Ginger Smoothie

This ginger smoothie is my go-to when I want something refreshing that actually wakes me up. It’s a blend of tropical mango, creamy banana, and fresh, fiery ginger—basically sunshine in a glass. Plus, I toss in a handful of spinach for that morning green boost. You barely taste it, and it feels good knowing you’re starting the day on a healthy note.

If you’ve got some fresh ginger sitting in your fridge (and maybe a banana that’s just about to go too ripe), you’re already halfway there. It takes just a few minutes to pull together and is a brilliant way to jumpstart your day.

HOW TO PEEL GINGER (THE EASY WAY)

Fresh ginger is one of those ingredients that’s a little awkward to prep, but totally worth it once you get the hang of it. Here’s how I usually handle it:

Spoon method (my favorite):
Hold the ginger in one hand and use a regular spoon to scrape off the skin. It hugs the knobby surface better than a peeler or knife.

Vegetable peeler:
You can use a standard veggie peeler if your ginger is fairly smooth. Just go gently.

Paring knife:
No spoon or peeler? A sharp little knife works too. Carefully slice away the skin, but try not to take too much of the flesh with it.

HOW TO GRATE FRESH GINGER

I always go for a microplane if I want fine, fluffy ginger shreds. Hold the peeled ginger and rub it across the grater. It’s quick, and the result melts right into your smoothie.

No microplane? You can mince it finely with a sharp knife, then blend it up with the almond milk until smooth. Either way works—just don’t skip the fresh ginger. It’s the star here.

HOW TO STORE GINGER

If you use ginger regularly (I definitely do), here’s how to make it last:

• Short term: Keep it in a zip-top bag in the fridge. It’ll be good for a week or so.
• Long term: Peel it, chop or slice into small bits, and freeze in an airtight container. It’ll last up to 3 months. You can even grate it straight from frozen.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Here’s everything that goes into this powerhouse smoothie:

Banana – I usually use a ripe banana at room temp for easy blending, but frozen works great for a thicker texture.

Frozen Mango – Sweet, tangy, and adds that tropical flavor. Plus, using it frozen helps chill the smoothie without watering it down.

Almond Milk – Adds creaminess. I use unsweetened almond milk, but you can swap in oat, soy, or regular dairy milk if you prefer.

Fresh Ginger – Use freshly grated ginger for the best flavor and zing. You don’t need much—just enough to give it a little heat.

Spinach – Totally optional, but a handful adds some sneaky greens. You won’t even taste it, promise.

HOW TO MAKE THE GINGER SMOOTHIE

Alright, let’s get blending:

1. Add everything to the blender – Start with the almond milk, then add the banana, mango, ginger, and spinach if you’re using it.
2. Blend until smooth – Give it a good whirl until everything is creamy and green.
3. Pour and enjoy – Serve it up in your favorite glass and sip away!

HOW TO MAKE IT THICKER (FOR SMOOTHIE BOWLS OR SPOONING)

If you’re in the mood for a spoonable smoothie bowl instead of a sippable drink, just tweak the texture a bit:

• Use a frozen banana instead of fresh.
• Add a few ice cubes to thicken.
• Cut back slightly on the almond milk—just enough to get the blender moving.

Top it with granola, coconut flakes, or some extra fruit if you want a full smoothie bowl experience.

TIPS FOR A PERFECT SMOOTHIE

• If your blender struggles with greens, blend the almond milk and spinach first, then add the other ingredients. No one wants stringy bits of spinach in their drink.
• Want to add protein? Half a scoop of vanilla protein powder works great. Just be careful—many protein powders are already sweetened, so you might want to taste before adding more fruit.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use ginger powder instead of fresh?
You can, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. If using ground ginger, start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste.

What can I use instead of almond milk?
Oat milk, soy milk, or regular dairy milk all work well. Even coconut milk will give it a fun tropical twist.

Is it okay to skip the spinach?
Absolutely. It’s just a bonus. The smoothie is delicious with or without it.

Can I make it ahead of time?
You can blend it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If it separates, just give it a quick shake or stir.

That’s it—a super simple, feel-good smoothie that’s as energizing as it is delicious. I make this one a few times a week, especially when I want something light but satisfying. Hope it becomes a regular in your kitchen too!

Try other recipes:

• Celery Smoothie
• Mango Strawberry Smoothie
• Bahama Mama Smoothie