Purple Smoothie

Go down to recipe

Start your day or energize your afternoons with this lusciously creamy Purple Smoothie. It combines the sweetness of berries with the subtle earthiness of spinach; all smoothed together with Greek yogurt and almond milk. Whether you’re a smoothie enthusiast or just looking for a tasty drink, this recipe will hit the spot. It’s simple to make and easily tweaked to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.

A glass of Purple Smoothie garnished with mint leaves and a black straw in the glass. There's a slice of orange beside the smoothie and mint leaves scattered around the glass.

Why You Should Make This Purple Smoothie

This Purple Smoothie is a perfect blend, combining the tartness of mixed berries with the creamy texture of Greek yogurt and the subtle sweetness of honey. Adding spinach might seem unusual, but it’s a fantastic way to get some extra nutrients without overpowering the taste. The banana in the mix adds a creamy consistency and brings its natural sweetness, balancing out the tartness of the berries. It’s ideal for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a refreshing dessert alternative.

Moreover, this smoothie is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, a light snack, or a nutritious beverage to accompany your meals, it’s the perfect choice. It’s also a brilliant way for kids to consume fruits and vegetables without fuss. The rich purple color, naturally derived from berries, is visually appealing, making it a hit among all age groups.

Purple Smoothie Ingredients

Each ingredient in this smoothie adds to its delicious taste and brings its own set of nutritional benefits:

  • Mixed Berries: A combination of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, these berries are high in antioxidants and vitamins, offering a delightful tartness and vibrant color.
  • Banana: The ripeness of your bananas will affect the taste of your smoothie. For a sweeter smoothie, use riper bananas. Frozen bananas are best because they help to thicken the smoothie.
  • Greek Yogurt: Adds a creamy texture and is an excellent source of protein and probiotics. It also helps to balance out the acidity of the berries.
  • Spinach Leaves: This might be a surprise ingredient for many, but spinach is a nutritional powerhouse rich in iron, magnesium, and vitamins. It’s also flavor-neutral, so it doesn’t overpower the fruit flavors.
  • Honey: A natural sweetener, honey adds a touch of sweetness while also offering its health benefits.
  • Almond Milk: A dairy-free alternative that gives the smoothie a silky-smooth texture. It’s also lower in calories compared to regular milk.
  • Ice Cubes: For that perfect chilled and refreshing texture.

A tall glass of Purple Smoothie garnished with mint leaves and a slice of lime which provides a beatiful contrast. There are mint leaves scattered around the glass and different fruits in the background, like oranges and grapefruit.

Adding Proteins and Supplements

Consider adding a scoop of protein powder to make this smoothie more filling and nutritious. This is especially beneficial if you’re enjoying the smoothie as a post-workout drink or want to keep fuller for longer. Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds for omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

Garnishes and Toppings

  • Mint Leaves: Adds a refreshing aroma and a hint of freshness.
  • Toasted coconut flakes: Offers a delightful crunch and a hint of tropical flavor.
  • A sprinkle of Chia Seeds: For an extra boost of omega-3s and fiber.

Purple Smoothie Variations We Love

  • Vegan Version: Replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative and ensure your honey is vegan-friendly.
  • Protein-Packed: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra protein boost.
  • Extra Creamy: Add an avocado for a richer, creamier texture and healthy fats.

Health Benefits of the Purple Smoothie

Combining berries with spinach in a smoothie offers a multitude of health benefits. The antioxidants in berries help to neutralize free radicals in the body, contributing to overall health and wellness. Spinach adds a healthy dose of iron and vitamins essential for energy and vitality.

The Greek yogurt provides probiotics for gut health and protein for muscle repair and building. The almond milk, being dairy-free, is an excellent option for those with lactose intolerance and adds a dose of vitamin E, essential for skin health.

The banana sweetens the smoothie naturally and provides potassium, crucial for heart health and muscle function. Honey, as a natural sweetener, also comes with its own set of antioxidants and can soothe the throat and boost immunity.

Tips for the Perfect Purple Smoothie

Crafting the perfect smoothie is an art that combines the right ingredients, technique, and a bit of creativity. Here are some detailed tips to help you elevate your purple smoothie game:

  • Blending Technique Matters: Start by blending the liquid ingredients with the spinach. This ensures that the spinach is thoroughly blended and you don’t end up with leafy chunks in your smoothie. Add the fruits and other ingredients once you have a smooth green base.
  • Temperature Play: Using frozen fruits gives the smoothie a thick, creamy texture, making it feel more like a treat. If you prefer a juice-like consistency, use fresh fruits instead.
  • Natural Sweeteners: If you want extra sweetness, add more honey or a ripe banana. Steer clear of refined sugars and opt for natural sweeteners like agave nectar or maple syrup for an extra flavor kick.
  • Boosting Nutritional Value: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds for added fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. A scoop of protein powder can also make your smoothie more filling.
  • Texture Tweaks: Add more almond milk or water if your smoothie is too thick. If it’s too thin, add more frozen fruits or ice to thicken it up.
  • Flavor Experiments: Experiment with different flavors by adding a pinch of cinnamon, a spoonful of cocoa powder, or a few mint leaves. These can significantly change and enhance the flavor profile of your smoothie.

A tall glass of Purple Smoothie garnished with mint leaves and a pinkish white straw in the glass. There are fresh berries and mint leaves in the foreground and the smoothie is in front of a purple backdrop.

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh ones?

Absolutely! Frozen berries are a great alternative to fresh ones, especially when berries are not in season. They also add a thicker consistency to the smoothie.

What are the health benefits of a purple smoothie?

Purple smoothies, rich in berries and spinach, are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They're great for boosting the immune system, improving skin health, and providing a healthy dose of fiber for digestive health.

How can I make this smoothie vegan-friendly?

To make this smoothie vegan, simply replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative like coconut or soy yogurt. Ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly as well.

Is this smoothie suitable for kids?

Yes, this purple smoothie is a delicious and nutritious option for kids. It's a fun way to include fruits and vegetables in their diet. Adjust the sweetness to their liking.

Can I prepare this smoothie in advance?

It's best to enjoy the smoothie fresh, but you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir or shake before serving.

A glass of Purple Smoothie garnished with mint leaves and a black straw in the glass. There's a slice of orange beside the smoothie and mint leaves scattered around the glass.

Purple Smoothie

Perfectly blending a mix of berries and fruits, this Purple Smoothie is delicious and packed with antioxidants and vitamins. It's ideal for a refreshing breakfast or a healthy snack.

  • Prep

    10 mins

  • Total

    10 mins

  • Servings

    2

  • Calories

    200 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)

  • 1/2 banana, sliced

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

  • 1 cup spinach leaves

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1/2 cup almond milk

  • 1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Add mixed berries, banana, Greek yogurt, spinach, honey, and almond milk to a blender.

  2. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.

  3. Add ice cubes and blend again until desired consistency is achieved.

  4. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Substitute almond milk with any other plant-based milk for different flavors.

  • Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra protein boost.

  • If you prefer a sweeter taste, add more honey or a ripe banana.

Nutrition

  1. Calories 200 kcal | 
  2. Carbohydrate Content 30g | 
  3. Cholesterol Content 5mg | 
  4. Fat Content 3g | 
  5. Fiber Content 5g | 
  6. Protein Content 10g | 
  7. Saturated Fat Content 1g | 
  8. Serving Size 1 glass | 
  9. Sodium Content 40mg | 
  10. Sugar Content 20g | 
  11. Trans Fat Content 0g | 
  12. Unsaturated Fat Content 2g | 

Other smoothie recipes you might enjoy

About the author

Taylor Lipshutz is the vibrant personality behind this blog that has quickly become a go-to resource for smoothie enthusiasts. Taylor’s journey into the world of smoothies began as a personal quest for health and wellness, and she was inspired to share her knowledge and passion with others.

A headshot of the author, Taylor Lipshutz