Allow me to introduce my favorite green smoothie. As in, ever.
Yes, I may have had favorites before, and there may be new favorites in the future, but for the past 3+ years, this has been my go-to.
If you love gingery, citrusy, coconut-infused beverages, this is the one for you.
This recipe is a special one I’m sharing from our Everyday Cooking Cookbook! SO many of you have bought the book and we hope you’re loving it! Thanks for the support.
Because I love this smoothie so much, it felt wrong keeping it from you so I thought it was about time I shared it on the blog.
This recipe is simple, requiring 5 minutes, 1 blender, and 9 ingredients (that I now have on hand at all times – it’s serious).
I used to prefer my green smoothies on the sweeter side, but this one has me craving all the ginger and lime juice. It’s the the perfect balance of tart and sweet, healthy thanks to tons of greens, fruit, and coconut milk, and is a flavor combination I’ll never tire of.
I hope you all LOVE this smoothie! It’s:
Creamy
Cool
Perfectly tart-sweet
Loaded with greens
Healthy
Satisfying
& Delicious
This is our go-to smoothie in the morning if I’m not making a smoothie bowl. It’s perfect as is, but it can also be adapted to include vegan protein powder (although I still haven’t found one I like that doesn’t upset my stomach – oy).
If you try this smoothie, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker or #minimalistbakercookbook on Instagram. We’d love to see what you come up with. Cheers, friends!
Ginger Colada Green Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger (~1 small knob as original recipe is written // skin removed)
- 1/2 medium lemon or lime, juiced (yields ~1 Tbsp or 15 ml as original recipe is written)
- 1/3 cup light coconut milk (from the can, or sub from the carton)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped frozen pineapple (as ripe as possible!)
- 1 small ripe frozen banana (previously peeled, sliced and frozen)
- 1 large handful spinach* (organic when possible)
- 1 small handful kale* (organic when possible)
- 2/3 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
- 3/4 cup filtered water (adding more, if needed, to thin)
- 1 Tbsp flaxseed meal (optional)
- 1 Tbsp raw hulled hemp seeds (optional)
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar (optional // depending on sweetness of banana/pineapple)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to blender in the order listed, and blend thoroughly on high speed until completely smooth. If it isn’t quite blending, add a bit more water or almond milk.
- Let blend for a good 1-2 minutes on high so everything gets very well blended together, especially the ginger.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding a bit more frozen banana or sweetener of choice for added sweetness, lime juice for acidity, or coconut milk for creaminess.
- Serve immediately. Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 24 hours, though best when fresh.
Notes
*Recipe from Minimalist Baker’s Everyday Cooking Cookbook.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
chaya says
Literally been making this all through summer and it is a CLASSIC. So good. Hits the mark every time. Thank you!
Amazing! We’re so glad you’re enjoying the recipe, Chaya! Thank you for sharing! xo
Erin says
This recipe came together quickly, looked beautiful (why are pretty smoothies always tastier?) and was an absolute delight to drink. The flavor balanced beautifully on my tongue and I finished it satisfied, satiated, and with a smile on my face. The only changes I made was to use full fat coconut cream and my banana wasn’t frozen. I can’t wait to make and drink it again!
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Erin!
Renata says
Hello! I have a pineapple allergy, what would you use to substitute the pineapple?
Thanks!
Hi Renata, we think mango would be nice!
Cynthia R says
I’ve heard that you must add black pepper to make turmeric for it to work properly
Why don’t you add black pepper in your recipe?
Hi Cynthia, We don’t think it would taste great in this recipe.
Nora Paxton says
I made the smoothie following the recipe exactly (except I used 2% milk because I didn’t have almond milk). It is delicious. It takes like something you would drink on a tropical island. It is a very refreshing taste. Sweet enough to be enjoyable, but not overly sweet. It’s very filling without being heavy. Highly recommend!!
Thank you, Nora!!
Michell says
I basically have this recipe memorized by heart. It is my go-to smoothie recipe because it is so light and refreshing–like summer in a cup–while packing in the greens (without notice, I swear, my husband hates kale but slurps this down quick)!
I often use this to mask protein powder but usually have to add a bit more water depending on the protein. I never add sweetener; I prefer my smoothies tangy so often spice it up with an extra splash of lime (or lemon juice in a pinch). The greens are also flexible, sometimes I am out of one or add extra kale; the recipe always works. It also works if you are out of almond or coconut milk–just add water or another “milk” until it mixes smoothly!
Thank you thank you thank you for this recipe!
Whoop! We’re so glad you enjoy it, Michell! Thanks so much for sharing!
Crichelle says
I LOVE the measuring cup you’re using for a glass <3 Where can I find it??
We can’t remember where we got this one! Maybe a thrift store?
Payton says
Not exactly the same but very similar!
https://tinyurl.com/yyyy93xl
Zimmy says
Looks great.. Does anyone have a suggestion of what to replace the ginger with… I am allergic.
Thanks!
Hmm, maybe fresh turmeric or omit! Let us know if you try!
Penni Bostrom says
Hi, Hope that you’re have a wonderful day!!! I googled the ingredients from my smoothie today and found yours. I can’t wait to try your version. Thank you for sharing. :)
Brennan McCafferty says
I’m not sure how I forgot how amazing this smoothie is, but I just made it again this evening and I’m blown away by how good it is. Hopefully I will be making this many more times this summer! Thank you!!!
Thanks, Brennan!
Brooke says
Really great. It’s nearly the exact green smoothie recipe written on side of my organic vegan protein, just swapping orange for ginger ? & adding the 2 milks! +Keeping it all frozen (esp greens!! ?) is quite brilliant too?. I’d tired of the OG recipe, so I’m thrilled. The protein “Blend it up” protein+ “an organic plant-based smoothie mix” I discovered @ Costco during Vitamix demo. It was the protein they were using with their green smoothie. I was so impressed. ?Undetectable. Blends perfectly into greens. No added crap. & It’s actually not even vanilla (better IMO for greens) its only “naturally flavored w/a hint of sweetness” (via stevia!) & it’s on Amazon.
I know this post is older & plenty have recommended, but, nevertheless, I’ve thrown away many a ?vegan protein powders, thus it’s my contribution for your lovely post!?♀️
Thanks for sharing!
Brooke says
I really have to say, your recommendation to freeze the greens is life-changing !? Legit. Seriously. Seems simple, seems obvious, yet- no idea. It works perfect. Thank YOU for sharing! & That super uber fab tip changed my smoothie game..
Which, PS gurlfrynd, I’m seriously loving the smoothie more n more… I’ve had it every day since..& am enjoying now!?
Thanks, Brooke!
Joy says
This was one of the best green smoothies I’ve had! Love the tropical vibes, can’t wait to make it again :)
Bonnie says
Just tried this with a vegan protein from your review on proteins and loved it, definitely making this again, thank you!
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Bonnie! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! xo
Lucy says
I love this smoothie and make it for breakfast all the time. I drink half and save the other half for the next day — saves perfectly. Yesterday, I didn’t feel like opening a can of coconut milk, so I used a whole cup of almond milk and threw in a small handful of dried unsweetened coconut flakes. Still delicious. And since my blender is powerful enough (Vitamix), and I’m lazy about my smoothies, I don’t peel the ginger anymore. So good!!!
B says
Very refreshing smooth and tasty! I like that its a thinner texture as well. I added a little less water but the thinner texture certainly makes it much easier to drink and more enjoyable. You always shine! thank you for being a part of my world!
Margarit says
Can i just say one of THE BEST summer summer smoothie ever. I’ve made it before (love your blog btw) and this time I added more ginger (an additional Ginger knob) and coconut oil to sustain me for a few hours and wow. Please continue to post recipes. I’ve made several dishes from the blog and Everyday Cooking book and most have come out surprisingly and exceptionally good, except black bean brownie:(
Robin says
WOW! Not only was this great tasting, but it cut my congestion as soon as i drank it. Thanks!!!
Yay! We’re glad to hear that, Robin!
Suzanne says
Can’t wait to try this! And I love the tip for freezing fresh spinach and kale! By the way, have you tried Arbonne’s vegan protein? It’s the only vegan one I’ve found that tastes good without being gritty.
Glad you found the tip helpful! We haven’t tried it but we’ll add it to the list :D
Carmella says
Delicious as usual.After discovering this one in the MB cookbook we’ve been having this quite often to add when we have something like toast for breakfast to add a few nutrients and flavour to our day. It is so nice! I have made it in a few different ways thanks to poor planning. Mango instead of pineapple has worked in the past (although pineapple is ideal!) as well as all Kale if we are out of spinach with no problems, we usually use some fresh ground flax or chia seeds as one of the recommended options and everyone drinks it up happily- except our baby for some reason. So I just freeze it in a ice block stick and she gobbles it up later in the day. Thanks for another great recipe!
Nethra says
Would you be able to recommend a substitute for the pineapples?
Other people left comments saying they used mango or frozen grapes!
Nettie Moore says
Hi Dana! I was trying to leave you a message on facebook, just wanted to give you a heads up… Someone is using one of your photos as their profile pic and stealing recipes. Home Cooking Mom was posting lots of stuff from TastyFood Recipes, and I recognized one of the photos and recipes from a guy in a cooking group I’m in. He reported one of them, and (surprise) both have changed their photos & other things. Home cooking mom is using your photo as her profile, and TastyFood Recipes is using a chef pic that’s all over the internet. Hope it gets straightened out easily for you.
Nettie
Mooreorlesscooking.com
Hi Nettie! Thanks so much for reaching out. We will take a look into it and appreciate you taking the time to let us know. Cheers!
wilfred abbott says
Dr Schulze Super Protein plus…very delicious!
hope you like it!
thanks for all your, my new recipes!! Aloha Wilfred
Leslie says
I’m making this right now! Thank you for posting. Wondering though – why is there a list of adjectives, each on a single line, before every recipe?
It’s a styling choice we’ve found works well for our site that gives readers a quick, easy-to-read way to know what to expect with each recipe. Hope you enjoy the smoothie!
Lolita says
I’m making this smoothie every week, it is my favorite green recipe. I just swap filtered water with coconut water! So yummy! Thanks for this amazing recipe :)
Tawni says
Why do you specifically use filtered water? Is it okay to just use tap water?
Hi! It’s just what we prefer, but you can use tap water!
Hannah says
I just made this for the first time this morning and, holy bejebus, this is my new favorite smoothie of all time! I’m keeping the second portion in the freezer… hoping it will keep. So fresh and yummy and GOOD. Thank you for posting this!
K says
Hi Dana!
I love your recipes and your site so, so much! I’m usually trying out a new recipe from you at least once or twice a week and they are consistently AMAZING!
I was wondering if you’ve found a protein powder that doesn’t bother your stomach since you posted this? Inquiring for a fellow sensitive stomach. :)
Thanks!
– K
Natalia Medina says
thinking about adding half an avocado for texture and extra meal replacement oomph. think that would combo ok??
I think that would be delicious!
Grace C says
Hello Dana!
I love your blog and recipes. Your photographs are amazing and even though i’m not vegan, I love to substitute some of my meals throughout the week with clean recipes. I was wondering where you purchased the measuring cup that is featured in the photos above as well as numerous other recipes? Thank you!
Mark Yates says
I have a vegan friend at work who told me about your web site , I am going to
try your veggie burger and ginger green smoothie! Thanks
CCB says
I really do not like bananas. What can I replace them with?
Hi! The beauty of smoothies is how interchangeable the ingredients are! If you don’t enjoy bananas, sub them out for your favorite fruit!
Alexa says
Just made this smoothie for a post-workout breakfast! It was delicious! Loved the tip to freeze spinach and kale! Thanks!
Mona says
I tried this snoothie this morning. I still have the flavour in my mouth!! It’s so delicious! I didn’t add any maple syrup but I did add 3 dates for the sweetness.
Alyssa says
Silly me: I bought this book when it first came out, but only made this smoothie today. How have I lived so long without it?!?!?! :) This is probably the best smoothie I’ve ever had. And, at 47, I’ve had my share of smoothies, lol!
So great! Thanks for sharing, Alyssa!
Trinity says
Um this is super duper f-ing delish. I’m drinking it right now for the second morning in a row. I followed the recipe with the exception of using kale and collards instead of kale and spinach – just because that’s what I have in the freezer right now. And I left the skin on the ginger nub because I’m lazy (; My husband also found it delicious and he doesn’t always like my green smoothie concoctions. This is my first comment on your blog but I follow you closely and make and love many of your recipes. Keep up the good work! Some of my regulars include 5-ingredient granola bars and coconut curry. Mm mm!
Stephanie says
Made this today and added a scoop of vega protein powder and it was delicious! Instead of water I diluted the smoothie with ice since my fruit wasn’t frozen.
Definitely will be trying out more of your smoothie recipes!
Melissa says
This smoothie is liquid gold. My toddler and I loved it ! I used 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar to sweeten it.
Melissa Pisapia says
This smoothie is delicious! Even my husband likes it & he usually gives me a hard time with green smoothies. I’ve made it about 5 or 6 times now … i’ve used swiss chard instead of kale & spinach – only because it was what I had on had. This is definintely going in our morning rotation. thanks for a great recipe!
Pedro says
Thank you!!!!! I love it. I have already prepared this delicious recipe 5 times. One cup to drink, another to keep in the fridge for the following day. Adding oats makes it a perfect breakfast, that keeps you with a full stomach sensation for the whole morning. Next time, I will chop all the ingredients and keep them in freezer bags, so I will only have to add the content and the liquids in the blender in the morning.
Thanks again, and congrats on your beautiful web, perfect pictures and graphic design.
Erica says
I just made this smoothie and absolutely love it! Love the tangy flavor from the ginger and lime. I didn’t have frozen pineapple, so I subbed frozen green grapes and those worked out great!
Katie says
So good! I left out the banana because I don’t care for it, went a little light on the ginger and heavy on the lime. Perfect! I also added MCT oil and protein powder. I usually have to make myself drink smoothies, but I loved this one. My two year old son liked it also! Thanks for the great recipe!
Michelle @ Modern Acupuncture says
This is almost the exact recipe I’ve been using for my morning smoothie but I love your addition of the ginger! Looking forward to shaking my smoothie up a bit. My favorite veggie-based protein powder is Spirutein – it’s pea, rice, and soy protein. Have you tried that one?
Myra Nicole says
I have been looking for the perfect green smoothie recipe, and I think I just found it! I had this for breakfast this morning and absolutely loved it.
Katie says
Made this for me and the hubby this morning. So good! There are lots of great fertility friendly ingredients here so I dubbed it our “baby making” smoothie! This recipie really got all the flavors perfect!
pinescharter.net says
This includes food (which we’re discussing), staff,
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more. These freezers can be utilised when foods have to have to be immediately frozen,
since they bring the temperature down rather quickly.
Tiffany says
Made it, love it! Perfect for this NYC heat wave.
Samira says
I just discovered your blog! And I’m loving it!!!! This smoothie sounds delicious! ! x
Melissa Thurnhofer says
Hi Dana!
This recipe looks so fresh and yummy! Smoothies/smoothie bowls are my favorite go-to breakfast :)
I wanted to comment about the vegan protein powder! I searched for MONTHS to find one that agreed with my stomach – mine is so sensitive as well, and got even worse during the huge stress of planning my wedding earlier this year – which meant no stevia, definitely vegan, and a minimal ingredient list of only wholesome/natural ingredients. I finally found one a couple months ago that I like and that amazingly doesn’t upset my GI system! YAY! It’s The Natural Citizen Organic Protein – have you tried that one?? I highly recommend it if you haven’t! :)
Lovely! I haven’t heard of that – thanks for sharing. I think I was dealing with stress when I was looking for protein powders and that’s why none of them sat well with me. But I’ll definitely give that one a try! Thanks, Melissa.
Angela says
Hi Dana! I just stumbled onto this comment on a Google search and was so excited to see our company name on your blog. I’d love to send you a sample of our Organic Protein to try, it has no added flavors or sweeteners, so it’s awesome in smoothies and you can bake with it too. I’m personally a huge fan of yours. Please let me know if you’d like to try. And, thank you so much Melissa for recommending us! xo
Thanks,
Angela
Co-Founder
The Natural Citizen
Margaret @ VeggiePrimer.com says
I thought I was the only one who added ginger to my colada smoothies! Ha ha This particular combination sounds delicious! For folks who don’t care for ginger (hard to imagine – but I know they are out there – my daughter is one of them!) I bet 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon would be a tasty replacement.
Nicole says
Hi Dana, Just try it this morning. Delicious! It is fresh with the taste of the ginger and lemon. It will become my favorite too! Thanks so much for sharing your excellent recipes with us. Nicole
Lovely! xoxo
Amy says
I love the combination of ginger and pineapple. Yum!
Amy
Adriane says
This would be a single serving for just me! Looks amazing
Kate says
Please expound on the freezing of Kale and spinach !
I just buy organic pre-washed spinach and kale and throw it directly in the freezer!
Cassie says
I love your cookbook recipes! There are so many that I have to start making! :) Will let you know when I do and how they turn out!
Please do! Yay!
Noreen says
Do you really freeze the spinach and kale without blanching?? If so, what a time saver!
Yes! Throw the whole bag of prewashed kale + spinach in the freezer!
puja says
They look so healthy! I’m definitely trying them in the weekend :)
Cheri says
yum!
I too have a problem with most protein powders, being allergic to both eggs and whey, and I was thrilled to find Manitoba harvest – their powder has more staying power than just hemp hearts. I get mine at an awesome price from thrive market.
btw, your site is, my go to food blog. I’ve made a bunch of cream pies – my cheesecake loving husband had asked for repeats several times and can’t believe they’re vegan. thanks for such awesome recipes!
Cheri
Lovely recommendation – thank you!
Sarah B. says
Dana, this smoothie sounds delicious and healthful. One question for you about your tip to freeze spinach/kale: how do you freeze them? Do you put the entire pre-washed bag in the freezer? Or do you separate them beforehand?
I buy pre-washed and then throw them right in the freezer. Or, I’ll wash the kale, dry it, and then freeze it!
Cynthia says
This looks so delicious! Pineapple is so great for muscle recovery
How did I not know that?!
Emily @ Robust Recipes says
Sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to try it! :)
Aleksandra says
Thanks, Dana, now I am singing at work… ;)
Celeste | The Whole Serving says
This looks super delicious. I like adding a small piece of ginger to my smoothies because ginger is a natural antibiotic and it’s delicious.
SMART! I love the kick ;D
Kate says
This smoothie sounds delicious! Lately I’ve been craving more tangy smoothies, rather than super sweet. adding ginger and lemon or lime juice is the perfect way to do this- and gorgeous photos, as always Dana!!
Laura - raise your garden says
Me too, I’m liking sour more and more since I stopped eating white sugars. It’s amazing how “sweet” everything tastes, like gross sweet when you haven’t eaten sugar in awhile. Wedding cake, yuck, whereas I used to eat like 3 pieces of cake all all those frosting no problem. And I was 15 pounds heavier. I like smoothies like this in the more, the ginger seems to be a great energizer!
Thanks, Katy!