10 Best Greens For Smoothies

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Uncover the best greens for smoothies – from collard greens to baby spinach. Elevate your health with nutrient-packed, deliciously green smoothies.

I don’t know if green smoothies will ever go out of style! 😉

Remember when in the late 00’s they were lovingly called “Green Monsters?”

Thomas and I both enjoy green smoothies multiple times per week as they are such an easy way to get in greens. I always put greens into my kids’ smoothies too. Just enough not to turn the whole thing green, and always baby spinach because it’s the easy to hide the flavor (more on that below!)

There is a good reason why greens are so popular in smoothies – you most always can not taste them when they are blended with all of the other ingredients (like milk, frozen fruit, nut butter, protein, and the like) and you don’t have to do all the chewing that some of the heartier greens require.

Leafy greens are the cornerstone of any green smoothie, packing a nutritional punch that supports overall health and wellbeing. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium, contributing to improved immunity, bone health, and skin vitality. They add fiber and micronutrients while being low in calories.

Today’s post is a roundup of the best greens for smoothies—those that seamlessly blend into your smoothies, enhancing both their nutritional content and your overall wellbeing.

Best Greens For Smoothies

Consider the following list of the most nutrient-dense greens when making your next green smoothie. While I don’t think you need to run out and buy beet greens, you never know when you’ll have some of these leftover from a recipe in the fridge, in your CSA box, or when your neighbor offers you extras. Be bold and give them a mix into your favorite smoothie!

Note: go easy at first in case you find them too overpowering. I’ve found that a chocolate protein powder is a little stronger and helps mask the greens flavor in anything on the stronger side.

1. Collard Greens

With their robust flavor and sturdy texture, collard greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. Collard greens add a nutritional punch without overpowering the taste. I love the glasses this collard greens smoothie recipe is served in.

2. Beet Greens

Often overlooked, beet greens are a hidden gem in the world of leafy greens. Packed with iron, magnesium, and potassium, beet greens bring a slightly earthy taste that pairs well with sweet fruits in a smoothie. This beet greens smoothie recipe is pink from berries but gives off beet vibes!

3. Baby Spinach

With a very mild taste and high water content, baby spinach is perfect for those new to veggie smoothies. It blends seamlessly, adding a boost of iron, folate, and antioxidants without dominating the flavor profile.

4. Swiss Chard

With its colorful stems and tender leaves, Swiss chard is both visually appealing and nutritious. It’s rich in vitamins A, K, and C, as well as magnesium and potassium. This swiss chard smoothie is mixed with tropical fruits.

5. Kale

Curly kale or Lactino kale, your choice! Incorporating kale into your smoothies adds vitamins A, C, and K, along with potent antioxidants, fiber for digestive health, and the potential to support heart health and reduce inflammation. I can’t think of anything healthier than this detox kale smoothie : )

6. Dandelion Greens

While somewhat unconventional for smoothies, dandelion greens offer health benefits like digestion support. Here’s a Dandelion Greens Smoothie recipe!

7. Mint

Don’t forget about the herbs! They have good nutrition too. And if you have mint in your herb garden, be sure to make this Mint Smoothie. Mint comes with iron, vitamin A, Manganese, and folate.

8. Basil

Similarly, basil is delicious in a smoothie! Think a watermelon or summery blend with basil mixed in. Herbs are also a great source of antioxidants that fight against free radicals in the body. Check out this tropical basil smoothie recipe!

9. Romaine Lettuce

Typically we think about the heartier greens for smoothies, but romaine lettuce has a high water content and is very refreshing blended up. Romaine is high in minerals, such as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium along with vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. This 5-Minute Lettuce Smoothie looks so healthy!

10. Arugula

For the adventurous eater, arugula is one of the more flavor-packed greens. But if you tend to like spicy and savory flavors, give an arugula smoothie a try! Here is a recipe for an arugula smoothie with pineapple and mango.

RD Tip: Add Healthy Fats

To elevate your veggie smoothie game, consider incorporating healthy fats. While fruits and vegetables contribute vitamins and minerals, healthy fats enhance the absorption of these nutrients and provide sustained energy. For a creamy texture and added nutritional benefits, try adding nut butter and/or avocado.

AG1 by Athletic Greens

Another way I’ve been sneaking greens in is with AG1 (affiliate link). While I like it plain with water (it tastes a bit like apple juice), I love it in a smoothie an an all-in-one breakfast. Thomas and I have both been having an AG1 smoothie weekday mornings since the fall.

Our AG1 Smoothie Recipe (serves 2)

This smoothie has over 20 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, 20 grams of mostly healthy fats, and about 450 calories. It will keep me full all morning.

How To Add Greens To Smoothies

Wash Thoroughly: Before adding them to the blender, ensure your greens are clean; wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt.
Remove Stems: Depending on the greens (like kale and collard greens), you’ll want to remove tough stems to improve the texture of your smoothie.
Use Sweet Fruits: To balance the earthy notes of leafy greens and add natural sweetness, incorporate sweet frozen fruits, like mango and pineapple, into your veggie smoothies.
Fresh or Frozen: If you don’t have fresh greens, frozen greens work well in smoothies too.