The Best Low Carb Protein Green Smoothie

A healthy and delicious Low Carb Protein Green Smoothie made with cauliflower, zucchini and spinach. This thick and creamy smoothie is packed with protein, fiber and healthy fats for a nutritious drink that’s great for an on-the-go breakfast or post-workout fuel.

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How many times did I have a green smoothie before? 0

How many times did I have this green smoothie after trying it? Way too many!

I’d been holding off on trying a green smoothie for months and months now. Why? Because the thought of something sweet coming from essentially just green vegetables just didn’t sit with me.

But I’ve been seeing so so many Green Smoothie posts on Instagram that just had to give it a try. Do it for the gram right?!

Turns out these things work because they get their “sweet” factor from frozen sugary fruit like mango or banana. But I really wasn’t going to have that much “sugar” in one drink!

Switched it out for protein powder and added frozen vegetables instead for a much better nutrient profile!

Ingredients and benefits of this Low Carb Protein Green Smoothie

Unlike the regular green spinach smoothie that are loaded with frozen or fresh fruit for their sweet taste, this one is made without banana, mango, pineapple, apple, or any other sugar fruit. This is what makes the green smoothie keto and low carb, as well as super healthy.

• Frozen cauliflower – This serves the purpose of a volumizer that does not contribute to the taste of the smoothie, but adds in nutrients, vitamins and minerals instead.
• Frozen zucchini – Similar to the cauliflower, another no-taste, nutrient rich ingredient.
• Yogurt – Adds in a ton of protein and probiotics and also makes it super creamy! Win win!
• Spinach – These are the “greens” in here. I would recommend fresh baby spinach since it’s nice and tender and really adds in a ton of nutrition to this drink. I haven’t tested the recipe with a frozen version.
• Vanilla Protein Powder – Other than the protein boost, this is what gives the green smoothie it’s sweetness since there’s high-sugar fruit that would make it sweet like the usuals.
  I use Quest Nutrition here.
• Flaxseed meal – A dose of healthy fats, fiber and protein all at once from the one tablespoon added in here.
• Almond Milk – Used an unsweetened almond milk to make this green smoothie sugar free, dairy free, paleo friendly and vegan too, but you can replace it with another dairy-free milk or regular milk too.

How to make this easy Green Spinach Protein Smoothie with No Banana?

This protein green smoothie with no banana really is super easy to make, and perfect for beginners!

All you need to do is throw together all the ingredients in a blender, and run it for about 30 seconds or so. 

You might need need a little longer time or more milk if your frozen cauliflower and zucchini squash are too large.

Can you Store Low Carb Protein Spinach Smoothie?

If you have extras, you can also store this weight loss protein green smoothie in the fridge (in a sealed container or bottle) for a few hours or even up to a day. 

Make Ahead:

It’s also possible to meal-prep this low carb spinach protein smoothie for a creamy and healthy breakfast on-the-go or post-workout fuel. Portion out all the ingredients into resealable zipper bags and keep them ready to blend into green smoothies or smoothie bowls!

Tips for the perfect keto protein green smoothie or bowl

• Freeze the cauliflower and zucchini completely before using. If using fresh vegetables, you might need to add some ice cubes or use less milk to get a thick green smoothie. I haven’t tried these options, so I can’t attest to whether they work.
• Steam, blanch or rice the cauliflower before freezing it. This prevents “freezer burn” and loss of nutrients.
• Use a high speed blender with sharp blades so it can actually cut into the frozen vegetables.
• Feel free to add in more protein powder if the smoothie is not sweet enough or too bitter.
• Same with the milk – add some more if you want a thinner healthy green milkshake or a smoothie bowl.

Alternate ingredients for a nutrient-rich Keto Green Spinach Smoothie 

I used the ingredients listed for a low carb and keto green spinach protein smoothie, but here’s some more ideas you can try:

Flaxseed Meal:

• Chia Seeds – Add in a boost of fiber and healthy fats to your smoothe, just a tablespoon should be good.
• Hemp Seeds – Another source of healthy fats, protein and omega 3s an 6s for this super green shake
• Almond butter or Peanut Butter – Another good add in for those healthy fats and protein with fiber. To keep it paleo friendly, you might want to use the Almond Butter.

Protein Powder:

• Collagen Peptides – Switch out the protein powder for collagen peptides powder instead for hair, skin and bone health – you still have a high protein green smoothie shake!

Spinach:

• Kale – Switch out the spinach for kale, but add some extra protein powder since it tends to be fairly bitter.

Cauliflower/Zucchini:

• Yellow or Summer Squash – in place of the zucchini; It essentially has the same flavor and nutrient profile.
• All of one type of vegetable!

More smoothie recipes you might like:

• Rise and Shine Banana Coffee Shake
• Thanksgiving Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

More High Protein Smoothies to Try:

• Iced Vanilla Latte Protein Shake
• Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Protein Shake
• Peach Cobbler Protein Smoothie
• Pecan Pie Protein Shake
• Thin Mint Protein Shake – The Best Mint Chocolate Shake