Introduction
The concept of the 'Green Goddess' has roots in both culinary history and modern wellness culture. Originally, Green Goddess referred to a salad dressing created in the 1920s at San Francisco's Palace Hotel, named after a popular play of the time. Fast forward to the 21st century, and the term has been reinvented to embody the essence of clean, green eating. This smoothie bowl pays homage to that evolution, transforming the idea of 'eating your greens' into a luxurious, Instagram-worthy experience. As the wellness movement has grown, so has the popularity of green smoothies, with health enthusiasts and celebrities alike touting their benefits. This recipe takes the trend a step further, turning a simple green smoothie into a thick, spoonable bowl that's both a feast for the eyes and a boon for your body.
Ingredients
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
• 1 ripe banana, peeled and frozen
• 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 1/2 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 scoop (30g) vanilla plant-based protein powder
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon spirulina powder (optional, for extra nutrients and vibrant color)
• 1/4 cup granola, for topping
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes, for topping
• 1/4 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), for topping
• 1 teaspoon hemp seeds, for topping
Step 1:
Add spinach, frozen banana, frozen pineapple chunks, avocado, almond milk, protein powder, chia seeds, honey (if using), and spirulina powder (if using) to a high-speed blender.
Step 2:
Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 3:
Pour the smoothie mixture into a serving bowl.
Step 4:
Top with granola, coconut flakes, mixed berries, and hemp seeds.
Step 5:
Serve immediately and enjoy with a spoon.
Q: Can I make this smoothie bowl ahead of time?
A: While it's best fresh, you can blend the ingredients (except toppings) and store in the refrigerator overnight. Re-blend briefly before serving and add fresh toppings.
Q: How can I make the smoothie bowl thicker?
A: Use less almond milk, add more frozen fruit, or include a handful of ice cubes when blending. You can also freeze the avocado before adding it to the blend.
Q: Can I omit the protein powder?
A: Yes, you can skip the protein powder. Consider adding a tablespoon of nut butter or Greek yogurt for added protein if desired.
• For a thicker smoothie bowl, use frozen spinach or reduce the amount of almond milk.
• Kale can be substituted for spinach for a more intense green flavor.
• Any plant-based milk can be used instead of almond milk.
• Adjust the sweetness to taste by adding more or less honey/maple syrup.
• For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond milk and omit the granola topping.
• Choose ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness.
• Organic produce is recommended for the greens and berries to minimize pesticide exposure.
Serve the smoothie bowl immediately in a chilled bowl to maintain its thick consistency. Eat with a spoon, mixing the toppings into the smoothie as desired.
This smoothie bowl is best consumed immediately. If needed, store the blended mixture without toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Re-blend before serving and add fresh toppings.
Prepare all ingredients before blending to ensure a quick and smooth process. If using frozen spinach, add it last to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the blender.
- Use frozen banana and pineapple to achieve a thick, creamy texture without adding ice.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more almond milk if too thick, or more frozen fruit if too thin.
- Layer the ingredients in the blender with liquids at the bottom for easier blending.
For a tropical twist, replace pineapple with mango and add a tablespoon of coconut butter. For a chocolate version, add 1 tablespoon of cacao powder and use chocolate protein powder.
Pair with a cup of green tea or a shot of wheatgrass for an extra nutrient boost.
Best in summer when fresh berries are in season, but can be enjoyed year-round using frozen fruits.
Contains tree nuts (almond milk, coconut). May contain soy (in some protein powders). Check granola ingredients for potential allergens such as nuts or gluten.