I first stumbled on Reese Witherspoon’s green smoothie when I needed a fast, reliable breakfast that actually made me feel energized before a busy morning. Bright green, mildly sweet, and surprisingly creamy, this smoothie blends leafy greens with fruit for a balanced start to the day. It’s the kind of drink people make for quick breakfasts, post-workout refuels, or when they want an easy way to sneak more vegetables into a picky eater’s diet. If you like simple morning recipes, it pairs well with other easy breakfasts like a cottage-cheese breakfast smoothie for variety.
Why you’ll love this dish
This smoothie is fast, forgiving, and nutrient-dense. It uses just a handful of ingredients yet delivers fiber, vitamins, and a touch of protein from chia seeds. Because it’s naturally sweetened with banana and apple, it feels like a treat rather than a chore — great for mornings when you want something healthy but tasty. It’s budget-friendly (no specialty powders required), kid-friendly if you hide the greens, and easy to scale for one or a few servings. Make it before or after a workout, or keep it as your weekday breakfast go-to.
Step-by-step overview
Before you dive in, here’s the quick plan: build a green base with spinach or kale and banana, add apple for bulk and sweetness, pour in almond milk to reach your desired thickness, sprinkle in chia seeds and honey if you like it sweeter, then blend until silky. Expect about 1–2 minutes of prep and less than a minute to blend. The whole process is blender-first: soft ingredients near the blade, liquids last to help circulation.
What you’ll need
- 1 cup spinach or kale (spinach is milder; kale adds earthiness)
- 1/2 banana (ripe or frozen)
- 1/2 apple (any crisp variety — Granny Smith for tang, Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup almond milk (substitute oat or dairy milk as desired)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (or ground flaxseed)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional — use maple syrup or omit for vegan)
Notes: If you prefer a thicker smoothie, use frozen banana or add 2–3 ice cubes. For extra creaminess, add 1/4 avocado. If you want more protein, swap almond milk for a milk with added protein or add a scoop of protein powder.
Step-by-step instructions
- Add the leafy greens and half a banana to the blender to form the green base. Start with the greens closest to the blades for easier blending.
- Add the apple to the blender for natural sweetness and a little body. Core it first; no need to peel unless you prefer.
- Pour in the almond milk to control thickness. Add less for a spoonable texture, more for a drinkable smoothie.
- Add chia seeds and optional honey for extra nutrients and sweetness. Stir or let chia hydrate for one minute for a smoother mouthfeel.
- Blend on high until completely smooth. Check texture and sweetness, then adjust with more milk, a squeeze of lemon, or another half banana if needed. Serve immediately.
Best ways to enjoy it
Drink this smoothie in a tall glass with a reusable straw for commuting or pour it into a mason jar and take it to work. Pair it with toasted whole-grain bread, eggs, or a small bowl of oatmeal for a more substantial meal. If you want a protein boost mid-morning, try it alongside a cottage cheese protein option — I often alternate with a cottage-cheese protein smoothie to keep mornings interesting.
Storage and reheating tips
Smoothies are best fresh. If you must store it, pour into an airtight container (a mason jar with a tight lid works) and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Expect some separation — shake or re-blend before drinking. For longer storage, freeze in ice-cube trays and blend from frozen to retain texture; thawed green smoothies may be slightly watery and should be consumed within 24 hours. Always discard any smoothie left out at room temperature for more than two hours to avoid bacterial growth.
Pro chef tips
- Use a frozen half-banana for a creamier, colder texture without dilution.
- Place soft ingredients (greens, banana) closest to the blades and liquids on top to encourage circulation in a lower-power blender.
- Pulse first, then blend continuously to avoid overworking the blades and warming the mixture.
- If your greens are fibrous (kale), remove thick stems for a silkier result.
- To reduce foam, blend on medium speed then drop to low for the last 10–15 seconds.
Creative twists
- Add a handful of frozen mango or pineapple for a tropical spin.
- Stir in a tablespoon of almond or peanut butter for extra richness and protein.
- Swap chia for ground flaxseed or hemp hearts for different nutrient profiles.
- Add a small piece of fresh ginger or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Make it a green smoothie bowl: use less milk for thickness and top with granola, sliced fruit, and toasted seeds.
Common questions
Q: How long does this smoothie keep in the fridge?
A: Up to 24 hours in an airtight container. It will separate; stir or re-blend before drinking.
Q: Can I use frozen greens or fruit?
A: Yes. Frozen banana or fruit makes the smoothie colder and thicker. Frozen greens are fine but may produce a slightly grainier texture.
Q: Is this safe for kids and pregnant people?
A: Generally yes, if ingredients are fresh and cleaned. Pregnant individuals should consult their provider about raw greens and honey (avoid honey only for infants under 1 year).
Q: Can I add protein powder or yogurt?
A: Absolutely. A scoop of protein powder or a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt will boost protein and make the smoothie more filling.
Q: Will blending destroy nutrients in the greens?
A: Blending breaks down cell walls and can actually make some nutrients more bioavailable. Drink soon after blending to preserve vitamin C and other sensitive nutrients.
Conclusion
If you want the original context or step-by-step background for Reese Witherspoon’s version, read How to Make Reese Witherspoon’s Green Smoothie Recipe for more detail and commentary. Enjoy experimenting with the balance of greens, fruit, and texture until you find your perfect morning blend.
Print
Reese Witherspoon’s Green Smoothie
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright green, mildly sweet, and creamy smoothie blending leafy greens with fruit for a balanced breakfast or post-workout refuel.
Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach or kale
- 1/2 banana (ripe or frozen)
- 1/2 apple (any crisp variety)
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Add the leafy greens and half a banana to the blender.
- Add the apple to the blender, cored and chopped.
- Pour in the almond milk to control thickness.
- Add chia seeds and optional honey.
- Blend on high until smooth, adjusting texture and sweetness as needed.
Notes
For a thicker smoothie, use frozen banana or add ice. For more creaminess, add avocado. To increase protein, use fortified milk or protein powder.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American