Looking for an easy, healthy way to sneak more greens into your family’s day? This simple green smoothie is the perfect solution! Made with just a handful of ingredients and ready in minutes, it’s a great way to start the morning or enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up.
What I love most about this recipe is how family-friendly it is—even picky eaters won’t suspect they’re sipping something so nutritious. The banana adds natural sweetness, the cucumber gives a cooling freshness, and the spinach blends right in without overpowering the flavour. Plus, you can add a little honey or maple syrup if your kids prefer it a bit sweeter.
Let the Kids Help!
Here’s how you can turn smoothie-making into a fun family activity:
1. Washing the Greens:
Let your little ones rinse the spinach in a colander, they’ll love swishing it around in the water (and splashing it everywhere!)
2. Peeling the Banana:
This is a perfect task for little ones. Peeling a banana is a simple job that helps make them feel included in the smoothie making fun!
3. Counting and Measuring:
I always ask the kids to count out the fruit pieces or help pour water into a measuring cup. It’s a fun way to bring learning into the kitchen.
4. Sweetness Check:
Let your kids taste the smoothie before adding honey or maple syrup. They’ll love helping to adjust it to the perfect sweetness or they might find it already sweet enough.
5. Pressing the Button:
My kids love pressing the “blend” button (I always keep an eye while they’re doing it, just for safety). It’s loud, it’s fun, and they get to see their ingredients magically turn into a smoothie!
How We Enjoy It
Pour the smoothie into a fun cup, add a silly straw, and you’ve got a drink that feels like a treat. Serve it over ice for extra chill—and maybe add a slice of banana or cucumber to the rim for a “fancy” touch.
This smoothie is a great way to introduce kids to green foods in a fun way. And when they help make it, they’re much more likely to enjoy drinking it too.
Sometimes, we turn it into a mini smoothie bar! We set out small bowls of fun add-ins like chia seeds, sliced strawberries, or a sprinkle of granola. The kids get to customise their smoothies, and we all end up with something a little different but equally delicious.
If we’re heading out to after school activities, we pour the smoothies into reusable cups with lids and take them on the go. They’re mess-free, refreshing, and give the kids just the right boost of energy to run around and play.
Ingredient Breakdown: What’s in the Simple Green Smoothie
Cucumber
Crisp and refreshing, cucumber adds hydration and a mild flavour. It’s packed with water and helps keep us cool—perfect for hot days or after school snacks!
Banana
Bananas bring natural sweetness and creaminess to the smoothie, so there’s no need for refined sugar. They’re full of potassium, great for growing kids and active parents!
Baby Spinach
Don’t worry—your kids won’t even taste it! Spinach is a mild leafy green that blends easily and is full of iron, fiber, and vitamins A and C. It’s an easy way to sneak in some greens without the struggle.
Water
Simple and clean—water helps everything blend smoothly and keeps the smoothie light and hydrating. You can also substitute coconut water for extra electrolytes or milk for added creaminess.
Honey or Maple Syrup
A tiny drizzle can boost sweetness if your banana isn’t quite ripe or if your kids like a sweeter taste. Both honey and maple syrup are natural sweeteners—but feel free to skip if your banana is doing the job!
Ice
Ice makes the smoothie cold and refreshing! It’s especially fun for kids on warm days—think of it like a healthy green slushie.
Simple Green Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1/8 cucumber chopped
- 1 banana
- 1 handful baby spinach
- Honey or maple syrup optional
- 150 ml water
- Ice to serve
Instructions
- Blend the cucumber, banana, spinach, honey if using and water until smooth.
- Pour over ice and serve.
