Green Apple Smoothie (Easy 5-Ingredient Recipe)

A green apple smoothie is one of my favorite ways to keep breakfast interesting. This deliciously thick smoothie is quick enough to take on the go, and the tart, fruity combination is one I especially love when apples are in season.

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Granola on top of a green apple smoothie in two tall glasses, each with a copper straw.

Green Apple Smoothie Recipe

I'm always thankful for a breakfast I can throw in the blender when I don't have much time in the morning. With so many smoothie combinations to choose from, I can switch up the flavors without adding any extra work to my routine.

Some of my favorite smoothies are chocolate banana smoothies, pineapple smoothies and of course this green apple smoothie.

This easy apple smoothie recipe combines tart Granny Smith apples with sweet pineapple and banana, while the spinach blends right in without taking over the fruity flavor. It's only five ingredients, but each one lends something special to the drink.

Metal spoons are added to green smoothies in glass cups.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This smoothie is quick enough for busy mornings. There isn't much prep involved, so you can blend everything together and be out the door with breakfast in hand.

It's an easy way to add fruit and leafy greens to breakfast. Apple, pineapple, banana, and spinach all go into the same blender for a simple green smoothie the whole family will enjoy.

The ingredients are easy to keep on hand. Frozen pineapple and banana can stay stocked in the freezer, so you only need a couple of fresh ingredients when you're ready to make it.

Ingredients

If you don't already have them in your kitchen, add these 5 ingredients to your shopping list:

Overhead view of bowls filled with baby spinach, non-dairy milk, frozen bananas, frozen pineapple, and green apple slices.

Almond milk helps everything blend into a creamy, drinkable consistency. I like unsweetened almond milk, but oat milk, coconut milk, dairy milk, or another milk you enjoy will work too.

Green apple gives the smoothie its signature tart flavor. Granny Smith is my go-to, but another green apple works too. You can also use a red apple, but keep in mind that the smoothie will be sweeter, and it may change the color a tiny bit, too.

Fresh baby spinach adds leafy greens without overpowering the fruit. Frozen spinach will work, but you may want to start with less since it's more compact. Kale is another option if that's what you have.

Frozen pineapple adds sweetness that balances the tart apple.

Frozen banana helps make the smoothie creamy and adds some natural sweetness. If you have a ripe bunch you need to use up, freeze the bananas so they're ready for smoothies later.

Variations

There are plenty of ways to change things up depending on what you have on hand. For a sweeter smoothie, add a little maple syrup, honey, or a Medjool date.

For some extra nutrition, you can also blend in protein powder, collagen, chia seeds, or flax seeds. A scoop of plain Greek yogurt is an easy addition when you want an even creamier consistency.

Two green smoothies topped with granola and straws sit on a wooden board next to a bowl of baby spinach leaves and a halved apple.

Madison's Pro Smoothie Tip

To make sure you are maxing out your blender's capabilities to yield a smoothie with a great and delicious consistency, always load up your blender pitcher in the following order:

liquids first
then soft fruits or vegetables
then greens
then frozen fruits and ice
any powders on top

How to Make a Green Apple Smoothie

Making this smoothie is super easy! Let's take it step-by-step with pictures:

Green apple slices and almond milk in a blender.

Pour the almond milk into the blender first. Starting with the liquid gives the blades room to get moving once you add the other ingredients.

Add the green apple. Core and slice the apple, then add it to the blender. There's no need to peel it unless you prefer your smoothie without the skin.

Milk and frozen fruit in a blender pitcher.

Green smoothie ingredients in a blender, before blending.

Add the fruit and spinach. Add the frozen pineapple and banana, then top everything with the washed spinach.

Blend until smooth. Let the blender run until the apple and spinach are completely broken down and the smoothie is creamy. If it's thicker than you like, add a splash more milk and blend again.

Pouring green apple smoothie from a blender pitcher into two tall glasses.

Pour and enjoy. Divide the smoothie between glasses, or pour it into a travel cup if you're taking breakfast with you.

Madison's Tips for Success:

I've tested this recipe and have successfully made it many times. Use my tips to ensure that it turns out perfectly for you, too!

Cut the apple into smaller pieces. This helps it break down more easily, especially if you're not using a high-powered blender (affiliate).
Pack the spinach in loosely. There's no need to press it tightly into the measuring cup. Keeping it loose makes it easier to get the right amount without overwhelming the fruit.
Don't overfill the blender. Give the ingredients enough room to move around so everything can blend evenly.
Scrape down the sides if needed. If any spinach or apple gets stuck above the blades, stop the blender, scrape down the sides, and blend again.

Storing and Freezing

This apple and spinach smoothie is best enjoyed right after blending, but you can store leftovers in a covered jar or container in the refrigerator overnight. Some separation or discoloration is normal, so shake it well or blend it again before drinking.

You can also pour leftover smoothie into an ice cube tray (affiliate) and freeze it. When you're ready to use it, blend the frozen smoothie cubes with a little milk until creamy again.

Green Apple Smoothie FAQs

Do I need to peel the apple before making the smoothie?

No. You can leave the peel on your apple as long as you wash it well first. Just be sure to remove the core and seeds before adding the fruit to the blender.

What fruits go well with green apples?

Pineapple and banana are especially good with green apples because their sweetness balances the apple's tart flavor. Berries and oranges also pair well with green apples.

Why is my smoothie so thick?

Frozen fruit naturally makes smoothies thicker. Add a small splash of milk at a time and blend again until the consistency is just right. For more tips, see my guide on how to make a smoothie thicker or thinner.

Overhead view of a fresh apple cut in half next to a wooden cutting board.

Serving Ideas

This smoothie is great on its own when you need something quick, but you can pair it with Cinnamon Apple Muffins when you want a little more for breakfast.

You can also turn it into a smoothie bowl by using a little less milk and adding granola, sliced fruit, or your favorite toppings for some extra texture.

Did you make this recipe?

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It means so much to me when you try my recipes, and I'd love to know how it goes. Please leave comments and questions below!