“If green were a flavor, this would be it! Fresh and healthy, with nice tropical undertones.”
~ Shannon P.
Lean Green, a popular Ninja Blender “Smoothies & Super Juices” recipe, is a healthy green smoothie packed with rich nutrients, bursting with vitamins A and C. It is sweetened up with banana, mango, and pineapple so it doesn’t have that over-the-top garden taste. A great way to sneak a serving of leafy greens passed your kids’ radar.
Everything You Need
Key Ingredients
The Ninja Blender Lean Green smoothie ingredients are:
- baby spinach
- kale
- bananas
- mango
- pineapples
- coconut water
- ice
Health Benefits
Baby Spinach – Baby spinach is an early harvest leafy green that is slightly sweeter than regular spinach. It is nutrient-dense, containing significant vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate, iron, and zinc. Baby spinach is known to promote eye health, lower blood sugar levels, help prevent anemia, and reduce the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
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Kale – Kale, a very popular cruciferous vegetable, is one of the most nutrient-packed foods you can eat. A single cup contains 200% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, 135% of the recommended vitamin C, and 685% of the recommended vitamin K, among many others. Kale also provides very high levels of the powerful antioxidants quercetin and kaempferol, known to lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation.
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Bananas – Bananas are very healthy, readily available, and one of the least expensive fruits you can buy. They have relatively few calories, are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, are full of potent antioxidants including flavonoids and animes, and are high in dietary fiber. Studies have shown that bananas can improve insulin sensitivity and may improve kidney health.
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Mango – Mango, in some corners of the world, is known as the “King of Fruits” and delivers an impressive amount of potent nutrients and healthy plant compounds. They are extremely high in vitamin C and provide significant amounts of copper, folate, and vitamin B6. Mangoes are also known to boost your immune system, improve digestive health with their amylases enzymes, help prevent diabetes, and have even been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
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Pineapples – Pineapples are popular tangy tropical fruit that, surprising to most, originated in South America, not Hawaii. They are absolutely loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, including a ridiculously high amount of vitamin C (1 serving = 131% of the recommended daily intake), manganese, vitamin B6, and thiamin. Pineapples also contain a significant amount of the digestive enzymes bromelain that can help fight pancreatic cancer.
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Coconut Water – Coconut water has become an increasingly popular health drink as of late. It is low in calories, efficiently replenishes electrolytes, is an excellent source of potassium, and contains potent free radical fighting antioxidants. Also, coconut water has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in people suffering from diabetes, prevent kidney stone formation, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
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Equipment Needed
A standard blender is all that is required to make Ninja Blender smoothies. If you are making it for just one person, we recommend using any one of the many available Ninja Single Serve Blenders as they are quick to set up and very easy to clean.
If you are making them for more than one person, we recommend a higher-end Ninja Blender that can process larger loads more efficiently.
For overnight storage, we recommend using a glass or BPA-free airtight container with a resealable lid.
How To Make The Ninja Blender Lean Green Smoothie
The Ninja Blender Lean Green smoothie is very easy to make:
- Step 1: Place baby spinach, kale, banana, mango, pineapple, coconut water, and ice into a blender and secure the lid.
- Step 2: Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Step 3: Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Step 4: Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Recipe Tips And Substitutions
For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
If you don’t have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
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Ninja Blender Lean Green Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 banana frozen, sliced
- 1/2 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup kale
- 1/2 cup mango frozen, chunks
- 1/2 cup pineapple
- 1/2 cup coconut water
- 1 cup ice
- 1 Collagen Boost optional
Instructions
- Place baby spinach, kale, banana, mango, pineapple, coconut water, and ice into a blender and secure the lid.
- Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Notes
- For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
- If you don’t have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
Video
Nutrition
Smoothie Frequently Asked Questions
Kale stands out as a nutritional powerhouse for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone health. It’s also a fantastic source of vitamins A and C, crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health. On the mineral front, kale provides calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Furthermore, this leafy green contains antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol, which have been linked to various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties. Kale also offers dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a sense of fullness. The combination of these nutrients makes kale a stellar choice for promoting overall health and warding off chronic diseases. When I incorporate kale into my smoothies, its robust nutrient content enhances the drink’s overall health benefits.
u003cbru003eBananas aren’t directly responsible for muscle growth in the way that protein-rich foods are. However, they play a supportive role in muscle health and recovery. Bananas are an excellent source of essential nutrients like potassium, which can help prevent muscle cramps and support proper muscle contractions. They also provide easily digestible carbohydrates, vital for replenishing glycogen stores in muscles after a workout. This can aid in faster recovery and provide energy for future workouts.
More Ninja Blender Smoothie Recipes
→ If you liked this delicious Lean Green smoothie, try more of our popular favorites on our Ninja Blender Smoothie Recipes page.
Source
Ninja Blender: Website
