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This healthy, lean Green Vegan Protein Smoothie recipe is inspired by NYC's Juice Press–it's dairy free, full of omega-3s and plant protein (chia seeds, hemp seeds and almond butter) and a clean alternative to traditional protein shakes for weight loss and optimal health. Can be used as a meal replacement or a snack, and is a great post workout treat.
“Love is love is love is love is love is love is love.”
Man, did you guys see Lin-Manuel Miranda's speech at the Tony's on Sunday? I can't stop thinking about it.
My heart breaks for everyone in Orlando, and there are no words that can right the wrong that's been done.
But, I'm with Lin…love conquers all and if we can all just love each other a little bit more, I think that's a good start. Yes, more love, more tolerance, more equality. Indifference is not enough.
Likewise, there is nothing like communing around a table with people you love in difficult times. Comfort food, healing food, nourishing food.
I've always believed that cooking is caring, and sitting around a table in love, gratitude and remembrance with your family can be incredibly restorative.
And, not to make light of the situation, but singing along to Hamilton always makes my heart feel better, too.
What Miranda's done with Hamilton is nothing short of brilliant, and because I find any excuse to talk about it, today's post actually reminds me a little bit of the show–it, too, is healing and soul-nourishing.
Beeeeeeeeecause when I went to NYC in January to see the play, I stayed at a hotel in Midtown right next door to a Juice Press, which ultimately inspired this recipe.
I get inordinately excited about staying near healthy restaurants when I travel because it can be so hard to “stay on plan” when on the road. Even when I'm traveling, I try to adhere to my “one green smoothie a day” rule.
And let's be honest–a green smoothie is even more needed during trips as I'm often indulging and in need of some liver-repairing, you've-eaten-way-too-much-cheese-please-someone-help-me-digest, detox-before-you-retox green magic.
Who's with me?!
Have y'all been to Juice Press? I have to say, of all the green smoothies I've tried away from home, they're serving up some of the best.
They use real, whole foods, clean proteins, healthy fats, dairy-free milks and EVERY SINGLE THING in the entire shop is certified organic. Whaaaa!? How many places can claim that?
I guarantee you those smoothies from Orange Julius look like double chocolate cake with extra sugar in comparison.
Honestly, that's one of the reasons I don't usually get smoothies at the store, they're often so full of added sugars that they can actually do more harm than good.
Not so at Juice Press. In fact, I became so addicted to their Clean Green Protein smoothie on my last trip, that I've been recreating it near weekly back at home ever since.
It honestly couldn't be easier and the flavor is just so rich and decadent, and yet there's nothing but good-for-you ingredients in the smoothie. Take a look:
- Greens: Though Juice Press uses both kale and spinach, I usually stick to just spinach for my smoothies. Raw kale can be tough to digest, plus I kinda hate the flavor in smoothies. Spinach is basically invisible when it comes to taste.
- Vegan Protein: A combo of chia and hemp seeds are used here. Energy-boosting chia seeds are a superfood revered for its high fiber content, omega-3 fats, protein prowess and vitamin and mineral content. There's a reason its achieved superfood status. Meanwhile, hemp has a slightly nutty, slightly grassy taste and has been proven to balance hormones, aid in weight loss and improve digestive health. I recommend Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts, which are non-GMO and organic, plus they contain over 3 grams of plant-based protein and over 3 grams of omegas per tablespoon. In fact, hemp is a perfect protein not only containing all 20 amino acids, but also each of the 9 essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce. Jackpot!
- Almond Milk and Almond Butter: Non-dairy milk for the win!! Not only is it a clean alternative to conventional dairy, but you get a protein boost from the almonds, especially when coupled with almond butter. Almonds lower cholesterol, are a great source or fiber, antioxidants and (you guessed it!) more plant protein. I love New Barn's Almond Milks (they're one of the only store-bought brands I've found that doesn't contain a handful of additives, gums and refined sugars) and I'm addicted to NaturAlmond almond butter, which is made right here in Georgia with just roasted almonds and sea salt. It's so perfectly simultaneously crunchy and creamy and it's totally guilt-free. Make sure whatever brand you buy, you choose one without any added oils or sugar. I was shocked when I started reading labels how many brands add junky oils and excess sugar to a product that honestly tastes best in its purest form. Even better–make almond butter yourself by pulsing almonds in a blender or grind it yourself at Whole Foods.
A few dates to sweeten things up, a banana for creaminess and you're done! A nourishing, comforting, healing smoothie made with love.
If you give this recipe a try, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag a picture #rootandrevel on Instagram so we can see. Cheers!
Green Vegan Protein Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups organic spinach
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (add 1/4 cup at a time more if you need more liquid)
- 1 tablespoon organic chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds (I recommend Manitoba Harvest)
- 2 tablespoons almond butter (I recommend NaturAlmond)
- 2 Medjool dates
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a large, high-powered blender (I recommend Vitamix) and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Photo Credit: Heidi Geldhauser
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This smoothie is SO delicious and satisfying. The flavor is savory yet sweet in a complex way. I subbed frozen peach slices because I hadn’t had the chance to freeze my bananas from the supermarket and it was fabulous. Thank you!!
You’re so welcome, Elyssa! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Hi Kate, thanks for the green vegan Protein smoothie recipe. You gave me lots of new ideas. I love the green powders. I am using the threefold blend, perennial greens and turmeric powders for my detox and build-up smoothies.
That’s so great to hear! You are very welcome, glad you’re enjoying. 🙂
The ‘Clean Green Protein’ smoothie from Juice Press is a miraculous beverage (delicious w/o being too sweet and the nutritional content of a real meal replacement). I was in NYC this week and had one every day to make it up to my body after the not-so-healthy nights.
Thanks a lot for the recipe. Looking forward to trying it!
Oh that’s so great Steve that you’ve been to Juice Press! I hope this recipe satisfies you in the same way. 🙂
You nailed it – you really nailed it. I got the ingredients and made it today in my Vitamix. Didn’t even need the dates as I guess the bananas were very ripe when I froze them. Added some frozen organic blueberries for an extra punch. Thanks so much, Kate! I wish people of all income levels could enjoy this wonderful beverage.
So happy you love it, Steve, and I love your tweaks!
Love putting chia seeds in my smoothies! Can’t wait to give this one a try!
I was in a smoothie rut…thanks for the new ideas!
Hi Kate,
Your blog is absolutely wonderful, beautiful, and all things good. I love the work you are doing. Sounds like you’re a woman after my own heart! 🙂 I am doing a vegan snack idea round-up. Do you mind if I link back to this post?
Oh my goodness, wow Adina. Thank you so much for the kind words. Yes, I would be honored if you link to this post. Thank you!
Woooaaw Thanks for sharing, I tried it and it was amazing and healthy….
I would love to share your posts on my Facebook and website and recommend others to have a try , if you wouldn’t mind !!
Thanks for understanding
Keep it up ????????????
Thank you, so glad you liked it Abi. You’re welcome to share the links to my posts, but please do not reprint my recipes. Thanks!
Now that was delicious!!
Can you include the nutrition information? Almond milk actually has quite little protein and chia seeds and hemp hearts certainly have some but not tons.
This smoothie has 10 grams of protein per serving. Hope that helps, Gin!