I usually never follow a recipe when I make a green smoothie. Most of the time it depends on what I have in the fridge and how I’m feeling, but lately, I have been making this recipe on repeat. It’s simple, doesn’t require much time to make, is incredibly nutritious and tastes delicious.
What I love about this recipe {outside of how creamy it is} is that, depending on how much hemp protein and hemp seeds you use, it can be either be a meal of a light snack or breakfast. If you use all 3 tbsp hemp protein {15g protein} and all 3 tbsp hemp seeds {10g protein} then you have ~25g worth of protein in this recipe. When I make this for Chris or my Dad, I use the full amount of hemp seeds and banana compared to when I make this for my Mom or myself, I use 2 tbsp hemp protein powder and 2 tbsp hemp seeds.
A few things to note before you dive into making it. I would suggest adjusting the amount of kale and spirulina you use based on your, what I call, “green factor”. {Banana will also change how “green” your smoothie tastes. The more banana you have, the sweater the smoothie will be.} If, for example, you are a seasoned green beverage drinker, an only drink green juices without fruit then you can probably tolerate a lot of kale and full tbsp of spirulina. If, on the other hand, you are new to the green smoothie world, I would suggest 3 leaves of kale and only 1 tsp on spirulina in addition to a whole banana. You can also omit spirulina and just use kale!
Green Banana Hemp Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium cucumber*
- 1/4 cup water**
- 1/2 – 1 whole ripe frozen banana***
- 3-5 big leaves on lacinato kale
- 1-3 tbsp hemp seeds
- 2-3 tbsp hemp protein powder
- 1-3 tsp spirulina {optional}
- small handful of ice
*If you don ‘t have cucumber or don’t like it, sub for 3/4 cup water, nut milk, or coconut water.
**Feel free to sub nut milk or coconut water for a heartier version.
***If you use 1/2 a banana decrease the amount of liquid you use or add in a few florets of steamed then frozen cauliflower.
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until smooth.
- Drink immediately or within 4-6 hours of blending to ensure freshness.
XO
-S
