This Green Protein Smoothie is a quick, easy, and naturally sweetened recipe packed with banana, spinach, vanilla protein powder, and peanut butter for a creamy, plant-based shake.
Perfect as a healthy vegan breakfast or post-workout snack, this dairy-free drink with pumpkin seeds is a delicious way to fuel your morning-no yogurt required!
If you love more protein smoothie recipes, try my high-protein spirulina smoothie, mango banana protein shake, or this green pea protein smoothie.
I feel my best when I start my day with one of my healthy smoothies, and this green protein smoothie is my go-to for an energy boost, especially on busy mornings. It's packed with protein, fiber, antioxidants, and other good-for-you nutrients.
This vegan homemade protein drink is filling, refreshing, and made with simple ingredients, yet it tastes like a decadent dessert.
Thanks to the vanilla flavor of the protein powder, nutty peanut butter, and creamy, sweet banana, you can't even taste the spinach. It's the perfect balance of wholesome and flavorful!
If you're looking for other yummy green smoothie recipes, check out my spinach cucumber apple smoothie, spinach ginger smoothie, pineapple mango spinach smoothie, or green breakfast smoothie.
Want a protein boost? Try my chocolate banana protein smoothie, strawberry banana protein smoothie, high-protein tahini smoothie, or this date protein shake without banana.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
- Spinach: Use fresh baby spinach for a milder flavor, or swap it with Swiss Chard or baby kale for a stronger flavor.
- Banana: I used frozen banana for thick and chilled texture but fresh bananas also work.
- Vanilla protein powder: For this smoothie, a plain or vanilla-flavored protein powder works best, but feel free to use your favorite flavored or unflavored protein powder.
- Peanut butter: Opt for unsweetened peanut butter with no added sugar or oils for a healthier, nutty flavor that adds healthy fats. Homemade cashew butter or almond butter are great alternatives.
- Pumpkin seeds (Pepitas): Pumpkin seeds add healthy fats and protein. You can replace them with chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or hemp hearts.
- Lemon juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and helps your body absorb the iron from the spinach more easily.
- Plant-based milk - I used homemade almond milk, but you can also use cashew milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. For a lighter version use coconut water or plain cold water.
As always, you can find the full recipe with a list of ingredients with measurements in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.
How To Make Green Protein Smoothie
Combine: In a blender, combine frozen banana, spinach, vanilla protein powder, peanut butter, pumpkin seeds, lemon juice, and plant-based milk.
Blend: Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Storage
Store any leftover spinach protein smoothie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Give it a good shake or stir before drinking.
Variations
- Green protein smoothie without banana: Swap the banana for a heaping cup of fresh or frozen pineapple or mango chunks.
- Incorporate oats: Add a scoop of oats for a heartier and more filling smoothie.
- Add yogurt: Add a scoop of vegan Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and a protein boost.
- Add berries: Toss in some frozen berries like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries for a fruity, antioxidant-packed version.
- Make it sweeter: Add 1-2 dates or pure maple syrup if your smoothie isn't sweet enough.
Marinela's Tips
- Use ripe frozen bananas for a naturally sweet and creamy smoothie.
- If you use a fresh banana, blend in a handful of ice to achieve a cold, creamy texture.
- For a protein smoothie bowl, reduce the amount of milk and top with fresh fruit, homemade granola, nuts, and seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Yes, you can add protein powder to your green smoothie. It's an easy way to boost the protein content and make your smoothie more filling.
You can add a variety of greens to your protein shake, like spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, or Swiss chard. These greens are mild in flavor and full of nutrients, making them perfect for boosting your shake without overpowering the taste.
Yes, it's fine to drink a green smoothie every day-it's a great way to get more fruits, vegetables, and nutrients. Just make sure to also eat a variety of other foods to keep your diet balanced.
This smoothie contains 371 calories and 27 grams of protein.
More Green Smoothie Recipes
- Mango avocado banana smoothie
- Avocado weight loss smoothie
- Green parsley smoothie
- Green smoothie with mint and chocolate chips
- Spinach and kiwi smoothie
- Green spinach celery pineapple smoothie
- Apple spinach smoothie
- Celery cucumber smoothie without banana
📖 Recipe
Green Protein Smoothie (Vegan)
Equipment
- high speed blender
Ingredients
- 2 cups spinach lightly packed
- 1 banana frozen or fresh
- 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder (use your favorite)
- 2 teaspoons natural peanut butter unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ¾ cups unsweetened almond milk or any plant-based milk
Instructions
- In a blender, combine frozen banana, spinach, vanilla protein powder, peanut butter, pumpkin seeds, lemon juice, and plant-based milk.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Store any leftover spinach protein smoothie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Give it a good shake or stir before drinking.
- Use ripe frozen bananas for a naturally sweet and creamy smoothie.
- If you use a fresh banana, blend in a handful of ice to achieve a cold, creamy texture.
- For a protein smoothie bowl, reduce the amount of milk and top with granola, nuts, and seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
- See the post above for substitutions and variations ideas.
Nutrition
If you try this green protein smoothie, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo @go_eatgreen on Instagram.
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