Pear Smoothie with Spinach
Looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious way to start your day? This Pear Smoothie with Spinach is the perfect solution! Ready in just 5 minutes, this smoothie is packed with fresh fruit, leafy greens, and a boost of protein, making it an ideal breakfast or snack to keep you going ’till lunch. Whether you’re aiming to sneak more greens into your diet or simply craving a refreshing drink, this smoothie has you covered!
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe For Pear Smoothie with Spinach
I am sharing this pear smoothie today because our pear tree is dripping with fruit! This creamy spinach pear smoothie is not just tasty; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition that’s perfect for busy mornings or a quick post workout snack. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness of ripe pears while getting the benefits of spinach, all in a convenient, drinkable form.
Recipe Highlights
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein. Adding fruit and veggies to a morning smoothie is one of the easiest ways to increase your daily produce servings.
- Naturally Sweetened: No added sugars—just the natural sweetness of pears and bananas.
- Versatile: It is naturally dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free and there are a ton of ways to customize it to your liking.
- Refreshing and Satisfying: Great as a light meal or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients for Pear Smoothie
- Pear: Choose a very ripe pear for optimal sweetness and flavor. Bartlett or Anjou pears work well. The pear adds natural sweetness and fiber to the smoothie.
- Banana: Use a fresh or frozen banana for creaminess and extra natural sweetness. A frozen banana will make the smoothie thicker.
- Spinach Leaves: Fresh spinach is mild in flavor but packed with nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K. It blends seamlessly into the smoothie, adding a vibrant green color without altering the taste significantly.
- Ice: Adds volume and a chilled texture to the smoothie. If your banana is frozen, you can reduce or skip the ice if you don’t want it to be too thick.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: A dairy-free option that keeps the smoothie light and low in calories. You can substitute with any milk or milk alternative of your choice.
- Protein Powder (Optional): For added protein, choose a powder that complements the flavors of the smoothie, such as vanilla or you can use an unflavored protein powder to let the pear flavor shine. This is great if you’re using the smoothie as a post-workout snack or meal replacement.
How To Make Pear Spinach Smoothie
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
Round up all your ingredients: pear, banana, spinach, ice, almond milk, and protein powder (if using).
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Blender
Add the pear, banana, spinach, ice, almond milk, and protein powder (if using) to your blender. Make sure to layer the spinach in between the heavier ingredients to help it blend smoothly.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Secure the lid and puree on high speed for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth. Check the consistency and blend a little longer if necessary to ensure no chunks remain.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Pour the smoothie into two glasses and serve immediately.
FAQs For This Recipe
With the frozen banana and ice this smoothie is nice and thick. Use less milk to make it thicker or add few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt.
To boost the fiber content, consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds, flax seeds, or oats. These additions will also make the smoothie more filling. Raw nuts are also excellent blended into smoothies.
Choose a variety of pear that softens when it is ripe like Barlett, Anjou, Comice or Starkrimson. Check to make sure it is ripe by pressing with your thumb next to the stem. If it feels hard it is not ripe, but if it gives, it is ripe. Firm varieties like Bosc and crisp Asian pears do not blend as smoothly.
Substitutions and Variations
- Milk Alternatives: Swap the almond milk with any milk or milk alternative, such as oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or dairy milk. Each type will slightly change the flavor and texture, so choose based on your preference.
- Ripe Pear Substitute: If you don’t have a ripe pear, you can still use a less ripe one, but you might need to add a touch of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness. To keep this Whole30 friendly sweeten it with soft pitted dates. Alternatively, let the pear ripen for a few days at room temperature before using.
- Spinach Substitutes: Frozen spinach can replace fresh spinach in this recipe. Use a small handful or about ½ cup of frozen spinach, as it’s more compact and stronger flavored than fresh. Other greens like kale or Swiss chard can also be used, keeping in mind that they have stronger flavors. Make sure to remove the kale ribs as they can add a gritty texture.
- Skip or Substitute Protein Powder: The protein powder is optional. Skip it, or add Greek yogurt, nut butter, or a handful of nuts or seeds for a protein boost without using powder.
Make Ahead Tips For Green Pear Smoothie
While smoothies are best enjoyed fresh, you can make this ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir or shake well before drinking, as it will separate. For a grab-and-go option, freeze the smoothie in an ice cube tray and blend with milk or kiefer when ready to drink.
Serving tips For Pear Protein Smoothie
For Breakfast:
- Balanced Breakfast Combo: Pair the smoothie with a slice of whole-grain toast topped with avocado and a sprinkle of chia seeds for a balanced breakfast that includes healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
- Smoothie Bowl: Use the frozen banana option and a little less milk to make it ultra thick and pour the smoothie into a bowl. Top it with granola, fresh berries, sliced almonds, and a drizzle of nut butter. This turns the drink into a more filling breakfast that’s great for leisurely mornings.
- Alongside Eggs: Enjoy your smoothie with a side of our veggie scrambled eggs, veggie egg bites or a boiled egg to add extra protein and keep you satisfied throughout the morning.
As a Snack:
- Light Snack: Sip on the smoothie on its own for a refreshing and light snack. It’s perfect for mid-morning or afternoon when you need a quick energy boost.
- With Healthy Snacks: Pair the smoothie with a handful of mixed nuts, some apple slices with almond butter, or a small serving of Greek yogurt. This adds a bit of crunch and extra nutrients to keep you fuller for longer.
- Post-Workout Refuel: Include the protein powder and have it post-workout for a quick, easy-to-digest way to replenish your body and muscles.
As Part of a Lunchtime Meal:
- With a Salad: Serve the smoothie alongside a Fall Harvest Cobb Salad or Salmon Caesar.
- Soup and Smoothie Combo: Pair the smoothie with a warm bowl of vegetable soup or lentil soup.
- With a Sandwich or Wrap: Enjoy the smoothie with a light sandwich or wrap, such as a grilled cheese, turkey and avocado sandwich or a hummus and veggie wrap.
At Healthy Seasonal Recipes, we specialize in cooking with fresh veggies and creating weeknight meals. Sign up HERE to get more produce-forward dinner ideas for FREE! If you make this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review. I would love to hear what you thought! Happy Cooking! ~Katie
Pear Smoothie Recipe with Spinach
This delicious green smoothie is made with ripe pear and spinach. It is a great source of dietary fiber and has additional protein added. Serve it for breakfast, snack or even part of a healthy lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 very ripe pear cored
- 1 banana frozen if desired
- 1 cup spinach leaves washed and spun dry
- 1 cup ice
- 1 cup almond milk or preferred milk
- 1 scoop protein powder optional
Instructions
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Combine pear, banana, spinach, ice, almond milk and protein powder (if using) in a blender and puree until completely smooth, about 60 seconds. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Nutritional Data does not include optional ingredients. Protein powder will add 120 calories and up to 30 grams protein (check your nutrition label as brands differ.)
For a thicker smoothie use a frozen banana, and for a slightly thinner texture use a fresh one.
