My best friend Callie is always coming to me with the latest and greatest wellness ideas. It’s probably because she lives in LA, where health food is no longer a trend, but a way of life. AND I FREAKING LOVE IT, you can check out my guide to LA here. If I wasn’t so obsessed with Chicago, I’d definitely be in California. (Still haven’t made it to Portland, so who knows, that could be my true crunchy calling.)
Callie came to visit me in Chicago a few months ago and made me this green smoothie a few times. I was skeptical at first, because I wasn’t used to using real turmeric root in anything except my famous chicken soup. However, upon my first sip I realized what a game-changer this recipe was.
In fact, a few weeks ago when Abra and I were both feeling under the weather, I made this smoothie for us to help our healing process.
Now it’s fully incorporated into my life; I make it every other day for breakfast and can’t get enough.
What are the ingredients and healthy benefits of this wellness smoothie?
Not only does this smoothie taste fantastic with hints of pineapple, banana and ginger — but it also includes ingredients that boast some pretty incredible health benefits.
Banana: I love using frozen banana to add creaminess to this recipe. It’s packed with healthy carbs and potassium. That being said, if you are sensitive to banana, you could sub it for extra ¾ cup of pineapple, mango or even apple.
Pineapple: Pineapple includes a natural enzyme called bromelain, which is wonderful for preventing inflammation and helping poor digestive issues. It also sweetens the recipe nicely.
Spinach: I always encourage using spinach in smoothies to get your greens in, because you can’t taste it at all! You can add 2-3 cups to this recipe and get an extra dose of fiber, vitamin and nutrients in all before lunch time.
Ginger root: Fresh ginger makes all the difference in flavoring this dish; it also helps with digestive issues, reducing inflammation and even pain.
Fresh turmeric root: This is the magic! It’s earthy, incredibly flavorful, and has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal herb. There are numerous benefits of turmeric, which range from increasing antioxidant absorption to even preventing cancer. Turmeric also happens to contain a compound called curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. To get a good dose of curcumin, you’ll need to add black pepper in with the turmeric, which enhances your body’s ability to absorb the compound. More on that below!
Black pepper: You won’t need much, just a few fresh shakes to help the turmeric work it’s anti-inflammatory magic. And no, you can’t taste it thanks to everything else going on in this smoothie.
Manuka or raw honey: I LOVE using a little honey, but make sure it’s raw or manuka honey to get additional benefits and higher antioxidant levels. I love keeping a jar of raw/manuka honey in my cupboard just in case I come down with a sore throat during the cold season.
Coconut milk or almond milk: Either of these will work well in this recipe. I love coconut milk because then the smoothie tastes a little like a pina colada. Oh la la!
Watch me make this wellness smoothie:
I hope you get a chance to try this smoothie out very soon! I think you’ll absolutely love it and the health benefits it brings to your life. If you make it, be sure to rate the recipe below and leave a comment to let me know how you liked it.
And don’t forget to follow #ambitiouskitchen on Instagram to keep up with all of my recipes!
Other Ambitious Kitchen smoothie recipes you might like:
How to: Make a Delicious Immune Boosting Wellness Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 1 cup frozen pineapple
- 2-3 cups organic spinach
- 1 knob fresh ginger, peeled (about 2 inches of ginger)
- 1 knob turmeric root (about 2 inches fresh turmeric)
- 1/2 tablespoon manuka or raw honey
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or a just couple grinds)
- 1/2-3/4 cup almond milk or coconut milk
Instructions
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In a large high-powered blender, add in all ingredients and blend on high for 1-2 minutes or until all ingredients are well combined. If necessary, add in more almond milk to thin the smoothie. Makes 2 smoothies.
Recipe Notes
Feel free to add in a scoop of your favorite protein powder!
If you don't like bananas, feel free to sub a cored apple.
52 comments
I can hardly wait to try this! Does the pineapple have to be frozen? I love your site and have shared it, too. So glad you share such great recipes that are healthy and delicious!
You can use fresh pineapple too! Thanks so much 🙂 I’m glad you found AK!
Green smoothies are my favorite!
Green smoothies are my favorite!
They’re the best!
Delish! Healthy and smooth tasting! Perfect green smoothie! Will make this again!!!
I’m glad you liked it!!
This looks amazing! Question about smoothies, can I make them and keep them in the fridge for a day?( ie make one for lunch and save the other portion for breakfast next day?)
I’d recommend storing them in the freezer! They should be great the next day – you’ll just want to blend them up with a bit more liquid 🙂
I only have turmeric powder on hand. Can I sub and how much do you suggest?
I only have turmeric powder on hand. Can I sub and how much do you suggest?
I would do 1/2 teaspoon max!
omg. this is amazing! I am a ginger lover and turmeric proponent. Am fighting a cold and can’t wait to see if this boosts my system enough to get rid of it quick! What a great taste, too! Never would have thought of these ingredients. thank you!
So happy you found this recipe! I love ginger + turmeric too. Perfect for colds (and all the time).
omg. this is amazing! I am a ginger lover and turmeric proponent. Am fighting a cold and can’t wait to see if this boosts my system enough to get rid of it quick! What a great taste, too! Never would have thought of these ingredients. thank you!
So happy you found this recipe! I love ginger + turmeric too. Perfect for colds (and all the time).
The best tasting smoothie!! Love, love, love it!!
So glad you love it! My fav 🙂
Sorry. Apparently I’m not healthy enough, i didn’t really enjoy it. It was an odd blend of flavors.
Everyone has different taste preferences! You might like this green smoothie 🙂
Sorry. Apparently I’m not healthy enough, i didn’t really enjoy it. It was an odd blend of flavors.
Everyone has different taste preferences! You might like this green smoothie 🙂
Did you not peel the tumeric and ginger? I have made smoothies with both before but always peeled. Your video seemed to indicate no peeling, which I don’t bother with when juicing, but usually do when blending. Just a little clarification, please. Thanks!
I peel the ginger (see the ingredient list for some more details) but just toss the turmeric in as-is 🙂
Super tasty!! Followed everything exactly and it was really nice and easy to make 🙂 Have been trying to get into green smoothies, I’d recommend this one.
So happy you found this one! My favorite 🙂
This looks great! Wondering for almond milk would I use sweetened, original or the vanilla one?! I’m trying to go dairy free but always get overwhelmed with the choices of flavors!
Any of those will work well! If you’d like an additional sweetness feel free to use the vanilla one 🙂
This definitely only made one serving unless it’s meant to only be about 4 oz each.?? I haven’t tasted it yet, but smells great, fun green color, and super excited to try it.
Definitely only made one serving despite indicating 2, unless it’s meant to be a 4oz serving each?? I have not yet tried it, but AK’s recipes are always amazing plus it smells delicious and has a fun green color!
Hmmm the amount should look similar to what’s in the photos + video, as it should be 1/2 banana and 1/2 cup pineapple per smoothie 🙂 I hope you’re loving the taste, too!