Just how many green smoothie recipes does a man—or mom—need, anyway? When you’re dealing with a feisty toddler and/or what you have in the house in the moment, the answer, obviously, is all of them—every smoothie recipe is an option, an opportunity, a potential lifesaver. We have plenty of all of those; here, though, is another.
We drew inspiration on this one from a smoothie we had at a charming all-day cafe in Portland that is well-suited for little ones if you’re summering in Maine. It’s got a bit of everything: creaminess (almond milk and avocado), sweetness (banana and mango), just a touch of bite (ginger); and, of course, some green vegetables (spinach). It’s the sort of drink that does well any time of day or any time of year, something we can all use.
This green smoothie recipe delivers a creamy, subtly sweet blend of spinach, banana, avocado, and mango—perfectly balanced to delight kids while packing in nourishing green veggies. Designed for busy families, it’s quick to whip up, gentle on young taste buds, and easy to customize.
Q: Can I use frozen fruit?
A: Definitely! Frozen banana or mango gives a thick, shake-like texture and helps chill the smoothie naturally.
Q: Can I substitute spinach with kale?
A: Yes—spinach is milder, so mild-favor use spinach first; if swapping to kale, go easy to avoid bitterness.
Q: Dairy-free or dairy?
A: Use unsweetened almond, oat, or another plant-based milk. It improves creaminess and avoids separation, making it perfect for toddlers.
Q: How to store leftovers?
A: Cover and refrigerate up to 6 hours. Or freeze in a pouch or popsicle mold—great for later.
This smoothie's got a bit of everything: creaminess (almond milk and avocado), sweetness (banana and mango), just a touch of bite (ginger); and, of course, some green vegetables (spinach). Works any time of day, and any time of year!
If you or your child is not going to drink the second serving until another day, we recommend freezing the smoothie: it will prevent the banana from degrading the taste and nutrition of the liquid.
The mango’s here to provide natural sweetness; if you don’t have or don’t want to use that fruit, you can replace with a few pitted dates or a big squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of honey. You can also freeze the banana and combine with frozen acai to create a smoothie bowl.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
