Green Smoothie Bowl Kiwi Chia

Last summer, my sister dropped by unexpectedly with a bag of overripe bananas and a bundle of spinach that needed using immediately. We threw everything into the blender with some frozen fruit, and what came out was shockingly good—like eating a meadow in the best possible way. Now I keep frozen banana slices in the freezer just for moments when something vibrant and nourishing feels necessary.

My roommate walked in while I was arranging the toppings and said it looked like something from a fancy cafe, which made me laugh because I had just thrown whatever was in the pantry on top. That is the beauty of bowls like this—they look impressive with almost zero effort. We ate them standing at the counter, and she asked for the recipe before she even finished her first bite.

Ingredients

• Frozen bananas: The secret to that thick, creamy texture without any dairy at all
• Baby spinach: Adds nutrition without overpowering the fruity flavors
• Almond milk: Keeps everything blendable while staying light and fresh
• Coconut yogurt: Brings a tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness
• Kiwi: Bright acidity cuts through the rich banana base beautifully
• Chia seeds: These little seeds thicken the mixture while blending and add crunch on top
• Maple syrup: Only needed if your bananas are not quite sweet enough
• Granola: Provides that essential textural contrast against the smooth base
• Coconut flakes: Toast them briefly for an even nuttier flavor
• Fresh berries: Whatever looks best at the market will work perfectly here

Instructions

Blend your base:

Combine the frozen bananas, spinach, almond milk, yogurt, chopped kiwi, chia seeds, and maple syrup in a high-speed blender. Puree until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.

Divide into bowls:

Pour the vibrant green mixture evenly between two bowls, using a spatula to get every last bit out.

Arrange your toppings:

Layer the sliced kiwi, granola, extra chia seeds, coconut flakes, berries, banana slices, and pumpkin seeds on top in any pattern that makes you happy.

Serve right away:

Smoothie bowls wait for no one—grab a spoon and dig in while everything is still frosty and firm.

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This recipe became my go-to after discovering that a heavy breakfast left me sluggish until lunch. Now I feel energized and light, ready to actually start my day instead of waiting for it to begin.

Getting the Right Texture

I used to make smoothie bowls that were closer to soup, and it was disappointing every single time. The trick is using frozen fruit instead of ice, which dilutes everything, and keeping liquid to a minimum. Your blender might protest a little—scrape down the sides and be patient with it.

Topping Combinations

Sometimes I go tropical with mango and shredded coconut, other times I lean into autumn with sliced apples and cinnamon granola. The base is so forgiving that almost anything works, but I always include something crunchy for contrast. Soft toppings get lost in the creamy base.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prep all your toppings the night before and store them in separate containers. I even measure out the smoothie ingredients into a freezer bag, so morning prep takes literally two minutes. Do not blend ahead though—the texture suffers and the colors oxidize unattractively.

• Keep sliced bananas from browning by tossing them in a little lemon juice
• Toast nuts and coconut in advance for deeper flavor without extra morning work
• Freeze extra spinach now if you have it—this smoothie hides any greens beautifully

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about eating something this beautiful and nourishing first thing in the morning. It sets the tone for the entire day.

Questions & Answers

→ What can I use instead of baby spinach?

Kale or mixed greens work well as alternatives, adding a slightly different but equally nutritious flavor.

→ How do I make the smoothie bowl thicker?

Reduce the liquid or add a few ice cubes before blending to achieve a thicker, spoonable consistency.

→ Can I substitute the chia seeds?

Yes, flax seeds or pumpkin seeds make great alternatives that provide similar crunch and nutrition.

→ Is maple syrup necessary?

Maple syrup is optional and added for sweetness; ripe bananas and kiwi often provide enough natural sweetness.

→ How long does this bowl stay fresh?

For optimal texture and flavor, consume immediately; it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours but may lose freshness.