There’s no better way to start your day or power through an afternoon slump than with the vibrant Green Monster. It’s the ultimate green smoothie: impossibly creamy, deliciously sweet, and packed with leafy goodness and protein. With fresh spinach, frozen banana, Greek yogurt, a splash of almond milk, and just a hint of nut butter, this Green Monster will win over smoothie skeptics and green juice lovers alike. The best part? It whips up in five minutes and tastes like a sweet treat, even though it’s secretly a nutrition powerhouse!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Smoothie:
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
- Ice cubes as needed

How to Make Green Monster

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

The Green Monster comes together in a flash, but it helps to have everything ready. Roughly chop your banana if you froze it whole, gather your fresh spinach, measure out the yogurt and nut butter, and have your milk ready to pour. You’ll love how easy this setup is.

Step 2: Load the Blender

Start by adding the spinach and frozen banana to the base of your blender. Toss in your Greek yogurt, nut butter, and splash in the almond milk. If you’re adding honey or maple syrup for sweetness, now’s the time—just drizzle it right in. The order matters so the liquids get under the blades and the greens blend smoothly.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

Blend everything together on high speed until the Green Monster is silky-smooth and there’s no evidence of spinach specks. Add a few ice cubes if you want it extra thick and cold, and blend again. Don’t be afraid to stop and scrape down the sides to make sure every last bit gets incorporated.

Step 4: Boost with Seeds

If you’re in the mood for a fiber and omega-3 boost, sprinkle in your chia seeds or flaxseeds. Blend briefly just to combine—you don’t want to overdo it if you like a little crunch, or blend longer for a smoother sip.

Step 5: Pour and Enjoy

Pour your Green Monster into a tall glass and marvel at that emerald hue. Give it a taste—add another drizzle of honey if you crave more sweetness, but chances are, it’ll be just right. Sip immediately for the freshest flavor and the crispiest chill!

How to Serve Green Monster

Garnishes

A classic Green Monster looks gorgeous with a few toppings! Try a sprinkle of chia seeds, hemp hearts, or even crushed nuts for some crunch. A banana slice tucked onto the rim or a swirl of almond butter on top adds easy flair—and brings out those nutty notes in every sip.

Side Dishes

Turn your Green Monster into a light meal by serving with whole grain toast and avocado, or enjoy it alongside a hard-boiled egg for extra protein. For something sweeter, a side of granola or a bran muffin complements the cool, creamy smoothie beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Green Monster the Instagram star of your breakfast table! Serve it in a mason jar with a reusable straw, or pour it into a bowl and top with fresh fruit, seeds, and a drizzle of nut butter for a “smoothie bowl” twist. You can even freeze small amounts in popsicle molds for grab-and-go treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While the Green Monster is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Use an airtight container or a mason jar to preserve that bright color, and give it a good shake or stir before drinking, as some settling may occur.

Freezing

To freeze, pour your smoothie into ice cube trays or silicone molds and freeze solid. Pop out the cubes and store in a freezer bag for up to a month. When you’re ready for a Green Monster, just blend cubes with a splash of almond milk for instant smoothie bliss!

Reheating

No need to reheat the Green Monster—it’s meant to be enjoyed cold. If you’ve prepped from frozen cubes, let them thaw in the fridge overnight for a chilled, ready-to-sip smoothie, or blend again with extra milk for a freshly made texture.

FAQs

Can I make the Green Monster vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite dairy-free yogurt, such as almond, coconut, or soy yogurt. Choose maple syrup for sweetener, and you’ve got a totally plant-based Green Monster that’s just as creamy and satisfying.

Is there a way to add extra protein?

Yes—add a scoop of your favorite protein powder before blending for an extra boost. Vanilla or unflavored protein powders work best so they don’t overpower the fresh, green flavor of the Green Monster.

Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Of course! Kale, swiss chard, or even romaine can be swapped for spinach if you want a different flavor profile. Just remember that heartier greens like kale will make your Green Monster a bit “greener” in taste, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to your liking.

What can I use instead of almond milk?

Any milk works well here, so use what you love—oat milk, soy milk, regular dairy milk, or even coconut milk for a tropical twist. Each option slightly changes the taste and texture, making your Green Monster unique every time.

Can I make Green Monster smoothies ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! You can portion out the spinach, banana, and nut butter into freezer bags and keep them in the freezer. When ready to blend, just dump the mix into your blender, add yogurt and milk, and you’ll have a frozen Green Monster in minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever been on the fence about green smoothies, the Green Monster will convert you in just one sip. It’s fresh, creamy, and totally customizable to fit your routine. Try it tomorrow morning and you’ll see why it’s become a beloved classic—cheers to your new favorite green treat!

Green Monster Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a delicious and nutritious Green Monster smoothie that’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein. This vibrant green drink is a perfect way to start your day or boost your energy levels.

Ingredients

Scale

Smoothie:

2 cups fresh spinach
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
Ice cubes as needed

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Add Ingredients: Add spinach, frozen banana, Greek yogurt, almond milk, almond butter, and honey to a blender.
Blend: Blend until smooth and creamy, adding ice cubes if you prefer a thicker texture.
Optional: Add chia seeds or flaxseeds if using and blend briefly to combine.
Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.