Green protein smoothie with spinach
This vibrant green protein smoothie blends the refreshing zest of orange juice with the creamy texture of natural yoghurt and a touch of honey for gentle sweetness. Fresh baby spinach adds colour and depth, while a hint of ginger brings a subtle kick. Whether you're after a quick, flavourful start to the day or something cool and satisfying after a busy moment, this smoothie is as refreshing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
|
Baby spinach
|
65 g |
|---|---|
|
Orange
|
Juice of 1 |
| 400 ml | |
|
Honey
|
2 tsp |
|
Ginger, freshly grated
|
2 tsp |
blending spinach and other greens
Always wash the leaves thoroughly and remove any tough stems for a cleaner blend. Add the greens to the blender first, followed by the liquid ingredients – this helps pull the leaves down into the blades for a smoother result. Finally, blend the spinach with the yoghurt and orange juice for a few seconds before adding the remaining ingredients. This extra step helps break them down more effectively and ensures a silky, even consistency throughout your drink.
Get the most juice out of your oranges
To maximise the juice from oranges, start by bringing the oranges to room temperature as cold fruits yield less juice. Soften the fruit by rolling the orange under the palm of your hand on a flat surface. This breaks down the segments inside, making it easier to extract the juice. For optimal results, use a hand-held citrus juicer or a reamer. This method not only improves juice extraction efficiency but also preserves the fresh, vibrant flavour of the oranges, enhancing your green protein smoothie.
Questions about this green protein smoothie
Add a vibrant twist to your day with our green protein smoothie. Below, we answer a couple of common questions – covering the best way to store leftover ingredients and what makes this drink a source of protein.
What's the best way to store leftover ingredients?
To keep your smoothie ingredients fresh and ready for your next blend, proper storage is key. Store leftover spinach in an airtight container or resealable bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture – this helps keep the leaves crisp for longer in the fridge. Ginger can be wrapped in a paper towel and kept in the vegetable drawer or peeled and frozen in small portions for easy grating later. If you have leftover yoghurt, keep it sealed in its original container and use within a few days of opening. Freshly squeezed orange juice can be stored in a clean bottle or jar with a tight lid and refrigerated promptly. Keeping everything well-sealed and chilled helps preserve the flavour and texture of your ingredients.
Is this smoothie a source of protein?
Yes, this smoothie is considered a source of protein, meaning that more than 12% of its energy comes from protein. This is mainly thanks to the yoghurt, which not only adds protein but also gives the smoothie its creamy and luxurious texture.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
143 Kcal
| Fibre | 3.5 gram fibers |
| Protein | 3.5 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 30.1 gram |
| Fat | 0.7 gram |
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Three simple tricks to grate fresh ginger
Grating fresh ginger adds a bright, aromatic kick to this green protein smoothie, and with a few simple tips, it’s easy to get just the right texture.
- Always peel the ginger before grating. Using the edge of a spoon is an easy way to remove the skin without wasting too much of the root.
- Grate across the fibres rather than with them to get a finer, juicier result that blends evenly into the smoothie.
- Use a small grater or microplane for the best texture. This helps the ginger incorporate smoothly without leaving stringy bits behind.
These quick tricks make it easy to get the most flavour out of your fresh ginger.
Quick tips for blending spinach and other greens
Blending greens like spinach into your smoothie is simple, but a few quick tips can help you get the smoothest texture and best flavour. Always wash the leaves thoroughly and remove any tough stems for a cleaner blend. Add the greens to the blender first, followed by the liquid ingredients – this helps pull the leaves down into the blades for a smoother result.
Finally, blend the spinach with the yoghurt and orange juice for a few seconds before adding the remaining ingredients. This extra step helps break them down more effectively and ensures a silky, even consistency throughout your drink.
Get the most juice out of your oranges
To maximise the juice from oranges, start by bringing the oranges to room temperature as cold fruits yield less juice. Soften the fruit by rolling the orange under the palm of your hand on a flat surface. This breaks down the segments inside, making it easier to extract the juice.
For optimal results, use a hand-held citrus juicer or a reamer. This method not only improves juice extraction efficiency but also preserves the fresh, vibrant flavour of the oranges, enhancing your green protein smoothie.
Smoothies and shakes that make the most of leftover ginger
If you have some leftover fresh ginger, these protein-packed smoothies and shakes are a great way to use it up:
- Protein smoothie with Greek yoghurt: ginger adds warmth and a gentle spice to this blend of mango, yoghurt, and turmeric, balancing the sweetness with a subtle kick.
- Avocado protein shake: a refreshing mix of avocado, melon, and kiwi where ginger cuts through the creaminess and adds a fresh, zesty edge.
- Blueberry protein shake: in this creamy blueberry shake, a touch of ginger offers a bright contrast to the sweet berries and smooth quark.
Each one makes the most of ginger’s bold flavour while keeping the drinks smooth and balanced.
How to pick the juiciest oranges for your smoothie
When selecting oranges to enhance the flavour of your green protein smoothie, choose those that are firm and feel heavier than they look, as this indicates their juiciness. Ensure the skin is bright, unblemished, and smooth, free from wrinkles or soft spots.
A ripe, fresh orange also emits a sweet, citrusy smell, suggesting it is full of flavour. Gently pressing on the skin can also help; if it yields slightly, the orange is likely at its peak ripeness and ready to be juiced for your smoothie.
Smoothie styling tip: save a few ingredients for a picture-perfect topping
Elevate the look of your green protein smoothie by setting aside a few of the ingredients to use as decorative toppings. A couple of fresh spinach leaves placed on top or along the rim of the glass add a vibrant pop of green.
After juicing the orange, you can grate a little of the peel and sprinkle the zest over the smoothie for a colourful and aromatic finish. Saving a spoonful of the yoghurt to swirl into the surface creates a smooth, marbled effect, while a light drizzle of honey gives a glossy touch.
For a final detail, finely grate a bit of fresh ginger over the top to tie the look together with a subtle hint of spice. These simple, elegant touches not only showcase the ingredients inside but also give your smoothie a polished, picture-perfect finish.
