From Scratch Greek Yogurt Blueberry Spinach Smoothie — weeknight-friendly

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From Scratch Greek Yogurt Blueberry Spinach Smoothie — weeknight-friendly whips up creamy protein and greens in 5 minutes. Fuel your day; try it tonight.

Why You’ll Love It

Meet my From Scratch Greek Yogurt Blueberry Spinach Smoothie — weeknight-friendly. It’s fast, creamy, and packed with color. You get protein from Greek yogurt, sweet-tart blueberry flavor, and an easy handful of spinach. It all blends into a smooth sip in about 5 minutes.

There’s no need for fancy powders. Everyday ingredients do the heavy lifting. The banana brings natural sweetness and body. The yogurt adds a lush texture and a satisfying, not-too-tart base. Blueberries keep things jewel-toned and bright. Spinach melts in and goes almost unnoticed, but you still get that leafy green boost.

This smoothie is perfect when you need a smart breakfast, a quick post-workout snack, or a late-night bite that won’t weigh you down. If you love efficient cooking, you might also like our Easy Weeknight Dinners or these quick sips on our Smoothies page. For more balanced mornings, peek at Healthy Breakfast ideas and Meal Prep tips as well.

From Scratch Greek Yogurt Blueberry Spinach Smoothie — weeknight-friendly: At a Glance

• Ready in 5 minutes. • 15 to 20 grams of protein per serving (depending on yogurt and milk). • No cooking required. • Kid-friendly flavor with stealth greens. • Easy to customize for dairy-free or vegan diets.

Greek yogurt is a convenient way to add protein and creaminess. Curious about the benefits of yogurt? See the overview from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Spinach contributes iron, folate, and vitamin K; explore the nutrient profile in USDA FoodData Central.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole) – Plain keeps sugar low and tanginess balanced. Low-fat works too, but the smoothie will be a bit less silky.
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries – Frozen berries chill and thicken the smoothie. Fresh berries work; add a few ice cubes.
  • 1 heaping cup baby spinach, packed – Mild, tender leaves that blend smoothly. Regular spinach is fine; remove tough stems.
  • 1 small ripe banana – Adds sweetness and body. No banana? Use 2 pitted Medjool dates or 1/2 cup ripe mango.
  • 1 cup milk of choice – Dairy, almond, or oat milk all work. Use more to thin, less for a spoonable texture.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest – Brightens flavors and balances sweetness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Soft, dessert-like aroma.
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, to taste (optional) – Adjust to your preferred sweetness or skip for refined-sugar-free.
  • 4 to 6 ice cubes (optional) – For extra frostiness, especially if using fresh berries.
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed (optional) – Adds fiber and omega-3s. Chia thickens as it sits.
  • Pinch ground cinnamon (optional) – Warms and rounds out the berry flavor.
  • Small pinch fine sea salt – A tiny bit sharpens flavors and makes the blueberries pop.

Substitutions & Notes: Use skyr instead of Greek yogurt for a similar texture. Try mixed berries if you’re out of blueberries. Kale can stand in for spinach; strip the stems and blend well. If your berries are very tart, the banana or a touch of honey helps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Set up the blender. Place the jar on the base and make sure the lid and tamper (if you have one) are ready. A high-speed blender makes quick work of frozen fruit, but a standard blender is fine.
  2. Add liquids first. Pour in the milk, lemon juice, and vanilla. Liquids under the blades help everything circulate.
  3. Add the soft stuff. Spoon in the Greek yogurt. Add the banana (or dates), cinnamon, salt, and seeds if using.
  4. Finish with frozen items. Add the frozen blueberries and ice cubes last. This layering prevents clumps around the blades.
  5. Blend until silky. Start on low, then increase to high. Blend 45 to 60 seconds, or until smooth and pourable. Stop and scrape the sides if needed.
  6. Adjust to taste. Sip a spoonful. Add honey or maple for more sweetness, more milk to thin, or more frozen berries for body. Blend again for a few seconds.
  7. Serve. Pour into 2 glasses. Garnish with a few blueberries or a sprinkle of chia. Enjoy right away while cold and vibrant.

That’s it. The From Scratch Greek Yogurt Blueberry Spinach Smoothie — weeknight-friendly proves fast food can be nourishing and fun.

Expert Tips

Use frozen fruit to skip ice. Frozen blueberries give you the best color and chill. If you only have fresh berries, add 4 to 6 ice cubes to mimic that frosty texture.

Layer like a pro. Liquids first, soft items next, frozen items last. This simple order reduces air pockets and makes blending smoother, even in basic blenders.

Balance tart and sweet. Blueberries and yogurt can taste tangy. Banana, dates, or a teaspoon of honey centers the flavor. Lemon brightens without extra sugar.

Control thickness. For a thick smoothie, use less milk at first. You can always thin later. For a drinkable smoothie, start with the full cup of milk and blend longer.

Boost protein. Choose higher-protein Greek yogurt (some brands pack 17–20g per serving). You can also add 1 tablespoon nut butter or a scoop of unflavored whey or plant protein if you like.

Make it kid-friendly. Start with half the spinach and more banana. Work up to a full cup of greens as they get used to it.

Color care. Spinach plus blueberries gives a deep purple hue. If your smoothie looks gray, you may have used too much green. Add a few extra blueberries to correct the color.

Quiet the blender. Place a folded dish towel under the base to dampen noise for early mornings or late nights.

For the busiest evenings. Portion the dry add-ins (chia, cinnamon, salt) in a jar. Keep a bag of frozen blueberries and spinach in the freezer. Then this weeknight-friendly smoothie is a true 5-minute fix.

Storage

Fridge: Store the smoothie in a sealed jar for up to 24 hours. It may thicken as chia or flax absorb liquid. Stir or shake, then thin with a splash of milk if needed.

Freezer: Freeze in single-serve jars or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or blend the cubes with a bit of milk to refresh.

Make-ahead packs: Add banana slices, spinach, and blueberries to freezer bags. In the morning, dump into the blender with yogurt and milk. Breakfast is done.

Variations

Dairy-free: Use a thick plant-based yogurt (coconut or almond) and your favorite non-dairy milk. Add a few more frozen berries for body if needed.

Vegan: Choose dairy-free yogurt and milk, and sweeten with maple syrup or dates. Everything else in this base recipe is plant-based.

Gluten-free: This smoothie is naturally gluten-free. If using flavored plant milks or add-ins, check labels for hidden gluten.

Refined-sugar-free: Skip the honey or syrup. Rely on banana or dates. A small pinch of salt and a little vanilla can enhance perceived sweetness.

Citrus twist: Swap lemon for orange zest and a splash of orange juice for a creamsicle vibe.

Ginger glow: Add 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger for a lively, warming kick that pairs well with blueberry.

Nut butter boost: Blend in 1 tablespoon almond or cashew butter for richness and a hint of nutty depth.

Green-on-green: Replace half the blueberries with frozen mango for a brighter color and tropical lift.

FAQ

Can I make the From Scratch Greek Yogurt Blueberry Spinach Smoothie — weeknight-friendly without banana?
Yes. Use 2 pitted Medjool dates or 1/2 cup ripe mango for sweetness and body. You can also add a few extra frozen blueberries and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Can I use fresh blueberries?
Absolutely. Add 4 to 6 ice cubes to keep it cold and thick. If the blender struggles, blend a bit longer and scrape the sides once.

How do I make it thicker or thinner?
For thicker, add more frozen berries or a few ice cubes and blend again. For thinner, blend in milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it pours the way you like.

Is there a good dairy-free swap for Greek yogurt?
Use the thickest plant yogurt you can find, like coconut or almond. If it’s very loose, add chia and let it sit 2 minutes to thicken before serving.

Can I prep this the night before?
Yes. Blend, then store in a sealed jar for up to 24 hours. Shake well before drinking. For best texture, blend right before serving.

How can I add more protein without powders?
Use higher-protein Greek yogurt, add 2 tablespoons hemp hearts, or spoon in 1 tablespoon peanut or almond butter.

Call to Action

If you made this smoothie, I’d love to hear how it went. Drop a comment, add your swaps, or ask a question below. Save this recipe to your weeknight board, and share it with a friend who needs a fast, nourishing sip tonight.

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