Skip the Pricey Café Smoothies and Make Your Own!
Tired of spending $10 or more on a green smoothie from your local café? Same! That’s why I make my own at home.
Adding greens to your smoothies boosts flavor, color, and nutrition—all while keeping costs low. I love experimenting with different greens and flavor combinations, but the best part? You can customize every blend to match your taste.
Whether you prefer mild and refreshing or bold and earthy, homemade green smoothies let you create the perfect sip every time!
More Reasons Why You’ll Love Making Green Smoothies
- Easy way to get more greens: Perfect for busy days when a full meal isn’t happening.
- Quick & nutritious: A simple way to boost your energy and stay on track.
- Balanced flavor: Earthy greens, natural sweetness, and a tart kick.
- Tastes amazing: Not just for the health benefits—I genuinely love them!
- Veggie lover approved: I used to order Virgin Bloody Marys as a kid. Some things never change!
11 Healthy Greens for Smoothies
From leafy greens to fresh herbs and other green veggies, adding greens to your smoothies is a great way to boost your daily nutrition. Whether you’re looking for mild flavors or something with a bit more bite, here are my top recommendations for healthy greens to blend into your smoothies.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are a great option for beginners. Fresh baby spinach has a mild flavor and vibrant color, making it an easy addition that won’t overpower your smoothie.
01. Spinach or Baby Spinach
One of the easiest leafy greens to add! Most grocery stores sell frozen spinach, which is my go-to for smoothies. But if you have fresh spinach from the farmers market—or better yet, your garden—it works just as well.
02. Kale or Baby Kale
A nutrient powerhouse, kale is a great source of plant-based calcium and vitamin K. For a milder taste, opt for baby kale.
03. Lettuce Greens (Romaine, Butter, and Green Leaf Lettuce)
Have leftover lettuce in your fridge? Don’t let it go to waste—toss it into your smoothie! Lettuce is hydrating, mild in flavor, and blends seamlessly.
04. Microgreens
Microgreens are often used as a garnish, but they’re also perfect for smoothies! They have a delicate flavor and pack in extra nutrients. I get mine locally from Gorge Greens!
Fresh Herbs
05. Mint
Easy to grow in pots, mint is refreshing in smoothies, infused waters, and even cocktails or mocktails.
06. Parsley
Loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, parsley is a bright and nutritious addition to any green smoothie.
07. Basil
Think strawberry basil cooler—but in smoothie form! Try blending frozen strawberries, basil, and coconut milk. Want an extra nutrient boost? Add some frozen spinach.
08. Lemon Balm
One of my favorite plants to grow! Known for its citrusy aroma, lemon balm may help with anxiety, mood, focus, and sleep.
Other Veggies & Green Ingredients
09. Celery & Celery Tops
Instead of tossing celery tops, freeze them for veggie stock—or blend them into a smoothie for a fresh, slightly salty kick.
10. Cucumber
Not a leafy green, but still green! Cucumbers are my favorite smoothie addition. They’re mild, hydrating, and blend beautifully for a refreshing drink.
11. Matcha Powder
My first-ever green smoothie featured matcha! I love blending matcha with strawberries, soy milk, and dates—a copycat version of Smoothie King’s Matcha Man.
Other Greens to Try
Looking for more options? Try:
- Beet greens
- Bok choy
- Swiss chard
- Dandelion greens
- Collard greens
Adding greens to smoothies is one of the easiest ways to boost your nutrition. So experiment and find your favorite combo!
Other Ingredients for Green Smoothies
My favorite green smoothie flavor combo is in my Green Juice Smoothie, but don’t be afraid to mix things up! Experiment with different ingredients to create your perfect blend. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Fruits & Juices
- Banana – Adds creaminess and natural sweetness.
- Mango – A tropical touch with a smooth texture.
- Apples or Apple Cider/Juice – If you don’t like the taste of apples, you probably won’t like them in your smoothie!
- Pineapple or Pineapple Juice – Bright, tropical, and naturally sweet.
- Tart Cherries or Cherry Juice – A bold, slightly tangy option.
- Citrus & Citrus Juice (Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Orange) – A zesty kick to brighten flavors.
Veggies & Boosters
- Shredded Carrots – Mildly sweet and packed with beta-carotene.
- Shredded Beets – Adds natural sweetness and a nutrient boost.
- Ginger – A zingy, anti-inflammatory addition.
Sweeteners
- Dates – Natural caramel-like sweetness with fiber.
- Honey or Maple Syrup – A little goes a long way!
Creamy Add-Ins
- Nut Butter – Adds richness and healthy fats.
- Yogurt or Coconut Yogurt – Boosts creaminess and probiotics.
- Milk (Cow’s Milk, Nut Milk, Oat Milk, Coconut Milk) – Choose your favorite for the perfect texture.
Superfoods & Extras
- Protein Powder – Great for a post-workout boost.
- Cacao – Adds a chocolatey depth and antioxidants.
- Maca Powder – A nutty, malty superfood.
- MCT Powder – Works as a shelf-stable coffee creamer, too!
- Flax Meal – A great source of fiber and omega-3s.
Green Smoothie FAQ: Ask a Dietitian!
What are the health benefits of green smoothies?
The nutritional benefits of green smoothies depend on the ingredients used. Most green smoothies are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and even protein, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.
Why add greens to smoothies?
Adding greens to smoothies is a personal choice! Some people enjoy them for the healthy ingredients and nutritional benefits, while others use them as a healthy breakfast or energizing snack that pair well with frozen fruit.
Personally, I love green smoothies because it is a convenient way for me to hydrate, while adding variety to my smoothies. Most of my fruit smoothies are creamy, made with milk, banana, Greek yogurt, nut butter, or MCT powder. But when I add greens, I prefer to keep things light and refreshing with citrus juice, apple juice, or water as the base.
What is the Healthiest Liquid for a Smoothie?
There is no single “healthiest” liquid for a smoothie. The best choice depends on your nutrition goals, flavor preferences, and dietary needs. Here are some nutritious options and how to use them in smoothies.
Water
A simple and hydrating option. It keeps smoothies light and refreshing without altering the flavor.
Pairs well with: Berry smoothies, citrus-based smoothies, or when you want a light and refreshing drink.
Cow’s Milk
A great source of protein and calcium. It adds creaminess and makes smoothies more filling.
Pairs well with: Banana, peanut butter, chocolate, or protein-packed smoothies.
Coconut Milk or Coconut Water
Coconut milk adds richness, while coconut water provides electrolytes and hydration.
Pairs well with: Tropical smoothies featuring sweet fruits such as mango, pineapple, or other tropical fruits and flavors.
Nut Milk (Like Unsweetened Almond Milk)
A dairy-free, lower-calorie alternative with a mild, slightly nutty taste.
Pairs well with: Smoothies with berries, ripe bananas, almond butter or other nut butters, hemp seeds, or chocolate.
Oat Milk
Naturally creamy texture with a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall texture.
Pairs well with: Dessert-like smoothies with cinnamon, vanilla, chia seeds, or chocolate.
100% Fruit or Vegetable Juice
Adds natural sweetness and an extra dose of vitamin C. Choose unsweetened juice to avoid added sugars.
Pairs well with: Green smoothies with spinach or kale, carrot-based smoothies, or citrus-flavored blends.
Tea or Coffee
Provides antioxidants and a natural caffeine boost. Green tea is light and refreshing, while coffee adds a bold flavor.
Pairs well with: Energizing smoothies like frozen banana, cacao, and coffee with milk or mango-green tea blends.
The best liquid for your smoothie depends on your taste and health goals. Experiment with different options to find your favorite combination!
Bottom Line
Hopefully, this article gets you thinking about different ways to add greens to your diet, or even a bit more about nutrition. And, if green smoothies aren’t your thing, that’s okay!
I’ll conclude with this question, just some food for thought;
What are some of your favorite ways to eat some greens!?
Recipes and Articles
If you enjoy smoothies, check out some of my smoothie recipes!
Like this article? Check out some of my other informative article!
Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!
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