Okay, mama, let's talk about a yummy smoothie that even picky eaters love! This Banana Strawberry Spinach Smoothie is packed with healthy goodness and so delicious, your toddler might ask for seconds. It's my secret weapon for sneaking in those leafy greens – my kiddo is obsessed! Plus, it's easy to make and you can switch up the fruit for a new flavor every time. They'll never guess a whole handful of spinach is hiding in there!
Here's the super simple recipe:
1 ripe banana peeled and sliced.
1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
A handful of fresh spinach
1 cup of milk (your choice - we use regular, but almond, coconut, or just water work too!)
Optional: 1/4 avocado for extra creaminess
Optional: A spoonful of chia seeds for an extra nutritional punch
Toss everything into a blender and whiz until it's smooth and creamy.
If it's too thick, add a splash more milk. Best served cold for a refreshing treat!
Why Your Kiddo Will Love It (and You Will Too!)
It's naturally sweet: The banana and strawberries mask any hint of spinach, making it surprisingly yummy.
It's sneaky-healthy: Spinach is a powerhouse of iron, vitamins, and fiber – stuff our toddlers desperately need. This disguises it perfectly!
It's so versatile: Swap the strawberries for mango, toss in some blueberries... get creative!
Why these ingredients are awesome:
Bananas: Packed with potassium and fiber for healthy digestion.
Strawberries: Full of vitamin C, which boosts their little immune systems.
Spinach: Iron for strong bodies, plus lots of other vitamins and minerals.
Avocado: Healthy fats for glowing skin and brain development.
Chia Seeds: A sprinkle adds protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids!
How to store your Banana Strawberry Spinach Smoothie:
Freezing:
Yes, you can freeze this smoothie! It's a fantastic way to make a big batch and have healthy treats ready to go.
Portion into individual freezer-safe containers or Ziplock bags. Freeze flat for easy stacking.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. You might need to give it a quick re-blend if it separates a bit.
Refrigerator:
It's best to drink the smoothie the same day for the freshest taste and the most nutrients.
However, you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours in a sealed container.
Give it a good shake or stir before serving in case it separates slightly.
Bonus Tip: If you plan to freeze portions, leave a little space at the top of the container as the liquid will expand slightly when frozen.
Bonus Knowledge: Spinach is considered a superfood due to its impressive nutritional profile and potential health benefits. It's a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that packs a powerful punch in a low-calorie package. The key nutrients found in spinach:
It's important for your growing child to eat spinach, but as a mom myself, I know how hard it can be to get a toddler to eat green leafy vegetables! That's why I love these smoothie recipes - they're a sneaky way to hide those powerful nutrients in a delicious drink your child will love. Now you can feed your child spinach without any fuss - plus, they'll be getting a dose of all the other good stuff in this recipe too!
Let's help each other out! Please share this with any mama friends who might find it useful.