Green smoothies can be hit or miss depending on a few things. It’s definitely not for everyone, and I always make sure to balance out the taste of the vegetables with something sweet or zesty. This smoothie recipe is a good mix of healthy and flavorful without sacrificing on the nutrient profile.

For all of my smoothies, I like using my Vitamix because it can blend anything—fruits, vegetables, frozen produce, ice, nuts..anything. I even blend small bones in it for my bone broth. It’s really good for making large batches of smoothies because you don’t have to keep adding ingredients little by little. For all-in recipes like this one, you can’t beat it. However, if you typically just make single-serve smoothies for 1-2 people, smaller blenders can do the trick as well.

For most smoothies, you want a creamy component to it from a dairy source such as whole milk or Greek yogurt. For this one, since it’s a green smoothie and not a creamy-type smoothie, the liquid we’ll be adding is freshly squeezed orange juice. I prefer adding something citrus-based to cut through the taste of the greens. Plus, just one orange contains more than 120% of your daily vitamin C needs, in addition to other vitamins and minerals. (1) Also, the banana and strawberries provide good carbs and fiber, so that you have a steady stream of energy without the crash.

The added spinach is what gives this smoothie its vibrant green color. I love adding spinach to my vegetable casseroles when I can, but in a pinch, they go in all of my smoothies as well. The antioxidants and flavonoids found in spinach, in addition to its beta-carotene content, have been shown to help prevent certain cancers, fight free radical damage, and promote a stronger immune system. Also, if you lead an active lifestyle, you may be surprised to know that spinach has muscle-building and performance benefits as well. In one research study, results showed that participants who consumed an average of 300 grams of spinach per day saw an increase in athletic performance. (2)

Lastly, the hemp seeds will add some protein, healthy fats and minerals to your smoothie while also adding a bit of crunch to it as well. Hemp seeds are the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant (also known as marijuana). Hemp seeds, contain only trace amounts of THC, which is what causes the drug-like effects of marijuana, so it doesn’t cause any of the recreational side effects. It may however, reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and skin disorders, reduce symptoms of PMS and menopause, and even aid digestion. (3)

There you have it! Once you combine all the ingredients together, all you have to do is blend, blend blend. It’s that simple.