Prepare yourselves for the greenest green smoothie ever:
THE GARGANTUAN GREEN GIANT!
I was really craving ice cream the other night so instead of giving in, I started experimenting in the kitchen. I pulled out all of my favorite ingredients at the moment and decided to combine them into a smoothie. It turned out soooo creamy and actually tasted like a sugar cookie. Strange how those things work, right? Use healthy ingredients… end up with a creamy melty sweet treat! I love when that happens! Although I had this for dessert, I would probably have it for a meal because it has a great balance of whole grains, produce, and healthy fat. All you need is some protein powder and you would be good to go! The smoothie ended up being pretty big, so I told myself that I would only have half and save the rest for later. Well, that didn’t happen… and then I ended up wide awake pinning things on Pinterest! You guys are going to love this one! It’s a huge energy booster and so healthy, yet extremely delicious! Plus it is really hearty and filling, you won’t be hungry again for hours.
The ingredient list may look overwhelming and long, but everything can be found at Whole Foods or your local health food store. To get more organized and make the process faster, get out all of the measuring cups and ingredients and put them on the counter before you begin. This way everything will be easily accessible and ready to scoop and blend!
Gargantuan Green Giant
Serves 1
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 cups fresh spinach
1 frozen banana
1/4 cup rolled oats
2 Tbsp almonds
2 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
1 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 Tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp Spirulina powder
1/2 tsp vanilla
6 drops liquid stevia or other natural sweetener
6 ice cubes
Combine all ingredients in a high powered blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy cold.
Note: If you do not have a high powered blender such as Vitamix or Blendtec, start by blending the hard ingredients (i.e. almonds, oats, and spinach) with the almond milk to ensure they are thoroughly blended. Then gradually add the other ingredients. You could use a Tbsp more of almond milk or water to get the blender running smoothly because this smoothie is rather thick.
Side Note: If your blender cannot handle almonds at all, substitute for 1 Tbsp of unsalted almond butter.
Alexi
May 17, 2012 at 10:29 am (13 years ago)I can’t wait to try this smoothie! It looks delicious!
Catherine
May 17, 2012 at 12:25 pm (13 years ago)You will love it! It’s sooo creamy!
Denise VanBeek
May 28, 2012 at 8:56 am (13 years ago)Just tried this and it was absolutely divine!
Catherine
May 28, 2012 at 9:09 am (13 years ago)So glad you loved it!
Cathy Hamilton
June 3, 2012 at 11:28 am (13 years ago)Just came across your website the other day and I am loving all your recipes, Catherine! Thank you for sharing:) I just tried this smoothie and it was soooo good!
Catherine
June 3, 2012 at 11:31 am (13 years ago)I’m so glad you stumbled upon my blog and loved the Gargantuan Green Giant! It’s one of my favorites 🙂 Health & Happiness xo
Carly
June 4, 2012 at 7:47 am (13 years ago)Just made this for breakfast this am – love the flavors and MAN is it filling…! I’m a new reader and loving the recipes. Thanks much 🙂
Catherine
June 4, 2012 at 9:02 am (13 years ago)Thank you so much for reading, I am so glad you loved it! I have this instead of ice cream sometimes, it’s such a treat! Health & Happiness xo
Tanya S.
June 12, 2012 at 6:50 pm (13 years ago)Yum! Am enjoying this smoothie right now because I wanted ice cream and I remembered reading about this a couple weeks ago. It is definitely fulfilling that craving without making me feel guilty! It’s way more than I need, so we’ll see how it turns out as a popsicle… I poured it into a few molds. Thanks!
Catherine
June 12, 2012 at 8:20 pm (13 years ago)Awwww I love it Tanya! Ohhh my gosh popsicles sound so amazing! Let me know how they turn out! Health & Happiness xo
Debbie
June 29, 2012 at 6:57 am (12 years ago)I just found your blog. I love it. May I ask what kind of blender you use? Thanks! You are an inspiration.
Catherine
June 29, 2012 at 10:07 am (12 years ago)Thanks Debbie! I’m so happy you found my blog. I use a Vitamix. Definitely worth the money 🙂 It’s amazing!
Valentina
June 30, 2012 at 8:37 am (12 years ago)Hi, I’m chilean an I love your blog, thanks for sharing your recipes ” world wide”
Catherine
June 30, 2012 at 2:05 pm (12 years ago)Thank you so much Valentina! Hello from Los Angeles! xo
Nicole
July 1, 2012 at 8:16 pm (12 years ago)very excited to try some (or all) of these recipes…serious time for a life style change! Thank you for doing this blog!
Catherine
July 1, 2012 at 8:19 pm (12 years ago)I can;t wait for you to try them! xo
Jenni
July 2, 2012 at 6:25 am (12 years ago)Okay, so i was hesitant to purchase the few items I didn’t have on hand already. Then when it came out that beautiful shade of green, I was hesitant to DRINK it… BUT oh. my. It totally tastes like a sonic cream pie shake (that, by the way, they do not make anymore)! Thank you so much for experimenting for us all, I don’t know how you do it…
Catherine
July 2, 2012 at 10:09 am (12 years ago)Jenni your comment made em smile! I am so happy that you were open to trying new things and loved it! Health & Happiness xo
Amy
July 4, 2012 at 6:38 pm (12 years ago)This is by far the best thing I’ve had in a very long time. Thank you!
Catherine
July 4, 2012 at 9:34 pm (12 years ago)Oh my gosh thank you so much for the huge compliment! I’m glad you loved it! Health & Happiness xo
Elizabeth
July 7, 2012 at 6:42 am (12 years ago)These recipes are awesome! Sending this website address to my sister too. Thank you for posting these!!
Catherine
July 7, 2012 at 11:05 am (12 years ago)Awww you’re too cute! You and your sis will both love it! xo
Erin
July 13, 2012 at 1:27 pm (12 years ago)All of your smoothies sound so yummy. Can’t wait to try this one. Quick question: do you have to use almond milk? Can I use skim milk instead?
Catherine
July 13, 2012 at 1:31 pm (12 years ago)Hi Erin! You can use 1 cup of any milk you would like! This rule is the same in all of my recipes as long as it is the same measurement 🙂 Skim is perfect since I recommend nonfat milk if you use cow or goat’s milk!
Erin
July 23, 2012 at 10:20 am (12 years ago)This is fantastic! Thank you! Are the portions you give here for one serving or would you break this into two servings? I will probably be using it as a meal replacement for breakfast.
Elise
July 31, 2012 at 3:34 am (12 years ago)Do you think I could use frozen fruit of another kind as I’m allergic to banana?
Catherine
July 31, 2012 at 9:36 am (12 years ago)Hi Elise! I haven’t tried this smoothie with any other fruits, but I do have another reader that is allergic to banana and uses 1 cup of pineapple in it’s place in most recipes!
Teri
August 3, 2012 at 8:57 am (12 years ago)Hi Catherine!
I absolutely love your blog, I have been following your food pyramid (I’ve calling it the bunny diet) for the past few days. I feel amazing! I have lost 5 pounds, and your recipes are fabulous and I have been sharing them with everyone. I did have one question, the calorie content on the smoothies is high. I know that it is all plant based and very good for you, but the hardcore dieter in me is scared. I am following the 3 meals and 1 snack and it is working wonders. So, thank you so much for your story and all of the knowledge and love that go into your blog. Your amazing.
Xoxo Teri
Catherine
August 3, 2012 at 11:11 am (12 years ago)That’s amazing Teri! Congratulations! I don’t count calories and had success using these guidelines, but if you do count calories, you could make a half smoothie to make sure if fits within your caloric needs! Health & Happiness xo
jess
August 22, 2012 at 6:54 pm (12 years ago)Hi catherine 🙂
I stumbled upon your website about a week ago, and let me tell you all your food looks amazing! Ive read your story and im going through the same thing you went through. I worry about my weight all the time and continuously count calories. This looks so yummy! But im terrified of trying it because of the calorie/ fat content. Im really trying to get over this and im hoping your blog will help me, i find you very inspiring 🙂
Considering trying, but could you use almond meal instead od almonds? And what does spirulina do?
Sorry for the really long post! But i am definitely loving your blog. <3 love life!
Catherine
August 22, 2012 at 10:59 pm (12 years ago)Hi Jess! I am so happy that you found my blog 🙂 I used to be an obsessive calorie counter, but I learned how to balance the right portions of food to lose weight and then maintain it. Don’t be afraid of healthy foods! If this just seems like too much, break the entire recipe in half to make a smaller version! You could definitely use almond meal in place of the whole almonds since it is less harsh on your blender blades! Spirulina is an algae filled with vitamins and minerals such as: B1(Thiamine), B2(riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamide), B6 (pyridoxine), B9( folic acid) ,vitamin C, D and E, potassium, calcium, iron , magnesium, sodium and zinc! It isn;t 100% necessary in this recipe but a great superfood addition! Health & Happiness xo
jess
August 23, 2012 at 4:17 am (12 years ago)Awww thanks darling. I might just try that 🙂 haha xxo
Stephanie
August 31, 2012 at 8:06 pm (12 years ago)This has become my go-to green smoothie (and your blog inspired me to finally get a Vitamix…definately worth every penny!). On Sundays I usually pre-measure all of the dry/non-refrigerated ingredients into snack-size plastic baggies for the week to save time.
Great recipe Catherine!
janessa
October 12, 2012 at 3:31 pm (12 years ago)I made my very first green smoothie (not including avocado that is) a few days ago but I ran out of spinach so I used romaine lettuce, a frozen banana and a bit of vanilla yogurt. Surprisingly delicious! Can’t wait to try this one!
Jenn Lamb
December 12, 2012 at 7:44 am (12 years ago)I just made this smoothie this morning! It was HUGE and super filling. A great way to make use of my spinach while it’s still fresh.
Next time I’ll split one with a friend 🙂
macabbey
December 14, 2012 at 8:06 pm (12 years ago)I tried this today, and although I didn’t have the coconut, chia seeds, and spirulina, it was still very yummy. My 8 year old kept trying to steal sips!! I used slivered almonds in my Vitamix 5000 and it had some tiny bits in it. What setting do you put yours on for smoothies? Thanks for all these great recipes… going to try the individual cheescake tomorrow!!
Marie
January 28, 2013 at 2:16 pm (12 years ago)I just made this! I was super unsure of it, but I am really enjoying it! I DID add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder though. ^-^
Jenn
February 18, 2014 at 1:53 pm (11 years ago)I just tried this today and it was awesome! I’m alwys super intimidated by greens in my smoothies, but this one had amazing texture. I didn’t have any bananas on hand so I subbed raspberries. I think bananas would have been better, but still pretty good. It was the perfect lunch time pick-me-up. I immediately felt like I had more energy.
Caroline
March 25, 2014 at 8:59 pm (11 years ago)LOVE this smoothie…I had No banana so used some peaches instead. Devine….currently having it for brekky every morning!
Caroline
March 25, 2014 at 9:02 pm (11 years ago)Also wanted to say If you don’t have a Vitamix, invest in one!!!!. I use mine 2 sometimes 3 times a day. It will liquify anything n make super smooth.