I’ve been on a mission to make a green smoothie that doesn’t taste… well, green. Believe me, I’m not one to eat something for the nutritional benefits alone. It has to taste good too.
To make it harder on myself, I was determined on using spirulina (as it’s such a fantastic source of protein and nutritional goodness) but it does have a rather strong green taste.
I’ve found the best way to disguise it is to use an even stronger but delicious flavour, such as fresh, raw ginger!
Paired with the sweetness of mango and apples, the ginger adds a delicious “zing” to this smoothie.
Along with the spirulina, this smoothie contains hemp protein powder – just a tablespoon for a protein and fibre boost and some chia seeds, which not only adds protein, fibre and omega 3 but is also a great way to help thicken smoothies.
And a green smoothie wouldn’t be complete without a handful of spinach leaves!
All these ingredients combined, make for one super healthy smoothie. It’s:
- Dairy-free & vegan
- Gluten-free, grain-free & paleo-friendly
- Naturally sweetened with fruit
- 10g plant-based protein per serving
- Over 12g fibre!
- Over 100% the RDA of Vitamin C & Vitamin A
- 50% RDA of calcium
- High in iron
Green Protein Smoothie (Vegan + Paleo)
One of the healthiest, yet most delicious, green smoothies I've tried!
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped mango
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 small green apples, chopped (skins on, core removed)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 heaped tbsp hemp protein
- 1 tsp spirulina powder*
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- Add everything to a high-powered blender and mix until smooth. Add some ice cubes if you want to help make it colder and thicker.
- Taste and adjust, if needed. If it's too thick - add more almond milk.
- Pour into two large glasses. This will fill two pint-sized glasses about three-quarters of the way up.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
*If you're unsure of the taste of spirulina, as it can be quite strong, start with 1/2 tsp and work your way up. You can add up to a tablespoon!
Nutrition Information
Yield 2Amount Per Serving Calories 309Carbohydrates 53gFiber 12.6gSugar 41gProtein 10g
Such a rich green color in this one. I haven’t used Spirulina in a while(such a strong taste to me) but will try this recipe. The mango probably really helps offset the hemp and spirulina earthy taste.
Hi,
Please watch out with the spirulina, see nutritionfacts.org and other plant based references. I would replace it by the canser fighting fresh turmeric root. I always put one of those in my smoothies.
You could add in also some leaves of kale and broccolini.
This is indeed a good way to get phytronutrients loaded up in your body!
I have just started Slimming World. Can you suggest a green veg/less fruits smoothie. I have 4stone to lose
Spinach, kale, celery, cucumber, cilantro, ginger, green apple, frozen green grapes.
Such amazing/healthy ingredients. I love everything that you put in there.
I have been making a lot of smoothies as well and my latest favorite ingredient is coconut milk. It has much more fat content, but it is so SO delicious. It almost tastes like milkshake to me.:)
Such a great green smoothie my friend. Cheers! :)
Oh you don’t have to sell me on coconut milk – I’m it’s number one fan! I don’t use it in smoothies often enough though and I’m not sure why. I ought to make more coconut milk smoothies… You’ve inspired me now ;-)
Wow look at that colour! I’ve never tried spirulina but I know of its reputation of being not the tastiest food on the planet :D Good to know that ginger goes well with. I’ll bear that in mind if I ever do get to try it!
Not gonna sugar coat it – spirulina tastes like dirt. It definitely need some disguising! Plus, I never use a huge amount – just enough to get the benefits :-) (And the awesome green colour)
This looks awesome. I love chia seeds in a smoothie!
Me too! Especially since I don’t use bananas, it helps thicken things up :-)
O delicious and I know I’ll always find a banana free smoothie from you ;) Mango though <3
I love that "intense" green spirulina gives things, much stronger than just leafy greens!
The colour is definitely spirulina’s most redeeming quality!