Loaded with lots of feel good ingredients, this green Ginger Smoothie makes for a delicious way to start any day! It’s a great green smoothie for beginners. Plus, it’s plant based, dairy free, gluten free and naturally sweetened. What’s not to love?
I have a confession to make.
I am a food blogger….
You’re thinking, ‘duh, Dawn, I know; that’s no secret confession or anything.’
Ok, here goes….
As food obsessed as I am per my last confession, sometimes I forget to eat!!!!
Crazy, right?!
Well, it’s mostly during weekends when I’m busy doing alllll the things.
Then, BOOM, it strikes me like a ton of bricks.
Dawn is HANGRY!!! Nobody like hangry Dawn, not even me. I get so cantankerous. Like, don’t even look at me. You too??
That’s where a hearty smoothie does the trick. It takes minutes to whip up, it’s filled with all kinds of goodness and keeps hangry Dawn at bay.
If I were wearing fancy pants right now I’d call it a ‘feel good, happy times, sunshine smoothie’ or something clever like that. But, I’m not, so ginger smoothie it is 😉
Thinking a veggie smoothie recipe isn’t for you? Try this one out and you’ll be a green smoothie believer, my friends. I wouldn’t stare you wrong!
How Do You Make A Smoothie?
I don’t need to tell you that making a smoothie is capital ‘E’ – easy! You simply throw the prepared ingredients in the blender jug and whiz away. Pour and enjoy! For any smoothie, you need to have your liquid base (i.e. some sort of milk), add-ins like spinach or berries and a sweetener (optional). To make this green smoothie, I used –
- Almond milk – your ‘base’
- Banana (preferably frozen) – to thicken
- Freshly grated ginger
- Freshly grated turmeric
- Lemon Juice
- Baby Spinach
- Pineapple (to naturally sweeten)
What is Ginger? What Can You Use Ginger For?
Ginger is actually a flowering plant originating from China. It has a fragrant, almost ‘spicy’ or ‘hot’ taste. It really packs a punch in the flavour department and way more so than the dried/powdered variety.
Besides this ginger smoothie, fresh ginger is great for –
- Adding a thin slice to hot tea with lemon (so good)
- Infusing water
- Using in curries and stir fries
- Adding to baked goods in lieu of dried ginger for a really pungent hit of flavour
How Do You Peel Ginger? How to Mince Ginger?
Some people use a spoon to scrape the outer layers from fresh ginger (especially younger ginger). Me? I prefer to use a straight up potato peeler.
After peeled, I typically cut into small strips and then mince with a knife until fine. Don’t want to use a knife? Grate it with a microplane.
How to Store Ginger? Can you Freeze Ginger?
Of course, you’re only going to need a little ginger for this green smoothie and you definitely don’t want to waste it! It will last in the fridge in your veggie drawer for a couple of weeks (place in a bag) or store in a freezer for up to 6 months. I typically store whole (and actually find it easier to grate when frozen). However, you can pre-grate the ginger and freeze for when ready to use. Check out this little tip on how to store ginger.
Tips for Making this Ginger Smoothie
- Opt for ‘unsweetened’ almond milk to keep the sugar content down.
- Ensure that the banana is frozen because this will give a creamy consistency to your smoothie.
- Want this ginger smoothie even creamier? Use frozen pineapple chunks as well.
- I recommend using fresh turmeric here. You could use powdered turmeric, but it will change the colour of your smoothie and it won’t be green. Want to omit? That’s a-ok too?
- Speaking of turmeric, that stuff stains! You will be going around with orange hands all day once you handle. Not the end of the world, but if you want to avoid, just wear some gloves while mincing.
- Need things a little sweeter? Add some maple syrup, about 1 tbsp at a time until you’ve reach your desired sweetness level.
- Want to add a little more oomph to the mix? Add in your favourite protein powder.
Other Smoothie Recipes You May Enjoy
Hope you love this ginger smoothie as much as we do!
Until next time, take care and chit chat again soon 🙂
~Dawn
Ginger Smoothie (with spinach, turmeric & lemon)
Ingredients
- 1.5 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 stalk freshly grated turmeric (about 3 to 4 grams)
- 2 frozen bananas , cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple , cut into chunks
- 2 generous handfuls baby spinach
- 1/2 lemon , juiced
- 1/2 cup crushed ice (optional)
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses. Enjoy!
Notes
- Opt for 'unsweetened' almond milk to keep the sugar content down.
- Ensure that the banana is frozen because this will give a creamy consistency to your smoothie.
- Want this ginger smoothie even creamier? Use frozen pineapple chunks as well.
- I recommend using fresh turmeric here. You could use powdered turmeric, but it will change the colour of your smoothie and it won't be green. Want to omit? That's ok too.
- Speaking of turmeric, that stuff stains! You will be going around with orange hands all day once you handle. Not the end of the world, but if you want to avoid, just wear some gloves while mincing.
- Need things a little sweeter? Add some maple syrup, about 1 tbsp at a time until you've reach your desired sweetness level.
- Want to add a little more oomph to the mix? Add in your favourite protein powder.
