I’ve seen these make-ahead smoothie kits all over Pinterest. But I wasn’t convinced until my friend Kelly recently texted me to report that yes, freezing fresh spinach totally works. Kelly and I, who share a love of green smoothies, often bemoaned the fact that the small box of spinach was never enough–but the jumbo one went bad before we could use it up. These smoothie packets solve that issue.
Another issue they solve: The occasionally bouts of laziness that overcome me when contemplating breakfast. Throwing some fruit and spinach into the blender doesn’t seem like much effort. But, well, you know how it goes.
For these packets, I use quart-size freezer bags (which I wash and reuse). Here’s how I assemble them:
- Start with a peeled banana.
- Add 1-2 large handfuls of fresh spinach (this is one of the items I buy organic, since spinach tends to be high in pesticide residue and since I eat so much of it).
- Add whatever fresh or frozen fruit I have kicking around. Some of my favorite combos: Frozen mango and frozen blueberries, strawberries and purple grapes, frozen blueberries and fresh lemon juice.
- Top it off with a tablespoon of flaxseed for some extra fiber and healthy fats.
- Freeze or refrigerate.
- When you’re ready for your smoothie, dump the contents into a blender along with a cup of cold water or unsweetened almond or coconut milk. A high-speed blender works best at getting everything pulverized–so no spinach bits floating at the top of your drink.
Are you a fan of morning smoothies? Tell me your favorite combinations!
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Alexis @ Hummusapien says
Love this idea! I’ve been on a huge smoothie kick lately, but I would definitely save tons of time if I organized them ahead of time. Thanks for the inspiration!
Jessica says
Unpeeled banana?
Sally says
Sorry! Yes, remove the peel before freezing it. I meant PEELED banana. Just fixed that typo. Yikes!
Sarah L says
Wait, please tell me that was a typo and you don’t put unpeeled bananna in your smoothie?! Otherwise, this looks like a fantastic idea. Thank you for sharing.
Sally says
Oops, yes a typo! That’s peeled. Will fix right now. THANKS!
Katie says
Clever lady!!!!! Pinning this immediately so I don’t forget!
Cathy says
Could I grind the flaxseed before I put it in the freezer?
Sally says
Yes, use ground flaxseed.
Martha says
Im allergic to bananas. Any suggestions for alternatives?
Sally says
You don’t have to use bananas but they lend a nice sweetness and smoothness. You could simply use different kinds of fruit.
jaya says
Hi, you could try pears as they still make it nice and creamy and add a nice sweetness. 🙂
Sally says
That’s a great idea, don’t think I’ve ever tried pears.
Sarah L says
Some yogurt is a nice alternative if you want the sweetness and creaminess w/o a banana.
Sally says
Great idea Sarah–thanks!
Hanna Saltzman says
This is a great idea Sally! I also have the problem of the small spinach bag running out too quickly, while the jumbo spinach bag goes bad….this is a great solution!
Sally says
Thanks Hanna!
Allison C. says
Do you wash the spinach before freezing? Thanks!
Sally says
I buy the pre-washed kind–and no, I don’t wash it again. I need that timesaver! 🙂
Carolyn in NC says
My smoothie recipe includes all the same things you do plus 1/2 of an avacado and some chia seed and sometimes I use swiss chard or kale rather than spinach.