Here’s a new twist on a green smoothie for you, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

I still love a traditional green smoothie made with fresh greens, but this quick trick will give you similar benefits if you happen to be out of fresh spinach, or if you just don’t care for the texture of greens in your smoothie.

Plus, it’s so pretty!

Here’s the idea: blend water, vanilla protein powder, a small frozen banana, half a small avocado, 1 ½ teaspoons of liquid chlorophyll and ice until creamy. The chlorophyll turns it bright green without any spinach, and it takes about 5 minutes to make one big smoothie.

Why You’ll Love This St. Patrick’s Day Smoothie

• Naturally green: No food coloring and no leafy greens. A little liquid chlorophyll does all the work.
• Creamy, not grassy: Frozen banana and avocado make it thick and smooth, so it tastes more like a vanilla shake than a green juice.
• Protein-packed: Protein powder (plus optional collagen) makes it filling enough for breakfast.
• Five minutes: Everything goes into the blender at once.

If you remember back to 5th grade science class, chlorophyll is what makes plants green. On a molecular level, chlorophyll is very similar to heme, which is part of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin makes your blood red and is responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. All green plants contain chlorophyll, and a little liquid chlorophyll gives this smoothie its gorgeous green color.

You can find liquid chlorophyll at most natural foods stores. I’ve noticed it comes in plain and mint; I do love mint but I like the plain so I can use it in a variety of recipes.

I’ve also been adding a scoop of collagen powder to my smoothies for extra protein and have been really impressed with how much more it fills me up. Collagen dissolves seamlessly into almost any drink, so it’s an easy way to add protein.

Ingredient Notes

Liquid Chlorophyll

This is the secret to the color. A teaspoon and a half is plenty to turn the whole smoothie green, and the plain kind has a very mild taste once it’s blended with banana and vanilla.

Vanilla Protein Powder

Use any good-quality vanilla protein powder you like. Vanilla keeps the flavor neutral and lets the green color shine.

Collagen Powder (Optional)

Collagen adds a little extra protein and disappears into the smoothie without changing the flavor or texture. Skip it if you don’t have it.

Frozen Banana

A small frozen banana makes the smoothie thick, cold and naturally sweet. Peel and slice ripe bananas before freezing them so they’re ready to go.

Avocado

Half of a small avocado (or a quarter of a large one) makes the texture extra creamy and adds healthy fats. You won’t taste it.

Water and Ice

Purified water keeps it light, and the ice makes it frosty. If you like a richer smoothie, use unsweetened almond milk for part of the water.

Healthy St. Patrick’s Day Protein Smoothie

Serves 1

• 16 ounces purified water
• 1 serving high-quality vanilla protein powder
• 1 serving high-quality collagen powder (optional)
• 1 small frozen banana
• 1/2 small avocado (or 1/4 of a large one)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons liquid chlorophyll
• 8 ice cubes

Method: Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth.

How to Make a St. Patrick’s Day Protein Smoothie

1. Add the liquid: Pour the water into your blender first so the blades move freely.
2. Add everything else: Add the protein powder, collagen (if using), frozen banana, avocado, liquid chlorophyll and ice.
3. Blend: Start on low and work up to high, blending until completely smooth. Add a splash more water if it’s too thick.
4. Serve: Pour it into a glass and drink it right away while it’s cold and frothy.

Tips and Serving Ideas

• Make it a party: Blend a double batch and pour it into small glasses for a festive St. Patrick’s Day breakfast.
• Thicker smoothie: Use less water, or add a few more ice cubes.
• Want greens anyway? A handful of baby spinach blends right in and makes the color even deeper.
• Make it ahead: It’s best fresh, but you can keep it in a jar filled to the top in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Here’s how to save a smoothie for later.

St. Patrick’s Day Smoothie FAQs

How do you make a green smoothie without spinach?

Liquid chlorophyll is the easiest way. It turns the smoothie bright green with no leafy texture at all, and the avocado adds a soft green color, too.

Where do you buy liquid chlorophyll?

Most natural foods stores carry it, usually with the supplements. It comes in plain and mint. I use plain so I can use it in a variety of recipes.

Can I use mint chlorophyll?

You can. It gives the smoothie a minty, shamrock-shake flavor, which is pretty fun on St. Patrick’s Day.

Love green smoothies? Try my Glowing Green Goddess Smoothie or learn how to make the perfect green smoothie.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day,