I don’t know about you guys, but when I find something I like I generally stick to it.
The good thing about that is I get really good at making whatever that thing is. For instance, my favorite green smoothie. On the flip side, staying the course has its downsides as I rarely want to branch out and try something new. We’re about to change that.
With a brand new year in front of us, I’m resolving to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. One thing on my list is try new smoothies.
I knew I wanted to incorporate grapefruit since it’s in season and has always been one of my favorites fruits. My mom used to cut them in half for me when I was little and I’d happily eat away at them with a baby spoon.
Not to mention, grapefruit is extra good for you this time of year with plenty of immune-boosting Vitamin C to help ward off colds, lycopene, and free-radical fighting antioxidants.
This smoothie is simple, requiring just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes.
In addition to health benefits from the grapefruit, it also has plenty of potassium and fiber from banana and apple, which add a creamy, natural sweetness I adore.
As far as texture, it’s somewhere between a juice and creamy like a traditional smoothie. In other words, light and super refreshing.
I think you guys are going to love this smoothie! It’s:
Cold
Slightly tart
Perfectly sweet
Refreshing
Loaded with nutrients
Simple
Fast
& Perfect for hitting the reset button on your diet
Another perk? It’s husband approved! John enjoyed this recipe and he’s not as adventurous as I am in the smoothie department. Definitely a win in my book.
If you guys make this smoothie, please let us know! Take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram – we’d love to see what you come up with. Cheers!
Grapefruit Green Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 medium grapefruit (peeled // seeds removed // reserve juice)
- 1 large sweet apple (cored and skin removed // I prefer honeycrisp)
- 2 cups spinach (I like to freeze mine to keep it extra fresh)
- 1 large ripe banana (previously sliced and frozen)
- 2-3 ice cubes
- ~1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, water, or orange juice (to thin)
- 1/2 tsp fresh ginger (optional // peeled and chopped)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender (including reserved grapefruit juice) and blend until creamy and smooth. Add more liquid if too thick, ice to thicken, and banana or apple to sweeten. Serves 2 (as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size).
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
emma Emanuelson says
Do you need to add the banana t the smoothie?
Hi Emma, it helps make it thick/creamy and adds sweetness. Frozen pineapple would be another option!
Silverbrite says
This smoothie is so delicious ! I make it all the time the balance of flavors is perfect-
Yay! Thanks for the review!
Ren says
I had a grocery delivery order the other day and they accidentally gave me grapefruit instead of oranges. I honestly detest grapefruit but I also hate waste so I’ve been trying out different recipes to use them up. Somehow this recipe makes grapefruit tolerable, better than tolerable actually – this is pretty good. I used water as my liquid and I doubled it because I like my smoothies more like a thick juice.
Woohoo! So glad you found an enjoyable use for your grapefruit! Thanks for the review and the 5 stars, Ren!
juliet says
So refreshing! love ginger, grapefruit and spinach so got very excited when I saw this recipe! the addition of banana and apple really pulls it together to make it sweeter and more substantial. It’s always work to peel the grapefruit and try to get as much of the skin off so it’s not too bitter but well worth it. I just added a bit of water and a few ice cubes (no orange juice or mylk). I wonder if it would work with vanilla protein powder…
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Juliet! We think vanilla protein powder would be lovely =) Thanks so much for the lovely review!
Denise van Niekerk says
i just wanna ask if this smoothie can be left overnight
Yes, in the fridge, but it’s best fresh!
Krista says
This was so delicious, I made it this morning and plan to drink it often! I used orange juice, fresh ginger, fresh banana, and about ten ice cubes since the bananas weren’t frozen. It was so good and refreshing! Thank you for this recipe💙
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Krista! Thanks so much for sharing!
Darrell says
unfortunately this recipe tasted awful to me. the grapefruit bitterness still overpowered everything.
Hi Darrell, so sorry to hear that was your experience! We wonder if there was pith (the white part) left on the grapefruit? That would make it bitter.
Denise says
I had to comment bc this was out-of-this-world good. I used kale bc I have that on hand. I simply peeled the grapefruit (no seeds) and tossed it in. Squeezed the juice of two oranges. Added more ginger. Used a super ripe banana that was dying in my fruit bowl. Added honey (bc it was a big grapefruit) and Greek yogurt (because, protein). You have to like grapefruit. I enjoyed the reviewer who said he/she/they didn’t like it bc it tasted like grapefruit. Perfect flavoring- tart, sweet, creamy, gingery…you’re the tits, thanks!
So lovely! Thanks for sharing, Denise!
Jane says
This smoothie is SO good! I followed the directions as is, but omitted the ginger this time. I’ll be adding next time for sure!
So refreshing! Thank you Dana :)
Whoop! Thanks so much for the lovely review, Jane!
Candice says
My son and I really enjoyed this. My notes:
We used ginger and really liked it.
I didn’t use anything to thin it and still liked the consistency.
He can’t eat apple so we subbed a kiwi and it turned out great.
I sliced the banana and put it in a jar with the spinach earlier in the day and froze it and we didn’t need ice cubes at all. Super easy.
Shelia says
This is my favorite smoothie. I keep trying others for the different health benefits but I always return to this one. This is my breakfast and even though the recipe says it’s for two, I drink the whole thing. Coming in at 254 calories still isn’t bad for a meal. Tried it with and without the fresh ginger. Like it better now with the ginger.
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Sheila! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo
Camille says
Surprising delicious!!
Karen says
Hi! Really enjoyed this recipe, thank you. I added hemp protein powder and avocado. A delicious go-to recipe.
Thanks so much for sharing, Karen. We are so glad you enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! xo
Ashley says
What would you recommend as a substitute for the apple? And do you recommend freezing the grapefruit or use a fresh one?
Hi Ashley, we haven’t tried it this way, but think the apple could be subbed for stone fruit (such as nectarine or peach), mango, or kiwi. Hope that helps!
Lindsey says
Super delicious! I used frozen spinach & banana, no ice, and only needed a splash of water to loosen it up. The ginger really makes it!
xoxo!
Cristina Robleto says
I just made this smoothie and decided to look it up, I did it completely different and the nutritional facts broke me on this post. got 3 Big grape fruit and squeezed the juice out of it then pulped the meat and added it to the blender. It will thin out with the water of the grapefruit. Then 1 whole banana and 1 handful of spinach. Then lastly, 4 ice cubes to give it a cool and crisp taste. I honestly do not think almond mind will give it a nice taste. The banana will give it a less tart taste the more you add in and its only 70 calories for this and 17 carbs at most. This recipe posted wouldn’t be my go 2 but mine would. Try both to see which one you like :)
Britni Ludwig says
This was a great, easy recipe! I used kale instead of spinach and it was still delicious
Giovanni says
Made this smoothie today, it literally tasted like dirt and I can still feel the disgusting bitterness dwelling in my mouth as I write this. Please don’t make this if you don’t like grapefruit or you will regret it. Now I must pour 5 cups of green gunk down the sink along with my dignity.
Jenn says
Possible noob question here – what does “reserved juice” mean for the grapefruit? Am I to juice it or blend it whole? Can’t wait to try!
Kaelee Givot says
same question here!
Ah, I see how this can be a little confusing. I think I just meant any reserved juice from slicing or removing seeds, which should be minimal.
Cathey Portrie says
Yum! I have a grapefruit tree! This recipe is such a great way to enjoy the fruits of winter. Thank you.
Lizzy says
Delicious! I didn’t have any spinach, so I substituted kale and it was so yummy! I used a regular old gala apple and orange juice. I didn’t realize you were supposed to freeze the banana beforehand, but an unfrozen banana seemed to work just as well!
Julie Cabral says
I was apprehensive about the mix. I was so surprised about how yummy it was! I am lazy did not peel the apple nor do more than just take peel off of grapefruit. My 10yr old gave it a seal of approval.
Beth Heatherly says
I’m going to try this grapefruit smoothie because I love grapefruit but I notice that you freeze your spinach. Tell me how you do this! I waste so much spinach because it goes bad before I can use it all!
Rachel says
I was getting stressed out about some fruit and spinach I had laying around that was about to go bad, and then this recipe popped up on my facebook feed and it uses literally all of the ingredients I needed to use up, haha! It’s really cool how that all worked out. When doesn’t minimalist baker save the day, though? :) It was very refreshing as well!
Chris says
Just tired this out with my toddler (ginger included) and we booth loved it! ?
Laura Olinger says
I haven’t found a green smoothie I LOVED until today! I made this recipe this morning, and it tasted so wonderful and refreshing.
Marina says
Have done this smoothie about 50 times already and it is still my favorite! I add some plain yogurt and it becomes perfect.
Stevie says
I like cilantro instead of ginger, and I add matcha powder to make it extra bright green, and a little earthier tasting.
Stacey gudonis says
Don’t know what I did wrong, but the frozen banana with the grapefruit & spinach just we’re not a good combination for me.
Imana says
OMG, where did I go wrong with this recipe? I added 2 apples, and 2 bananas but the grapefruit was way too overpowering. Just to get it down, I had to douse it with sugar and water. ??
Italia says
I’m allergic to apples :( …can you please recommend a substitution?
Stevie says
I usually leave them out and still good, but you have to really like grapefruit!
Crystal says
I just threw in frozen blueberries until it started to balance the grapefruit taste. needless to say, smoothie was no longer green in color when I was finished, but it still contained the veggies!
martha says
Tastes great. Are you putting the entire grapefruit in or juicing the grapefruit first. I was not sure what you meant by reserve juice. Thanks for sharing.
Angela says
Can you use kale instead of spinach?
Yes, but it does make it more bitter.
Faith S says
Got told by my GP/doctors I needed to “diet”/stay the same weight while pregnant. So not only does this make a great substitute for my breakfast (and keep me full) but it’s giving me and squishy one all the vitamins I need, keeping my weight the same, all sorts of benefits! Lovely & delicious, too! Thank you!
Thanks Faith! Happy pregnancy!
Faith S says
I can’t even explain how amazing this smoothie is without being grose, but this is my new favourite smoothie. I think like 3 days worth of food just vanished from inside me. Ha! It’s definitely a go-to! And kept me full all day! I feel so good today *_____*
sharon meier says
how do you freeze spinach and or kale
I buy a bag or organic, pre-washed organic spinach or kale and pop it right in the freezer. Alternatively, buy it at the store, rinse it, dry it, and then pop it in the freezer in a freezer-safe bag!
Melaina Balbo Phipps says
This looks delicious and I can’t wait to try it–thank you!
A couple of questions though; is it important that the bananas are frozen? And if so, should I slice them first then freeze them?
Also, you mention that you freeze your spinach. How do you go about that: whole leaf or chopped? ziploc bag or other packaging?
Thank you!
Samantha says
So sorry– I just wanted to clarify something you wrote– do you literally just put a container of fresh spinach into the freezer? I’ve never tried keeping it like that, so I just wanted to make sure that’s what you meant rather than using frozen spinach (e.g. Birds Eye). I would have thought it would have gotten really weird, but I love the idea if that’s what you do!! Would definitely keep the greens more nutritious.
Janet says
The best smoothie ever!! Yum…
Anna says
A funny tidbit: last night was my birthday, with your banana blizzards and pop tarts instead of cake– and this morning, this smoothie is my detox to a night of debauchery! Just wanted you to know I appreciate the beejebus out of these recipes :)
Ah, thanks Anna! made my day!! Also, happy belated birthday!!
Audra says
Just made this smoothie with half spinach and half kale. The kale made it just a tad too bitter, but I drank it anyways. I put half in the fridge for my husband to try, but it might not make it :-) When I have mint growing this summer, I’m going to add that. I think it would be amazing!
David Dry says
Sorry, but I really didn’t like this recipe… Tasted really tart, sour and dry.
A normal strawberry smoothie would be much easier and much more delicious.
What was I thinking? Very disappointing, my lunch has been ruined.
Kind regards,
-David Dry
Daria says
I can’t have banana or ginger…. but i love grapefruit. If I pulled those two ingredients out, what could I add in to replace them?
Brigid says
Ahhhh this smoothie is lovely! It’s so refreshing and a beautiful vibrant green. There’s a very slight bitterness from the grapefruit which I actually enjoyed. My 3yr old loved it and kept asking for more! I’m very pleased as I’m always looking for new ways to get healthy raw stuff into my kids.
I tried it again with pineapple this time as I’d run out of apples – yum!
Jen says
I wonder if this food combining is okay? banana and grapefruit together?
becca mahoney says
I have recently ran into trouble with my cholesterol in spite of a life time of fairly healthy eating. We raise most of our food an wild harvest a lot of our meats and fish. This is the first site I’ve visited that appealed to my sense of taste and demand for the freshest of ingredients. Looking forward to trying many including this beautiful smoothie.
thanks becca! hope you find recipes you love here!
Vegan Donkey says
I’ve had a cold that keeps lingering, and this sounds wonderful! Hits the spot, and the citrus would be great.
Marilyn says
I still cannot get the link for the cookbook. When I click on the green grapefruit smoothie link it only takes me to the recipe, not a link for the cookbook.
Janne Swearengen says
I LOVE this smoothie! Was a bit skeptical but what a delightful concoction. I am using it to get back on track after the holidays. Thanks for posting this recipe.
The Blonde Chef says
After two weeks of the flu, this smoothie sounds like just what I need! Yum!
Emilie @ The Clever Carrot says
Only *you* can make a grapefruit look sexy ;) I happen to love them too!
Simple Green Moms says
I am the exact same! Once I like something – I REALLY like it! But this whole green smoothie + grapefruit thing has motivated me to be a little more adventurous. Like right now. PINNED =)
Lydia @ Suitcase Foodist says
I love, love grapefruit. Excited to try this one – my green smoothies have needed an update.
Jess says
I’m a BIG grapefruit fan as well and also need to get on board with more healthy smoothies this new year. I just spent 3 weeks in Madrid where I proceeded to eat all the cheese. Green veggies are about all I can think about at the moment. Happy New Year you two!!
haha, all the cheese. Detox it girl! Sounds like a blast though and I’m SUPER jealous of your Madrid adventures!
Tej says
This looks amazing! I’m allergic to bananas, is there anything you woud recommend substituting it with?
I’d recommend pineapple! Or, another apple :D
celeste wilson says
This is such a unique and beautiful smoothie recipe. I’m sure the flavors are bright and refreshing, perfect for the new year! cheers!
Robyn @realfoodwholelife says
I just love the colors of the pink with the green. So lovely!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens says
Mmm, I love grapefruit! + all other citrus. I’m taking advantage of citrus season and eating and juicing as many oranges and grapefruits as I can… Can’t wait to try this!
The Preppy Vegan says
I have to admit I doubted you a bit on this one…grapefruit in a smoothie? But I had a few piled on my counter that weren’t going to eat themselves, so I went for it. (I left out the apple and put in a bit of sweetened almond milk because I’m lazy.) AMAZING! 1) I feel great about myself and am imagining my skin glowing from all of the antioxidants and 2) it seriously tasted awesome. Doubtful no more.
Ah, yay! So glad you gave it a try and liked it. Cheers!
sabrina says
With 2015 resolutions ha ha ha, I will try to do this tomorrow as I have all the ingredients. Love the set up and the beautiful photos ;). Loved reading your blog too.
Karen says
I can’t wait to try this! Gotta get me some grapefruit. Oh, and spinach! I’m anxious to try your favorite green smoothie too. I’ve never put peanut or almond butter in a green smoothie and now I can’t wait to give it a try. Thanks for all the great ideas.
Bridget McGahen says
This looks really refreshing!! With the optional ginger, would you juice it? or put it in there whole?
I’d put it in there whole. It does add extra zing, so go light first!
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
So glad I spied this post, Dana – grapefruit smoothies are my favorite! Definitely going to give this a try tomorrow AM. :)
Catherine @ foodiecology says
This looks so incredibly refreshing! I love grapefruit this time of year, and I can imagine how it adds the perfect tartness to the smoothie. Yum!
Maria G. says
Could you use orange instead? I’m not a big fan of grapefruit.
Absolutely! Orange will likely make it sweeter and less tart, so add lemon juice to balance it out if desired.
andie says
I love that used grapefruit!I love the taste of it and I can’t wait to try this.
funny thing, I posted a smoothie recipe today too :)
Also, just wanted to tell you how inspiring and sweet you and John are. Thank you!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Yum! I love grapefruit and this looks like the drink to get me into green smoothies :)
Camila says
this looks so good, but I don’t like grapefruit, so I probably won’t like it :(
Megan says
Is it the bitterness you don’t like? If so, try a pomelo! Like a grapefruit but very sweet. No bitter at all. If you do I’d probably use half of one, they’re huge.
Liz S. says
Such a refreshing smoothie! Always love your recipes.
Happy belated New Year!
Anna says
This looks delish! I have recently fallen in love with adding oranges to my green smoothie. As a kid, my dad and I would split a grapefruit every Sunday morning complete with baby spoons. :) definitely going to give this a go.
Jessie Snyder says
Man can I relate on getting stuck in food ruts! I eat almost the same food on rotation every week… Have been trying to mix it up too – love this refreshing drink, cheers to trying new things!
Kathryn says
Guess who got a brand new blender for Christmas? THIS GIRL. I am really late on getting into the smoothie game, but I am now jumping in with both feet. This looks amazing!
xx Kathryn
Millie | Add A Little says
This looks amazing Dana – pinned! I agree that I never want to branch out from my normal green smoothies!
Alex @ get big, go to work says
:) that is how I judge the success of a recipe too! If I can get more than a “it’s good” out of my fiancé I know I have hit the jackpot of recipes!! Can’t wait to try this refreshing looking smoothie. Yum!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
This smoothie is seriously packed with deliciousness. Love that bright green colour!!
Laura says
Agreed on that eye popping color. And more importantly, my stomach agrees. And come to think of it….my waistline. Sorry. T.M.I!
Maria says
Love it! Cannot wait to try! Do you think kale would be an okay substitute for the spinach?
Sydney says
It should be :) it might have a slightly different flavor but it couldn’t hurt to try
Piper says
Its definitely something i would make on the regular. However, i was disappointed when i looked @ the nutrition facts..
Stephanie Higgs says
You could always leave out the apple, it’s mostly sugar and fiber. Also you’re not considering all the nutrients, vitamin c, a, potassium, etc. grapefruit spinach and ginger are superfoods that protect you from cancer. This sounds great. I might sub an avacado for the apple or add chia for more fats :)