Name: Delicious Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana for Summer Fun
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 250 min
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh spinach; 2 medium ripe bananas (peeled); 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (to taste); 1 cup milk (any variety); 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds (for crunch); 1/2 cup fresh fruit slices (for added flavor)

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There’s something magical about blending vibrant green ingredients into a refreshing treat! These Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana are my go-to for those warm days when you crave something sweet yet nutritious. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe transforms spinach—something typically reserved for salads—into a delightful, kid-friendly popsicle that everyone will love. One of the perks? They are super quick to whip up and make for a healthy summer snack that’s far better than any store-bought option. Plus, you can control the sweetness, making them perfect for every palate. Ready to dive into this easy and fun recipe? Let’s get blending!

Why You’ll Crave These Smoothie Pops?

Simple prep and assembly make these Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana a breeze to create! Just blend and freeze, no specialized skills needed. Health-conscious indulge without guilt—as these pops boast only 70 calories each! Kid-friendly and vibrant, they’re a sneaky way to sneak in those greens. Plus, you can easily customize sweetness with honey or maple syrup for your family’s taste. And best of all, each bite is a deliciously refreshing escape from mundane snacks!

Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana Ingredients

For the Smoothie Base

Fresh spinach – A powerhouse of nutrients, packed with vitamins and a vibrant color that transforms your pops into a health delight.
Ripe bananas – Sweetens the mix naturally while adding a creamy texture that makes these pops irresistible.
Plain Greek yogurt – Adds a protein punch and a creamy consistency, perfect for softening the texture of the pops.
Honey or maple syrup – Use to customize your sweetness, allowing your Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana to suit everyone's taste.
Milk (any variety) – Helps blend the ingredients smoothly; choose almond, soy, or whatever makes your heart sing!

For Optional Toppings

Chopped nuts or seeds – Sprinkle some over the top after blending for an added crunch and a delightful visual appeal.
Fresh fruit slices – Add to the popsicle molds before freezing for lovely flavor surprises in every bite!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by arranging all the ingredients for your Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana on your countertop. This includes the packed fresh spinach, ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, and milk. Having everything ready will streamline the blending process and ensure a smooth start to your delightful treats.

Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
In a blender, add the fresh spinach, bananas, Greek yogurt, sweetener of your choice, and milk. Blend on high speed for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and a vibrant green. You want to achieve a creamy consistency without any lumps, giving you a beautifully inviting smoothie base for your pops.

Step 3: Adjust the Sweetness
Once blended, take a moment to taste your smoothie mixture. If you feel it could use a little more sweetness, now’s the time to add additional honey or maple syrup to your liking. Blend again for another 15-30 seconds to incorporate the sweetener fully, ensuring your Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana are just right for your family's palates.

Step 4: Pour into Molds
Carefully pour the smoothie mixture into your popsicle molds, filling them almost to the top but leaving a small gap for expansion as they freeze. This is an excellent time to make sure everything is evenly distributed between the molds. Your vibrant green pops are well on their way to being a refreshing summer treat!

Step 5: Insert Sticks
If your popsicle molds come with sticks, insert them into the center of each mold now. If not, cover the tops with aluminum foil, ensuring it’s snug, and poke the sticks through the foil. This will help keep them upright while freezing. Excitement builds as you prepare for your delicious Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana!

Step 6: Freeze Until Solid
Place the filled molds in the freezer and let them freeze for at least 4 hours, or until completely solid. This is the perfect time to clean up any blender mess and daydream about how refreshing these pops will be on a hot day. When the time is up, you’ll know they’re ready when they’re firm to the touch.

Step 7: Release the Pops
To serve your delightful Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana, gently run warm water over the outside of the molds to help release them. Carefully wiggle the popsicles out, taking care not to break them. With this simple technique, you’ll have perfect pops ready for serving that brings joy to every bite!

Make Ahead Options

These Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can blend the smoothie mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, you're just a step away from creating your refreshing treats! When you're ready to make the pops, pour the prepared smoothie into molds, insert sticks, and freeze for at least 4 hours. To maintain their vibrant color and quality, avoid exposing the mixture to air for long periods. With these easy prep steps, you'll have delicious and nutritious snacks ready to enjoy on busy days without sacrificing flavor!

Expert Tips for Smoothie Pops

• Choose Fresh Spinach: Using fresh spinach instead of frozen ensures vibrant color and flavor. Wilted spinach can make your pops taste off.

• Banana Ripeness Matters: Opt for ripe bananas—they're sweeter and create a creamier texture. Overripe ones are fine, but avoid those with dark spots.

• Blend Thoroughly: Make sure to blend until completely smooth to prevent any unappealing lumps in your Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana.

• Adjust Sweetness Wisely: Always taste before pouring into molds! It’s easier to add sweetness now than to fix it after they freeze.

• Mold Your Pops Right: Leave space at the top of the molds for expansion; otherwise, you risk messy spills when they freeze.

• Experiment with Add-ins: Enhance your pops by adding mix-ins like chia seeds or small fruit chunks after blending for added texture and fun!

How to Store and Freeze Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana

Fridge: Store leftover Smoothie Pops in the fridge for up to 2 days if partially thawed; however, they are best enjoyed frozen.

Freezer: Keep the Smoothie Pops in the freezer for up to 2 months. Use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.

Serving Tip: When serving, run warm water on the molds for easy release. If they’ve been in the freezer for a while, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.

Reheating: There’s no need to reheat these pops! They’re best served cold and refreshing, perfect for summer days.

What to Serve with Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana

Bright, refreshing, and full of flavor, these treats open the door to a delightful meal that the whole family will love.

Zesty Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds color and natural sweetness, balancing the greens in your smoothie pops for a joyful summer feast.
Crispy Veggie Chips: Crunchy snacks like kale or beet chips offer an exciting texture contrast, making for a healthy side that's as pretty as it is delicious.
Homemade Granola Bars: Wholesome, chewy granola bars provide a satisfying crunch and energy boost, complementing the refreshing nature of your pops.
Chilled Lemonade: A refreshing citrus drink enhances the sweetness of the pops while providing a delightful, thirst-quenching experience.
Mini Quiches: Bite-sized quiches packed with veggies add protein to your meal while harmonizing with the vibrant flavors of the smoothie pops.
Coconut Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy coconut yogurt with granola and fresh fruit to create a sweet, textured contrast that pairs beautifully with your cool treats.
Iced Green Tea: A lightly sweetened iced green tea provides a refreshing counterpoint, enhancing the healthful vibe of your meal while offering hydration.

Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana Variations

Feel free to embrace your creativity and give these pops a personal touch with these fun twists!

Dairy-Free: Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and use almond or oat milk for a delicious vegan version. The creamy coconut adds a tropical vibe!
Fruit Fusion: Mix in a cup of frozen berries like strawberries or blueberries for a burst of flavor and added color. This fruity addition will appeal to even the pickiest eaters and brighten up your popsicles!
Minty Fresh: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the blender for a refreshing twist that’ll make your Smoothie Pops taste like a cool garden treat. Just a few leaves go a long way in elevating the cooling effect!
Protein Boost: Incorporate a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the mix for a more nutritious snack that keeps you fuller for longer. It’s a simple way to enhance the health benefits without altering the delightful flavor.
Nutty Swirl: Drizzle in some almond butter or peanut butter before blending to introduce a nutty flavor that complements the spinach and banana beautifully. This twist also adds a lovely creaminess to your pops!
Spicy Heat: A pinch of cayenne pepper can give your pops a surprising kick! It balances perfectly with the sweetness and adds an interesting layer for adventurous tastes.
Chocolate Indulgence: Blend in 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a rich, chocolaty treat that disguises the spinach even more. Kids will love the chocolatey flavor, and you can feel good about the greens hidden inside!
Chia Crunch: Stir in some chia seeds right after blending for added texture and health benefits. They provide a bit of crunch and a delightful burst of nutritional goodness in every bite.

For more great ideas on delicious ways to blend healthy ingredients, check out these tips on What to serve with Smoothie Pops. It’s all about finding what makes your family smile while indulging in these fruity treats!

Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best spinach?
Absolutely! When selecting spinach for your Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana, look for vibrant green leaves without any dark spots or wilting. Fresh spinach should feel firm and have a crisp texture. If purchasing pre-packaged, check for a sell-by date to ensure freshness.

What’s the best way to store leftover smoothie pops?
You can keep leftover Smoothie Pops in the freezer for up to 2 months. Make sure to place them in an airtight container or freezer bag to ward off freezer burn. If you're enjoying them after a while, simply run warm water over the molds for easy removal, or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

Can I freeze them for longer?
While Smoothie Pops can technically be stored for up to 2 months in the freezer, I recommend consuming them within that timeframe for the best flavor and texture. To freeze, ensure they are in sealed containers and labeled with the date, so you keep track of freshness!

What should I do if the pops are difficult to remove from the molds?
Very! If your Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana are sticking to the molds, run warm water around the outside of the molds for 30 seconds. This will help ease them out without breaking. Another tip is to gently wiggle the popsicles to loosen them before pulling them out.

Can I make these pops dairy-free?
You can absolutely create a dairy-free version of these pops! Simply substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. Also, use a dairy-free milk, like almond or oat milk, to ensure your Smoothie Pops with Spinach and Banana are entirely dairy-free and still delicious!

Is it safe for kids and pets?
Definitely! These smoothie pops are kid-friendly, nutritious, and made from whole, natural ingredients. However, it’s essential to keep these pops away from pets due to ingredients like bananas and honey, which are not recommended for certain animals. Always consult your vet if you're unsure about any specific ingredient!