Name: Morning Smoothie
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Smoothie
Ingredients: 1 medium ripe banana; 1 cup fresh spinach (packed); 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or 2%); 1 cup unsweetened almond milk; 1 tablespoon honey (or pure maple syrup); 1 scoop protein powder (optional)

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Morning Smoothie

Introduction
Wake up to a glass that smells like sun and possibility: warm banana sweetness, the faint green scent of fresh spinach, and the cool, creamy whisper of almond milk and Greek yogurt. Each sip blends silk and lift — smooth texture, bright banana flavor, a gentle tang from yogurt and a note of honeyed caramel on the finish. It’s comforting and invigorating at once, like a warm kitchen light and a brisk morning walk rolled into one drink.

This morning smoothie is perfect for busy weekdays when you need a nutritious, grab-and-go breakfast; for cozy weekend mornings when you want something light but satisfying; and for post-workout refueling when protein is on the agenda. If you’d like a quick primer on smoothie basics before you start, see our classic morning smoothie guide for inspiration and tips.

Dish Snapshot

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 (adjust quantities to serve more)
Difficulty Level: Easy — blender required

Nutrition Highlights
Estimated nutrition per serving (recipe as written; no optional protein powder):

Calories: ~270 kcal
Protein: ~15 g
Carbohydrates: ~50 g
Fat: ~3.3 g
Fiber: ~3.8 g
Sugars: ~35 g (natural + added honey)

With 1 scoop (about 25–30 g) of whey protein powder added:

Calories: ~370 kcal
Protein: ~35 g
Carbohydrates: ~52 g
Fat: ~4.8 g

These estimates are based on USDA nutrient profiles for common ingredients and cross-checked against guidance from health resources such as the Mayo Clinic and USDA FoodData Central for portion sizes and typical values. Exact numbers will vary by brand and product (Greek yogurt fat level, almond milk type, protein powder formulation).

Perfect For…

Busy mornings when you need quick, balanced fuel: carbs for energy, protein from yogurt (and optional powder), and a touch of healthy fat from almond milk.
Families and kids—this is a sneaky way to add greens (spinach) without a strong flavor.
Post-workout recovery when you add a scoop of protein powder.
Anyone seeking a light, nourishing breakfast that still feels indulgent thanks to the creamy texture and honeyed sweetness.

If you want a cinnamon-spiced seasonal twist, check the apple pie smoothie variation for inspiration you can borrow.

Preparation Guide
Ingredients (serves 1)

1 medium banana (ripe)
1 cup fresh spinach (packed)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (use nonfat or 2% depending on preference)
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon honey (or pure maple syrup to make vegan)
1 scoop protein powder (optional — whey or plant-based)

Optional add-ins and substitutions

1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed (fiber & omega-3s)
1/4 cup frozen berries or mango (for chill and flavor)
1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter (extra protein and creaminess)
Swap yogurt for dairy-free coconut or soy yogurt to make it vegan
Use oat milk or soy milk instead of almond milk for different creaminess/nutrition

Method (step-by-step)

Combine all ingredients in a blender: banana, spinach, Greek yogurt, almond milk, honey, and protein powder if using. Start with the almond milk to help the blades move freely.
Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary. Aim for a velvety, lump-free texture — about 30–60 seconds on high depending on your blender.
Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Practical tips:

Start with a little less liquid if you like a thicker smoothie; add more to thin it.
If using frozen fruit, reduce or omit ice to avoid diluting flavor.
Pulse first for a few short bursts to combine ingredients, then blend continuously for smoothness.
Taste before serving and adjust sweetness with a little more honey or a splash of vanilla if needed.

Best Pairings

Enjoy plain as a full breakfast, or pair with a slice of whole-grain toast and almond butter for more staying power.
Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea to round out the breakfast ritual.
Make it a light brunch with a small egg frittata or a bowl of overnight oats.
Top with a sprinkle of granola, chopped nuts, or a dash of cinnamon for a cafe-style presentation.
Pour into a mason jar and take it on the go for commuting or after the gym.

How to Store

Room temperature: Do not leave this smoothie at room temperature for more than 2 hours (due to dairy and fresh produce safety concerns).
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container or jar for up to 24–48 hours. Expect some separation; shake or stir before drinking. For best flavor and nutrient retention (especially vitamin C), consume within 24 hours.
Freezer: Pour into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and blend with a splash of fresh almond milk to refresh texture.

Pro Tips & Tricks

Use a ripe banana for natural sweetness; if you prefer less sugar, use half a banana + a handful of frozen cauliflower florets for body without added carbs.
For the creamiest texture, use full-fat Greek yogurt or add 1–2 tablespoons of avocado.
If your blender struggles with greens, chop spinach roughly and start by blending the liquid and greens first to make a smooth green base before adding banana and yogurt.
Chill your glass ahead of time for a cooler, more refreshing experience.
To reduce sugar, replace honey with a little stevia or omit sweetener if your banana is very ripe.

Switch It Up!

Green Protein Power: Add 1 scoop whey or plant-based protein, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, and 1/4 avocado for a richer, muscle-repairing breakfast.
Berry Oat Boost: Replace banana with 1/2 cup mixed frozen berries and add 2 tablespoons rolled oats. A filling choice with a berry-forward flavor and extra fiber.
Tropical Sunrise: Swap spinach for a handful of kale or omit greens, use 1/2 cup frozen mango and 1/4 cup pineapple, and replace almond milk with light coconut milk for a tropical treat.
Vegan & Low-Sugar: Use unsweetened soy yogurt, maple syrup (or no added sweetener), and a plant-based protein powder for a dairy-free option.

All Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this without Greek yogurt?
A: Yes — swap for coconut or soy yogurt (same quantity). The texture will be slightly different but still creamy.

Q: How do I make the smoothie thicker or thinner?
A: For thicker, use less milk, add more frozen fruit or a tablespoon of nut butter. For thinner, add almond milk in 1–2 tablespoon increments until desired consistency is reached.

Q: Is it okay to make this ahead for the next day?
A: Yes, store in the fridge up to 24–48 hours in an airtight container, but expect some separation and mild nutrient loss; shake and taste before drinking.

Q: Can kids handle the spinach taste?
A: Spinach is mild — using a ripe banana and sweetener hides the flavor. Baby spinach blends very smoothly and often goes unnoticed by picky eaters.

Q: What’s the best way to add protein?
A: Add a scoop of protein powder (whey or plant-based). Greek yogurt already contributes protein; choose an additional powder to reach your target protein per meal.

Conclusion

This morning smoothie is a fast, satisfying way to start the day — bright, creamy, and flexible to whatever you have in the fridge. Try it as written or experiment with the variations above, then share your favorite twist with friends or in the comments.

For more curated ideas and a broader collection of healthy options, check out this collection of healthy breakfast smoothies from WellPlated and browse these 14 breakfast smoothie recipes to start your day at Allrecipes.