Yesterday, my parents bravely backed a huge U-Haul into our driveway—no easy feat, with the sheer length of both the truck and concrete! They immediately hopped out to start loading up our furniture and the millions of boxes they helped pack last weekend.
For three hours in the blazing NorCal sun, my guy and Dad hefted multiple dressers, beds, nightstands, and bookshelves through the house and into the back of the moving van, wielding dollies like a team of professionals. Mom and I took charge of the lighter boxes, as well as preventing our little 15-pound Chihuahua from running underfoot.
After lots of water and chocolate breaks, we finally filled the U-Haul and slowly drove it to the town next door to temporarily stash everything in a storage locker while we searched for an apartment. (Living in a college town, it’s practically impossible to find anything available on short notice in September!)
We spent another hour at the storage facility, pulling everything back out of the van and cramming it into the 10×15’ space. With bookshelves stacked on top of each other and our brand new mattress lying across a bed of boxes, we eventually pulled the door shut, headed home, and waved good-bye to my parents before collapsing in the middle of the empty living room floor.
I love my parents… What saints to help us so much!
When I woke up this morning, slightly stiff and really groggy, I craved something healthy after all of that work. Combined with trying to empty out the fridge and freezer, I pulled out my trusty blender, one of the few things left to pack, and mixed up…
This Mixed Berry Green Smoothie! Made with only 3 ingredients—all of which you probably own already—this refreshing smoothie comes together in mere minutes. Each sip of this thick smoothie is cool and invigorating, and it’s naturally gluten-free, clean-eating and vegan too!
I’ve actually been making this skinny smoothie for a while, but I keep forgetting to photograph one to share with you! It starts with a heaping cup of frozen mixed berries. I buy big bags of my favorite triple berry medley at the store, which contains raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. (If you end up with leftovers, you can make this or these!) By using frozen fruit, we don’t need any ice to thicken the drink, so you won’t end up with ice chunks or a melted watered-down mess—just pure fruity goodness.
Next comes the milk. I’ve tried both nonfat and my latest obsession, Soy Slender Vanilla Soy Milk. (No, this isn’t a sponsored post… I’m just in love and go through an entire carton in less than four days!) Both work equally well and taste really refreshing. Plus they add a tiny protein boost to your drink!
And of course, don’t forget the spinach! As the “green” part of this drink, it adds in a full serving, but you can’t actually taste it. As long as you blend the smoothie really well, you can barely see any flecks of green, and with so many berries, the drink still appears a gorgeous shade of purple. (My favorite color!)
Light and rejuvenating, this Mixed Berry Green Smoothie really helps kick-start your day. Full of naturally sweet fruit, you’ll barely notice the spinach, and before you know it, you’ll drain every last sip from the glass!
Until my frozen berry stash runs out, you better believe I’ll be drinking one of these every single day! ♥
This green smoothie is so easy to make! With so many berries, you’ll barely notice the spinach. This recipe is easily doubled to serve more.
- Add all of the ingredients to a blender in the order listed. Pulse until smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides as necessary. Drink immediately.
Notes: I prefer a mixed berry blend with raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
For a vegan version, substitute your favorite non-dairy milk (soy, rice, almond, coconut, etc.) or water. My current favorite is Soy Slender Vanilla Soy Milk.
yum! i definitely want to try this! what would you suggest for the amount of spinach if i’m using frozen spinach?
I hope you enjoy it Bianca! I hadn’t thought of using frozen spinach. I’d probably say between 2.5-3 ounces, which should be around 1/4 (or a little more) of a standard 10 oz package. You might need a little more milk too. I’m excited to hear what you think! 🙂
What a gorgeous looking smoothie!! My green smoothies always turn green or a murky brown color. Still delicious, but not nearly as pretty as this one. I really like the specks of spinach blended in. I’ve been on a smoothie kick these last few weeks, I really just cannot get enough!
Thanks Brittany! I think right now is the perfect time of year for smoothies. It’s still warm enough that they’re refreshing, but not so hot that they melt the second you pour them out of the blender. 😉 And I’m absolutely loving your smoothie bowls too!
Sounds like a crazy moving day! Aren’t parents the best? Good thing you had your smoothie to energize and keep you cool 🙂 Sounds delicious!!
Thanks Paula! And yes, parents are definitely the best! I’m so lucky to live really close to mine. I wouldn’t want it any other way!
I hope you’ve found some place good!! Let me know if you need anything! 🙂
Thanks Dorothy!! You’re just the sweetest. 🙂 All moved out, but still searching for an apartment… I’ll be so happy when this is over and I actually have internet again (instead of stealing my parents’!) so I can get back to baking and blogging!
Hi Amy,
Can the smoothie be frozen? I’m wondering because with other recipes i typically make enough for week on the weekend and freeze them in mason jars to have every morning. I get up fairly early and don’t want to be running the blender.
Thanks
Yes! I’ve actually frozen this smoothie a few times before, and it works great. I hope you enjoy it Stacey!
Awesome!!! Thanks, i’m excited to try it!
My pleasure Stacey! 🙂