What it tastes like
Banana brings sweetness and a smooth texture. Cucumber keeps the drink light, while baby spinach has a milder flavor than strong leafy greens. The lemon is there for brightness; ginger is optional. You can leave it out and still have a good green drink.
Ingredients for one large glass
- ¾ cup cold water or unsweetened coconut water
- 1 packed cup baby spinach
- ½ small cucumber, roughly chopped
- 1 small frozen banana, sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
How to blend it
Wash the cucumber and spinach unless the spinach is labeled ready-to-eat. Slice the cucumber and frozen banana into pieces your blender can handle.
Add water and spinach to the blender. Blend until the greens are finely broken down.
Add cucumber, banana, lemon juice, and optional ginger. Blend until smooth.
If it is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time. Taste before adding more lemon or ginger. Pour into a glass and serve.
Swaps that make sense
- No coconut water? Use plain cold water. It gives a less sweet result.
- No banana? Try ½ cup frozen mango. The flavor becomes more tropical and the texture changes.
- Want it creamier? Add a spoonful of plain yogurt and a little more liquid if needed. Check dairy and other allergens.
- Only fresh banana? Use it and add a few ice cubes. Begin with less liquid so it does not become watery.
If your blender struggles
Blend spinach with the liquid first. Cut cucumber smaller and add frozen banana gradually. If the mixture stops moving, switch the blender off before stirring or scraping. Add liquid rather than pushing toward moving blades.
Can you make it ahead?
For the best texture, portion the banana, cucumber, and greens into a freezer pack, then add liquid and lemon when blending. See the meal prep guide for the full method. If you save a blended drink, cover and refrigerate promptly; separation can happen, so stir before serving.
FoodSafety.gov recommends refrigerating perishable food within two hours, or one hour above 90°F, and keeping the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
A note on nutrition
The ingredients and portion determine this drink's nutrition. Coconut water brands, banana size, and optional yogurt can change the totals. If you track nutrition, use the labels and quantities of the ingredients you actually choose. The recipe is here for its flavor and convenience; it is not a detox treatment.
Need a more substantial breakfast drink? Try the protein smoothie combinations and choose an option that fits your needs.
