Pineapple Green Smoothie: A Client Recipe (Banana-free)

green smoothie

Makes: 1 servings
Per Serving: 35g Protein | 350 Cal

 

There's something so rewarding about seeing a client absolutely thriving with their nutrition habits. One of the best parts of coaching is when a client creates a recipe on their own, loves it so much they make it daily, and then says, "You have to try this." That's exactly how this green smoothie recipe came to be.

A Smoothie Created by my Client

This isn't just another green smoothie. According to my client, this is the green smoothie—balanced, refreshing, satisfying, and now officially a staple in my smoothie rotation. The original version used oat milk, but I made a small tweak by using almond milk to keep the calories a little lower. The flavor is still pretty amazing. This smoothie is also completely banana-free—which is rare for a shake this creamy and sweet. If you're someone who avoids bananas for taste, texture, or blood sugar reasons, this one’s a dream!

This shake checks every box:

  • High in protein

  • Packed with micronutrients

  • Balanced macros

  • Fiber-rich

  • Quick to make

It has become a go-to for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or even an afternoon pick-me-up.

Why You'll Love This Green Smoothie

  • It tastes amazing. The vanilla protein, sweet frozen pineapple, and nutty undertones from chia seeds blend into a creamy, tropical treat.

  • It’s high in protein. With 1.5 scoops of quality vanilla protein powder, this smoothie offers 35g of protein per serving.

  • It’s perfectly balanced. You get fiber from spinach and chia, carbs from pineapple, and just the right amount of healthy fats.

  • It’s simple. Five ingredients. One blender. Done.

  • It’s a client favorite. And I love highlighting client creations—they’re often the most sustainable and realistic meals because they were made out of real-life needs and preferences.

  • It’s banana-free. Perfect for anyone avoiding bananas but still wanting a creamy texture and natural sweetness.

greenshake

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh spinach (loosely packed)

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or oat milk if you want it creamier)

  • 1.5 scoops vanilla protein powder

  • 1 tbsp chia seeds

  • 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender.

  2. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add a splash more almond milk to adjust the consistency.

  3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Pro tip: Let it sit for a minute so the chia seeds can swell just a bit—it adds a lovely, almost pudding-like texture.

Macros (serves 1):

  • 350 calories

  • 35g protein

  • 35g carbs

  • 8g fat

 

Nutritional Benefits Breakdown

1. Spinach

  • High in Vitamin K, magnesium, folate, and iron.

  • Offers plant-based fiber that supports digestion and satiety.

  • Blends beautifully into smoothies without an overpowering taste.

2. Almond Milk

  • Lower in calories than oat milk (especially unsweetened).

  • Source of calcium and vitamin E.

  • Helps keep this smoothie light and refreshing.

3. Vanilla Protein Powder

  • Adds complete protein for muscle repair, recovery, and fullness.

  • Enhances the creaminess, sweetness, and flavor.

4. Chia Seeds

  • Packed with omega-3s, fiber, and protein.

  • Help with blood sugar regulation and digestion.

  • Add thickness and satiety to the smoothie.

5. Frozen Pineapple

  • Naturally sweet and loaded with Vitamin C and bromelain (an enzyme that aids digestion).

  • Adds tropical flair without needing added sweeteners.

FAQs

  • Yes! The original version of this smoothie used oat milk. If you’re not concerned about an extra 40–60 calories, it makes the smoothie extra creamy.

  • Totally. Kale works too, but spinach is the mildest in taste and blends super easily.

  • You can blend it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just shake it up in the morning. The texture might thicken as the chia seeds absorb liquid.

  • Look for one that has 20–25g protein per scoop, is third-party tested, and uses clean ingredients. I used Clean Simple Eats Vanilla (code: PROTEINSNACKQUEEN for a discount).

  • Of course, but it will increase the carb count. Adding mango or banana will make it sweeter and thicker. Just keep in mind the calorie bump.

Final Thoughts: Why This Smoothie Deserves a Spot in Your Routine

This is more than just a recipe. It’s a reflection of what happens when habits stick—when a client goes from tracking meals to creating meals that fit their goals and lifestyle. And the best part? It’s not just healthy. It’s genuinely delicious.

Whether you’re trying to eat more protein, sneak in more greens, or just want a smoothie that actually fills you up—this one delivers.

Try it, tag me, and let me know what you think. And to my amazing client who inspired this post: you were right. It IS a great fricken smoothie!

Love smoothies? Check out some of my others: Strawberries & Cream Shake , Blueberry Cheesecake Shake, and my Anytime Shamrock Shake

Want more high-protein, low calorie recipes? Grab a copy of my high-protein COOKBOOK here!

And don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on Instagram or Tiktok!

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie

Yield: 1
Author:
Prep time: 5 MinTotal time: 5 Min

This banana-free green smoothie is a client-created favorite that's become a daily go-to. It’s creamy, tropical, and packed with 35g of protein—made with spinach, almond milk, chia seeds, frozen pineapple, and vanilla protein powder. Simple, satisfying, and dietitian-approved.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh spinach (loosely packed)
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or oat milk if you want it creamier)
  • 1.5 scoops vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add a splash more almond milk to adjust the consistency.
  3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
  4. Pro tip: Let it sit for a minute so the chia seeds can swell just a bit—it adds a lovely, almost pudding-like texture.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Fat

8 g

Carbs

35 g

Protein

8 g

Nutrition info is based off of estimates. They are calculated by taking the ingredients in this recipe and dividing them by the number of servings.

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