Sunday, August 7, 2011

Green Smoothie


Today, I'm sharing another beverage, non-alcoholic this time and one full of green, healthy goodness!  I've seen lots of smoothie recipes before but when I saw a photo of this one on Tastespotting with a claim to potentially help in weight loss, I was intrigued!  Summer has been tough on the waist line with BBQs, parties and entertaining.  This recipe was shared via Marcus Samuelsson originally from Linda Wagner. There are a multitude of Green Smoothie variations online but this one finally inspired me. 

All you need is fruit, such as mango, bananas, some fresh spinach leaves, a little water and blend - that's it! I thought I'd try replacing my usual lunch with a healthy serving of this smoothie for one-two weeks, along with an exercise program and see what happens.


I knew if I had to hand-cut fresh fruit everyday in order to make this, I would probably give up after one or two days, or when the fruit started to go bad, but I found a wonderful bag of frozen fruit at Sam's that has mango, pineapple, peaches and strawberries. 


Instead of adding ice, the frozen fruit adds all the chill you'll need. You will never know you are drinking spinach - I promise! The flavor of the fruit is very prominent and it surprising how filling it is.. I also bought a big box of organic baby spinach at Sam's that will get me through smoothie-making for at least a week. It has been two days since I started making these and I am hooked. They taste delicious and fill my midday appetite.


Green Smoothie
Recipe Adapted from Linda Wagner
Printable Recipe

1 ripe banana
1 cup frozen mixed fruit with mangoes, pineapple, peaches and strawberries, partially defrosted for about 5-10 minutes.
1 cup fresh organic spinach leaves
1 cup cold, fresh water

Add ingredients to a blender and blend to desired consistency..  Drink and enjoy all the healthy goodness!

Note:  The smoothie color darkens after blending.
Posted by SavoringTime in the Kitchen at 8:53:00 PM
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49 comments:

  1. VeeAugust 7, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    Now that does sound good. Wonder what berries would do for the mix...

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  2. colorchicAugust 7, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    That looks seriously healthy! and sounds delicious!

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  3. Kim, USAAugust 7, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    I love that fruit bag I think that is practical to buy than to buy ripe fruits sometimes it rot easily. And with the spinach it's new to me gonna try it ^_^

    Mosaic Monday

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  4. Gloria BakerAugust 7, 2011 at 10:30 PM

    Look and sound delicious love the color... gloria

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  5. Barbara F.August 7, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    Trying this drink this week, I have some of my own frozen fruit in the freezer, just need to get fresh spinach leaves. xo,

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  6. scrambledhenfruitAugust 7, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    That frozen bag of fruit is a great idea- no extra fruit prep or waste involved! We have a blender in the kitchen at school, and these would be great for lunch. :)

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  7. NancyAugust 7, 2011 at 11:00 PM

    I'm ready to try this. Might be just what my diet needs. Thanks for the recipe. Nancy

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  8. eileeninmdAugust 8, 2011 at 4:25 AM

    It sounds delicious and very healthy. I wish I had a blender at work. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Have a wonderful week!

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  9. RitaAugust 8, 2011 at 4:51 AM

    That is one green green I would be wanting to try;I love spinach and would love to love a couple of pounds; thanks.
    Rita

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  10. Debbie@Mountain BreathsAugust 8, 2011 at 5:42 AM

    I love smoothies, and make them in quantity and freeze in individual serving zip loc bags. I take it out of the freezer in the morning, and by the time I get to work, it is almost ready to pour into my cup and drink for my breakfast.

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  11. LynnAugust 8, 2011 at 5:44 AM

    At first I thought it was Linda Wagnor as in Wonder Woman!!! Gotta be curious about that! lol. Sounds good, one of the other girls wrote about these green smoothies, she said it really makes a big difference in everything from skin tone to her energy level-enjoy:@)

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  12. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenAugust 8, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    We're on a weight-loss regime too and this may be just what we need to start out our mornings right before heading to the gym. Maybe we'll eventually be able to show off our muscles just like Popeye the sailor man did.
    Sam

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  13. La Table De NanaAugust 8, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    You know me and smoothies..

    :) But Susan..you need to lose weight like..well I am trying to think of an anecdote...because you are spot on right..

    For health I can see:) I never thought of buying this fruit asst. great idea..I will look!

    Green is so pretty too..Thanks Susan..

    I know you will keep it up!
    I thought Lindsey Wagner as the Bionic Woman..I still like her:)

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  14. BonnieAugust 8, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    I know this will be delicious! I may add a little wheat grass for a bit of a boost. Yummy!

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  15. Food JauntsAugust 8, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    Love this, it's so pretty! I always want to eat/drink smoothies but randomly don't own a blender. I did just get a stick blender, which now that I'm thinking about it, is perfect for individual servings. I'll be trying this out soon.

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  16. FaithAugust 8, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    What a great healthy smoothie. Love the green color :) It makes it even tastes better.

    Have a good week ahead.

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  17. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenAugust 8, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Oh my, it looks tasty!! Keep us updated on your progress. I'm thinking I'd like some berries in mine & maybe some greek yogurt for protein. Thanks for sharing.

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  18. SnapAugust 8, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Wow. I make smoothies with fruit and yogurt, but this would be even lower in calories. I'll have to try it. Thanks! Have a great week!

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  19. Angie's RecipesAugust 8, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    A power drink! I don't do smoothies often enough...should really drink more of them.

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  20. Niki HudsonAugust 8, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    I'm also intrigued! I'm a little late to the smoothie-party, having just this summer started to make my own. This is one recipe to add to my collection! Thank you for sharing :)

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  21. Deana SidneyAugust 8, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    Gorgeous gorgeous and so good for me too! Great recipe and photograph. I really need to do more smoothies with all this beautiful produce around this summer. Seems such a waste to cook it.

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  22. PamAugust 8, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    Susan, this is great for any time of the day. I hardly ever make smoothies but this is the one to try! Love the color of it.

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  23. Miz HelenAugust 8, 2011 at 4:13 PM

    What a great smoothie, it looks so delicious! Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day!
    Miz Helen

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  24. Schnitzel and the TroutAugust 8, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    Good grief...forget about the losing weight. Enjoy this drink!! I have seen quite a few green smoothie recipes, but this one sounds simple and good compared to some of the others. Susan

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  25. KathleenAugust 8, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    Leave out the spinach and I am with you! I'll have my spinach in a salad!
    I need something to chew on to be satisfied.

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  26. JudeeAugust 8, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    I'm in for green smoothies. I drink one every morning. I'll try this recipe; it looks great. I'm now following you. Hope you will visit my blog and follow back.

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  27. GratefulPrayerThankfulHeartAugust 8, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    Oh boy... an interesting and delicious recipe. And the color of this beverage is appealing too!

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  28. Ocean Breezes and Country SneezesAugust 8, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Looks great, but I think I'd add a shot of vodka! LOL!!!

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  29. MarysolAugust 9, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    Susan, I love these emerald drinks. What a pretty shade of green!

    I'd been an advocate of green smoothies, up until a few months ago, when I quit making them because I got tired of the fruit chopping ritual. So I’m going to try your frozen fruit tip.

    And please, do tell, has it been difficult losing those extra 1½ lbs? :)

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  30. Sandi @the WhistleStop CafeAugust 9, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    I make a smoothie every day as I rush out to work. Strawberry/Basil is my favorite.
    I need to throw in some spinach too!

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  31. Fresh Local and BestAugust 9, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    This does look quite refreshing and comforting at the same time! Love the idea of using frozen fruit, it cuts out a load of work.

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  32. Magic of SpiceAugust 9, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    That looks so cool and refreshing, not to mention wonderfully healthy :)

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  33. Cathy at Wives with KnivesAugust 9, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    That smoothie looks so healthy and delicious. Using frozen fruit is a great idea. This sounds like a easy way to cut back on calories and add fruits and veggies to a diet.

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  34. Chiara August 10, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    It sounds delicious Susan ! Lovely color!Hugs & kisses....

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  35. Pattie @ Olla-PodridaAugust 10, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    This looks amazing. In fact, the next cocktail looks pretty darned good too. Here's a challenge for you: I'm having a ladies luncheon (all ladies are in their 80s) and need a nice cool cocktail to serve them prior to lunch. Nothing overly alcoholic, but something fruity and pretty with just a touch of alcohol. Any ideas?

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  36. The Fajdich TimesAugust 10, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    You got my attention!!!! Love the color...can't wait to try it:)

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  37. JulianaAugust 10, 2011 at 6:10 PM

    Susan...I always wanted to add spinach to my smoothie, now that I've seen that it seems drinkable, I sure will give a try :-)
    Hope you are having a great week!

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  38. JoanneAugust 10, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    Mmmm this may be green but it has all of my favorite fruits in it!

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  39. FoleyAugust 10, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    OK Popeye - love spinach but in liquid form I tend to 'shiver'!! Looks pretty...

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  40. flash bellekAugust 11, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    Your post so inspiring for my friends. He want to gain weight and he tried but didn't get result. So,now he became hopeless. I sure your recipe helps lot.

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  41. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiAugust 12, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    This sounds delicious and a snap to make, Susan. My daughter-in-law gets my grandson to "eat" all kinds of vegetables by presenting them as smoothies.

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  42. Egypt PropertyAugust 12, 2011 at 11:40 PM

    very nice drink
    Cook Recipes
    Kitchen Shop

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  43. JacquelineAugust 15, 2011 at 12:47 AM

    We like making this with pineapple juice. I need to do it daily to offset all of the other naughty things I love to eat!

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  44. Hawaii Green SmoothieAugust 21, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  45. Green SmoothieAugust 21, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    we use coconut water, pineapples and mangoes! tastes awesome!

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  46. gift ideas for menSeptember 24, 2011 at 6:19 AM

    I was just finding about how to make pineapple juice and just stopped here. Your idea helped me lot to make different dish in my breakfast and dinner.

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  47. Linda Wagner - Nutrition to Invigorate Mind, Body and SpiritFebruary 4, 2012 at 1:13 AM

    Hi, I'm just seeing this post. So glad you are loving the green smoothies!! Thanks for sharing!! xo I have a lot more smoothie recipes on my site, you'll LOVE the chocolate recipes!!

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  48. SavoringTime in the KitchenFebruary 5, 2012 at 8:47 AM

    Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment, Linda! I will certainly check out the rest of your smoothie recipes - and look for that chocolate one :)

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  49. Jen BishopFebruary 25, 2018 at 2:53 PM

    I love juicing and making smoothies, Thanks for sharing this tasty green smoothie recipe.

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