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    The Hangry Chickpea » Breakfast » Green Spirulina Smoothie

    Green Spirulina Smoothie

    Published: Mar 14, 2021 · Modified: Mar 10, 2022 by Eliza

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    This green spirulina smoothie is decadent AND healthy! It's packed with protein, nutrients and antioxidants. And it basically tastes like a milkshake. What's not to love?

    green smoothie in a large glass topped with whipped cream and coconut flakes with a metal straw.

    Need something green for St. Patrick's Day? Start off your day with this healthy "lucky" shake, and try not to think about all the beer you're about to drink.

    It's also great pre or post workout (or surf lol)...just toss it in a to-go mug and you have a nutritious and filling breakfast.

    This green smoothie was inspired by this strawberry mango smoothie, and my thick berry smoothie bowl .

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions & Variations
    • Storage
    • Equipment
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Top tip
    • Creamy Green Spirulina Smoothie

    Ingredients

    ingredients in glass bowls: frozen mango chunks, frozen banana halves, coconut milk, spirulina powder, half an avocado, peanut butter

    You only need 6 ingredients for this decadent spirulina smoothie.

    • Frozen bananas - pro tip: if you have a bunch of bananas that are almost over-ripe, peel and place into an airtight container. Freeze for 12-24 hours before using. They're good for up to 3 months.
    • Frozen mango chunks for tartness and creamy texture
    • Ripe avocado for creamy texture
    • Peanut butter...enough said.
    • Coconut milk or other plant-based milk (or dairy milk...I won't judge ya)
    • Spirulina powder for green color and protein

    If you're going for the milkshake vibe, here are some ideas. Totally optional...

    • Blueberries - add to the bottom of the shake for fresh fruity treat at the end.
    • Macadamia nut butter - I was introduced to this in Hawaii and can't get it off my mind. You can also sub with peanut butter or nut butter of your choice.
    • Coconut whipped cream - I discovered that ReddiWhip makes a coconut whipped cream a few weeks ago and am OBSESSED. I've seen it at Publix, Kroger, and Harris Teeter here on the East Coast....but if you can't find it, ask your local grocery store to stock it for you!
    • Banana slices - extra sweetness
    • Coconut flakes - if you want extra crunch

    Instructions

    Smoothies are pretty simple - we just need to load the blender. A personal blender (pictured below) works well, but if you're using something bigger like a Vitamix, double the recipe.

    Nutribullet blender cup loaded with frozen bananas, mango chunks, peanut butter, spirulina powder and avocado
    Get ready to fill with plant milk until almost all the contents are covered

    Load biggest chunks closest to the blades when using a larger blender. Cover with plant milk until almost all the ingredients are covered, then blend until smooth.

    If you have a one-speed blender like a nutribullet, you may need to stop and stir a few times to get everything properly mixed.

    If you're working with a multi-speed blender like a Vitamix, start on low speed and increase slowly as you see movement in the blender. It's ok to stop and stir.

    In both cases, the blender typically needs 30-60 seconds to fully mix this creamy smoothie.

    Pour into cup of choice, top with fruit and whipped cream if desired, and enoy!

    Substitutions & Variations

    This creamy spirulina smoothie is vegan, dairy-free, and gluten free.

    • It can be nut free by substituting peanut butter for seed butter.
    • If you have a peanut allergy, try another nut butter instead. Almond butter works well.
    • Want it with no bananas? No problem, add more frozen mango.
    • No ripe avocados on hand? Add more mango, frozen banana, or peanut butter or skip it altogether.

    If you have some extra time, you can ripen avocados by placing in a paper bag with some bananas for 12-24 hours or more.

    Looking for a thicker texture, more like soft serve? Or a smoothie bowl consistency? Add less liquid - start by covering the ingredients ¾ of the way. You may need to stop and stir more often.

    three mason jars with blueberries on the bottom, green smoothie, banana slices, then macadamia nut butter. topped with whipped cream, coconut flakes and more nuts, with a metal straw.
    Could use one of these smoothies right now....

    Storage

    Refrigerate smoothie in an insulated mug for up to 24 hours. Smoothie will melt quickly in a regular glass!

    Equipment

    The main piece of equipment for smoothies is a blender.

    I have a Nutribullet and a Vitamix...both will work for this recipe with a couple notes:

    Vitamix and/or larger multi-speed blenders

    • Double the recipe so there's enough liquid to properly blend
    • Load largest frozen fruit pieces toward the bottom closest to the blades
    • Start blending on low and increase speed slowly as the smoothie blends and moves

    Nutribullet and/or one-speed or personal blenders

    • Keep blending as long as everything is moving

    Smoothie tips for any blender:

    • Stop and stir as often as needed
    • If you hear the blender change pitch (e.g. it sounds louder or different but you didn't change the speed), stop, stir, and start again. It probably isn't blending your smoothie if this happens...

    Want to know more about blenders? Here's everything I know.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is spirulina?

    Spirulina is a cyanobacteria, a type of blue-green algae. In this case, the algae is more green than blue. Algae is one of the most primitive forms of the plant life on earth today - it's the bottom of the food chain that feeds all kinds of marine life.

    It also has insane health benefits - in addition to extra protein, it contains essential vitamins and minerals too!

    Where can I find spirulina powder?

    Look for spirulina in your local grocery store or health foods store near the supplements or protein powder. If you can't find it in store, order it online!

    Does spirulina make you feel full?

    Yes, spirulina is packed with protein and all the essential amino acids. The quality of protein in spirulina is comparable to an egg. It's also packed with antioxidants and may lower "bad" cholesterol.

    Is a spirulina smoothie healthy?

    Absolutely! This green spirulina smoothie contains whole foods like banana and mango - both excellent sources of carbohydrate. It has plenty of protein from spirulina powder and peanut butter. The smoothie rounds out the macronutrients with healthy fat from peanut butter, avocado, and coconut milk.

    Top tip

    Take your time blending this smoothie - the creamy, soft-serve like texture is worth it!

    Want more smoothie action? I've got ya covered.

    • Strawberry Mango Smoothie
    Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below!
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    3 mason jars with green smoothie topped with whipped cream and coconut flakes

    Creamy Green Spirulina Smoothie

    ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
    • Author: The Hangry Chickpea
    • Prep Time: 5 mins
    • Cook Time: 0 mins
    • Total Time: 5 mins
    • Yield: 2 smoothies 1x
    • Category: Smoothies
    • Method: Blending
    • Cuisine: Healthy
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    This green spirulina smoothie is decadent AND ultra healthy! It's packed with protein, nutrients and antioxidants. And it basically tastes like a milkshake. What's not to love? 


    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    Shake: 

    • 2 frozen ripe bananas
    • ½ - 1 cup frozen mangoes
    • 1 heaping Tbsp peanut butter
    • ½ ripe avocado
    • 1 teaspoon spirulina (or less if you want a less green smoothie)
    • 1-2 cups coconut milk to nearly cover solid ingredients (more if you like thinner smoothie)

    Toppings/layer in: 

    • Nut butter (I had Macadamia nut butter on hand, but use what you have!)
    • Blueberries
    • Sliced bananas
    • Coconut flakes
    • Macadamia nuts
    • Coconut whipped cream

    Instructions

    Blend all ingredients until smooth. 

    Tip: start your blender on low, and build up speed as your ingredients mix in. 

    Layer in blueberries, bananas, etc. as you desire, and top with whipped cream, and anything else you're feeling. 


    Keywords: spirulina smoothie, green spirulina smoothie, spirulina powder, spirulina shake, healthy green smoothie, green protein smoothie, green spirulina shake

    How'd it go?

    Please rate this recipe and tag @thehangrychickpea on Instagram!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. The Hangry Chickpea

      November 20, 2021 at 9:48 pm

      this shake might as well be a milkshake it's so good! 10/10 would recommend.

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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