at all, and it adds the most wonderfully luxurious creaminess to the smoothie. Still not sold? Feel free to sub it with a spoonful of your favourite nut butter, just make sure to get some healthy fats in there to help with the absorption of vitamins and help keep you satisfied longer.
Other than that, all that’s left to say is “Enjoy!” I’ve been starting every day with one of these, often having another later in the afternoon, and I’m absolutely loving the way it makes me feel.
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 ripe banana, frozen
- 1 – 2 fresh dates, pitted
- ¼ of a ripe avocado
- 1 cup spinach
- Place all ingredients into any standard blender and blend until smooth.
- Transfer to glass and drink immediately or place in fridge for 15-20 minutes to allow it to thicken up even more. If you want a more pudding-like consistency, prep the day before and leave in the fridge overnight.
Looking for more healthy smoothie recipes? Try one of these!
Healthy Chocolate Mousse Smoothie
Do you still drink smoothies during the colder months?
Have you ever had a green smoothie before? Thoughts?
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Hmm I remember you poking fun at green smoothies at one point :p. This does sound awesome…but.but I’m still waiting for the smoothie recipe that lost out to the hot chocolate!
I’m not really much of a smoothie person – especially not in the colder months. Can we still be friends if I think you’re a bit crazy? 😉 This smoothie recipe does look delicious though!
Oh wow that looks delicious! I’ve never tried avocado in a smoothie but it looks intriguing!
I love my green smoothies – i still haven’t tried the avocado in a smoothie thing yet though! One of these days.
I keep trying different smoothies, not a fan of drinking food (I would rather chew lol) and drinking anything bright green ….. Did try your apple pie smoothie (love apples) it was delish, and the color was perfect, hehe.
Arlene
Sara from Walking Slowly Living Wildy (now it’s Nesting Gyspy) first got me hooked on green smoothies (and hula hoops, oh, and dreads) about five years ago! I don’t like eating fruits and veggies so this is how I get them down. Green smoothies are brilliant!
I haven’t tried avocado in the green smoothie yet I will have to give that a try!
I love smoothies but have gotten out of the habit of making them. thanks for sharing these!
This is so funny….I swear everyone (okay, 3 of you) posted green smoothies today- Love it, because it’s Summer here! Still can’t believe there’s an avocado in there!
I’ve been loving smoothies lately, I have been alternating between having one every other morning. Really I think it’s just the bananas…I’ve upped my banana intake and I know you can appreciate that.
I drink a lot of green smoothies… when I would drink them in the winter I would get SO COLD, I would have to go get a hot shower!!! Now it’s never cold where I live haha.
This looks really yummy! I just recently tried avocado and I can’t believe it took 15 years finally try some … I’m a bit disappointed in myself 😉
My philosophy is that it is not a GOOD green smoothie unless it contains a frozen ripe banana. Congratulations. You passed my test! 😉
Yum, i love avocados in smoothies– so creamy!!
Yum – this is almost exactly like the salad I have every morning. I never think to add the avocado though – will certainly have to try that 🙂
Hi Amanda! No judgment zone. I often crave healthy things too (but of course, have a rampant sweet tooth when the time is right). I like to make green smoothies at home using a mix of frozen and fresh veggies and fruits. You can’t go wrong with a cold and tasty beverage full of nutrients. This one looks great!
I have been on a smoothie tear…I feel like I have been having 3-4 a week. They’re just so good and refreshing…Your is the perfect green…Nom Nom!
Mmmm, sounds fabulous! I love green smoothies and drink one multiple times per week. It’s a great way to get in tonssss of produce and nutrients. Orange juice in my smoothies is actually my favorite! Yum.
yes! totally diggin the dates and orange juice combo. Tangy and tart and well –> PRETTY
I absolutely love the creaminess that avocado adds to smoothies! I would take a green smoothie over a cookie post any day, especially one that has amazing things like dates, oranges, and avocado in it!
I’m right there with you on preferring green smoothies over cookies right now. I’ve made three batches over the past two weeks and none of them have been good enough to post. So I’m eating my way through failures, wishing I had one of these instead. The combo of orange and banana sounds delicious!
I’ve been on a green smoothie kick this week for breakfasts. It’s kind of a big deal since I’ve had eggs for breakfast every single day for over a year. I don’t know what’s come over me especially since it’s WINTER, but I will say that my energy levels have been through the roof. (Even though I’ve always had them fairly regularly anyway, but maybe they are being absorbed better on an empty stomach??)
I tend to stay away from consuming anything that is colder than room temperature in the winter… I’m cold enough as it is. I would probably need to wear a sweater if I drank a smoothie right now!
I am a fellow winter smoothie drinker! So you’re definitely not alone! As long as I have my trusty space heater near me brave the cold in favor of creamy deliciousness. 🙂
I have yet to add avocado to a smoothie, but I hear it is so delicious!! I seem to use all mine up before I get a chance to do it 🙂
I haven’t been drinking as many greens lately, but that’s because I’m rarely home. I don’t know what’s come over me – I think I’ve been possessed by a HLB demon, but I’m on an oatmeal kick.
I didn’t realize yesterday was National Cookie Day, I’m thinking I might need to make up for that this weekend!!! Smoothies are so beautiful and fresh. I’ve been working on a couple of new ones this week! So good!
That is the most green smoothie I’ve ever seen. It looks seriously delicious! Love it.
Totally agree about spinach – it’s the best way to “hide” greens!
I drink a smoothie almost every day, even when it is. I never thought of letting smoothies sit to thicken up – is it the chia seeds in this one that make it thicker?
Oops – meant to say even when it is cold outside!
I haven’t had a good green smoothie in so long! I was just telling my friend about it. Lol. Such interesting convos I have.But yeah adding dates to a smoothie takes it to a whole new level. And the avocado! So creamy for sure. Have fun on the slopes this weekend!
I know what you mean – lately, I have been craving veggies more than sweets too – I thought it was a side effect of getting older…fingers crossed it’s not! 🙂
I use almond milk in my smoothies – never even thought to use oj instead! Brilliant idea lady! Avocados make smoothies so darn -well – smooth! Next time I make a green smoothie I am using oj for sure! Have a wonderful weekend!
I just can’t get into the concept of the smoothies. I never liked drinking food although whenever I randomly have one, I say I should consider them more often. I am more likely to consider your cookie dough smoothie. Remind me.
I wish I could make myself drink smoothies. They’re good. I like them. I just don’t have the patience to make them. Is that crazy? Nah… I guess just lazy.
I still drink smoothies even when its cold out! Gotta get those greens in:) Such an easy way to get a bunch of fruits and veggies at once!
This looks so refreshing! I really need to start adding avocado in my smoothies. Have a great weekend!
I just found the perfect compliment to my dinner. I just moved and miraculously have all these ingredients on hand. I was going to save the banana to do a #publicbanana but I am going to have to let CleanEatsFastFeets down….
I got out of the habit of making smoothies a few months ago because I was sick of cleaning the blender, but I need to change that ASAP!
I’ve actually never had a green smoothie so I should get on that! It’s all stuff I like and eat all the time anyway, so why not? Also curious if I could get my kids to drink this! They are open to almost anything in smoothie form.
Nothing wrong with craving something healthy, even if it is National Cookie Day! I do love avocado in my smoothie, the creaminess can’t be beat! I just have a hard time having cold things if it’s cold outside. Though it is almost in the 60s here today. Winter can’t decided what it wants to do….
Have a great weekend!