Name: The TREEHOUSEs Green Giant Recipe
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cups fresh baby spinach; 1 cups curly kale leaves, stems removed, packed; 1 each medium apple, cored and chopped (leave skin on); 1 each ripe banana, peeled; 1 cups plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt); 3 cups unsweetened almond milk (or preferred milk); 1 tbs fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional); 1 cups ice cubes; 1 tsp chia seeds; 1 tsp ground flaxseed; 1 scoop protein powder (neutral or vanilla)

Method

Smoothie Base

Prepare produce

Wash the spinach and kale thoroughly under cold running water. Shake or spin dry. Core the apple and chop into 1/2-inch pieces (leave the skin on for fiber). Peel the banana and break into chunks. Grate the ginger if using.

Layer blender

Add the almond milk (about half first) to the blender, then add the yogurt. Add the chopped apple and banana next, followed by the spinach and kale. Pour in the remaining almond milk to help the blades move freely.

Sweeten and flavor

Add the lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, and grated ginger (if using). If using protein powder or other dry boosters, add them now.

Blend

Secure the lid and blend on low to medium speed for 20–30 seconds to break down the leaves. Increase to high speed and blend for another 30–60 seconds until completely smooth and bright green. If the mixture is too thick, add 1/4 cup more almond milk and blend again.

Chill and finish

Add the ice cubes and blend 10–20 seconds more until the ice is pulverized and the smoothie is frothy. Taste and adjust sweetness (add up to 1 tsp more honey/maple) or acidity (add a few more drops of lemon) as desired.

Serve

Pour into two tall glasses (or one large bottle). If using chia seeds or ground flax, sprinkle or stir them in immediately. Serve cold and enjoy.

Optional Boosters

If using chia seeds, you can either sprinkle them into the finished smoothie and drink right away or soak them 5–10 minutes in a tablespoon of water to create a gel before adding for a thicker texture. Ground flaxseed and protein powder are best blended in with the rest of the ingredients so they distribute evenly.