Drinks/ Recipes/ Vegetarian

The Ultimate Spinach Smoothie {“popeye went on vacation to thailand”}

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Oh my goodness, y’all. What a whirlwind.

I got back home last night after traveling for a solid 30 hours. We experienced some major travel “situations” along the way, but thankfully all got home safe and sound. My mind is just a bit numb {is it just me or does jetlag make you feel like you’re stuck underwater?} right now so excuse any random typos in this post. I have so much more to say about my trip to Ethiopia and can’t wait to share…I just need a few days to process everything before I can write about it. Does that make sense?

Meanwhile, allow me to introduce you to my new favorite smoothie! Oh man, it’s sooooooo good. I have been super excited to share this with you guys all week and today is finally the day!

Two weeks ago, I tried the most delicious mango-spinach-ginger-coconut-mint smoothie at our local farmer’s market and it was so delicious that I immediately came home and remade it to the best of my abilities. The smoothie truck at the farmer’s market called it “popeye went on vacation to thailand” and I just love that! Trust me, even if you’re a little wary of the whole “drinking your greens” type deal, I promise this is a total game changer. And it’s all I want to drink for the next three days after all that crazy travel!

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Fresh spinach, fresh mint, fresh ginger, frozen mango and coconut milk are the ingredients in this nutrient-packed sucker. Before trying this a few weeks ago, that particular combination never crossed my mind. Now it’s my new favorite! The mint and ginger just give it a little kick and it’s nice and creamy from the coconut milk. You honestly can’t taste the spinach because of all the mango. And if mango isn’t your thing, try frozen banana!

Give it a try this weekend and let me know what you think! I know I’ll be drinking a bunch of these myself this weekend to act as a little “post travel detox”. Sometimes the best medicine is smoothies + mega amounts of water + binge watching friday night lights.

Happy Friday! {is it Friday? I have completely lost track of time}

spinach smoothies-5916

Popeye Went on Vacation to Thailand

serves 1

Print this Recipe!

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh spinach

1 cup chopped frozen mango

1 tsp fresh grated ginger

1 tbsp fresh mint, packed

1/2 cup light coconut milk

1/2 cup coconut water {or regular water}

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a blender and process until completely smooth. Serve immediately.

Time:

5 minutes

 

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  • Averie @ Averie Cooks
    August 16, 2013 at 3:17 am

    My favorite green smoothie recipe is spinach, mango, pineapple, and coconut milk. I could drink that smoothie every day and never get sick of it. And as my 6 year old says, the greener it is, the healthier it is. Yours is super healthy judging by the vibrancy of it – love that!

  • Kristen @ notsodomesticated
    August 16, 2013 at 3:28 am

    Welcome back! 🙂 Looking forward to hearing more about your trip!

  • Danielle
    August 16, 2013 at 3:28 am

    Welcome back! Hope you have time to lay low and relax this weekend 🙂 I’m sure your body could use it while your mind is processing everything.

    This smoothie sounds like the perfect healing solution in the mean time. Wish I had a blender in my Parisian apartment!

  • Crystal
    August 16, 2013 at 3:33 am

    ^I’ll trade you my vitamix for your apartment.

  • shelly @ ohshellsbells
    August 16, 2013 at 3:45 am

    i am not usually tempted by smoothie recipes but this sounds amazing. if my neighbor hadn’t just hacked all his mint down i’d go make one right now!

  • Madison
    August 16, 2013 at 3:55 am

    YUM! So glad you got home safely and cannot wait to hear more about the trip. That smoothie looks amazing and FULL of flavor!

  • Ksenija @ Health Ninja
    August 16, 2013 at 4:02 am

    Nice to see you back! And I had a good laugh when I read the title of your post – that’s really the perfect smoothie. I’d love to join Popeye!

  • Amanda
    August 16, 2013 at 5:10 am

    Welcome back! That’s a long time to be traveling. You must be so dehydrated! Flying dries you right out.

    This smoothie looks delicious, I can’t wait to make it! It’s been too long since I’ve made a spinach smoothie.

  • Sarah
    August 16, 2013 at 5:10 am

    That is the most beautiful/refreshing looking smoothie ever! Yum!!!!

  • Tieghan
    August 16, 2013 at 5:18 am

    Happy you got home safe and sound!! This smoothie sounds amazing!

  • Karen
    August 16, 2013 at 5:29 am

    This take on a green smoothie looks fabulous, plus the name itself is reason alone to whip it up! My favorite concoctions always include a chunk of avocado – makes for a indescribably fluffy texture! Can’t wait to hear re. your Ethiopian adventures, but in the meantime, I hope you’ll take some time to recoup and get some quality zzz’s.:)

    Have a relaxing weekend, Jenna!

  • Amy
    August 16, 2013 at 5:39 am

    Welcome back home Jenna.
    I am long time follower, but new commenter. I can’t wait to hear all about the heartbreaking, soul-making things that you learned and saw on your trip. But first, take a moment to breathe and just enjoy being back at home.

  • Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)
    August 16, 2013 at 5:57 am

    Ok, must make this smoothie ASAP. All of those flavors together sound amazing.

  • erin @hooleywithaz
    August 16, 2013 at 6:14 am

    this looks so good. need a trip to trader joe’s for some frozen mango and ginger ASAP! welcome back!

  • Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves
    August 16, 2013 at 6:16 am

    Glad you made it back safe and sound from Ethiopia! I can’t wait to hear about your experience there!
    And this smoothie looks so darn refreshing and delicious. My mom would certainly love because she loves all things coconut. Thanks for the recipe!

  • Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch
    August 16, 2013 at 6:27 am

    I have loved your posts about your trip! So inspiring!!!
    This smoothie looks great! I like that it has fresh ginger in it – I am going to share with a friend that loves to add ginger to her smoothies!!! So healthy for us!!!

  • Kinsey
    August 16, 2013 at 6:30 am

    Welcome back from Ethiopia! It must have been an incredible experience. I love this idea for a smoothie, but I’m a little worried about how my ancient blender will do on this-I guess I’ll just have to test it out!

  • dee
    August 16, 2013 at 6:34 am

    mmm… this looks so amazing.

  • Julia @ Basket of Juls
    August 16, 2013 at 6:36 am

    I love the vibrant green color of this smoothie. The addition of mango and coconut sounds awesome! Also love the name “Popeye went of vacation to Thailand”!

  • Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health
    August 16, 2013 at 6:58 am

    I know exactly what you mean about the being stuck under water feeling! There’s some about flying and differences in altitude that really throw me off too. So excited to hear about trip and glad you all made it home safe!
    This smoothie looks pretty awesome! I love the name too.

    • Kristen
      June 6, 2019 at 2:15 pm

      I’ve had 2 of these today because it’s just so darn good and refreshing!

  • Jessica @ Prayers and Apples
    August 16, 2013 at 7:01 am

    i think i love that straw just as much as the recipe lol super cute! ?

  • Colleen
    August 16, 2013 at 7:02 am

    My blender doesn’t mash up spinach very well, perhaps I need to put it in a food processor until it is liquid and then add. I’ll experiment…

  • jenna k
    August 16, 2013 at 7:03 am

    yum! my favorite smoothie mix is spinach, frozen mango, banana, and coconut milk, so i’m sure adding ginger and mint would be wonderful!

  • Lindsey (Lou Lou Biscuit)
    August 16, 2013 at 7:09 am

    This sounds so tasty! I’m on a huge smoothie kick right now, and I have been feeling bad about not including greens. I’ve also been wanting to try coconut milk in them. Thanks for sharing!!

  • Suzanne de Cornelia
    August 16, 2013 at 7:20 am

    OMG. Sounds D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!! I could live on it forever.

    A trip to a nearly completely different world would take a lot of processing for me too.

  • Sarah @ Yogi in Action
    August 16, 2013 at 7:58 am

    Welcome back! I can’t wait to hear about your travels.

    That smoothie looks delicious- I’l definitely be trying it out with mint and ginger. Recently I was in Costa Rica and got hooked on a smoothie there that I’ve been recreating at home. It has spinach, pineapple, avocado, thai basil and coconut water. So delicious and creamy from the avocado!

  • Ali | Gimme Some Oven
    August 16, 2013 at 8:08 am

    Glad you made it home safely. This smoothie looks wonderful! I love the mint in this recipe!!!

  • Bryony @ Friday Night Dinners -- PDX
    August 16, 2013 at 8:30 am

    Welcome home! Glad you made it back safely.
    This smoothie looks great. I’ve been looking for more green smoothie recipes and I think this will be perfect! Thanks for sharing!

  • Ari@The Diva Dish
    August 16, 2013 at 8:33 am

    That sounds so refreshing and tropical! I think tropical flavors are the best combos with green smoothies :).
    Can’t wait to hear more about your trip!

  • Dana
    August 16, 2013 at 8:53 am

    That color is stunning, Jenna!! Since I’m preggo now, I will def. give this a try. I’m just coming around to veggies {thank , God}! I have been great with my fruit intake, but this smoothie should be a winner on days where I’m just not feeling baby carrots or roasted anything. Thanks for sharing this!

  • Kristi
    August 16, 2013 at 8:58 am

    All of my favorite things, blended up in one.

  • Audrey @ In Shape Cupcake
    August 16, 2013 at 8:59 am

    OH MY goodness! So making this soon! Looks perfect, love it, Jenna! 🙂

  • Ashley @ Hudson on the Potomac
    August 16, 2013 at 9:08 am

    Yum!! What a gorgeous color!! Might have to try this (with a banana instead of mango)!

    Glad to have you back and can’t wait to hear more about your trip!

  • Joelle (on a pink typewriter)
    August 16, 2013 at 9:14 am

    Yum! I bet ginger is an interesting addition.. I just made something similar only with pineapple and almond milk vs. mango/coconut milk. 🙂

    Glad you made it home safe and sound!

  • Christina @ The Beautiful Balance
    August 16, 2013 at 9:19 am

    I’ve made a similar smoothie like this before but I’ve never added fresh mint! I can’t wait to make it tomorrow morning.

  • Caroline L.
    August 16, 2013 at 9:39 am

    Ha, love the name & I’m digging this just as much as I think a four-year-old boy would – which, would be a lot! Can’t wait to hear all about your travels and experiences!

  • Laura
    August 16, 2013 at 10:09 am

    We just started watching Friday Night Lights and were immediately hooked! The hubby has been out of town for business so we have big plans to watch some episodes tonight!! 🙂

  • Casey @ A Touch of Zest
    August 16, 2013 at 10:17 am

    Yum! This looks delicious and the colour is gorgeous!

  • Jen Gray
    August 16, 2013 at 1:28 pm

    This sounded great so I used a baggie I have made and frozen that has kale, a banana, and an orange in it, then I added the mint and grated ginger (so much better than the powdered ginger I have tried before!) and half an avocado. It is delicious!

  • Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
    August 16, 2013 at 3:45 pm

    Yum – love the use of coconut milk here!
    PS. Welcome back!

  • Live Love Yum
    August 16, 2013 at 5:03 pm

    It’s the MANGO. Mango is genius in smoothies.

  • jenn @ runnderlust
    August 16, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    that sounds soo refreshing. i feel so much healthier just reading the recipe 😉

  • Rebecca
    August 16, 2013 at 8:10 pm

    I started adding ginger to my post workout shake, and cinnamon too, and it was such a great flavor combo with spinach, frozen banana, avocado, protein and coconut milk!

  • Samantha @ Sweetly Striving
    August 16, 2013 at 9:04 pm

    The mango in there sounds delicious! I think it would be great to have in the morning to wake yourself up.

  • Katina
    August 17, 2013 at 4:36 am

    Awesome! Smoothie looks amazing! I am in Thailand right now on vacation with my husband 🙂 Between years working in Kazakhstan. We are about to start our fifth year there. Time goes fast! I completely know what you mean about jetlag and also about waiting to write about something till you can process it. So excited to hear more about Ethiopia.

  • Emily @ Life on Food
    August 17, 2013 at 10:10 am

    This summer I have been throwing in fresh basil for smoothies. How could I forget about mint? Tomorrow it is. This looks great!

  • Liesl @ Fitnessinthekitchen
    August 17, 2013 at 11:33 am

    Looks delicious! I’m with Avery, I love mango, spinach, pineapple, and coconut milk. So good. I have a powdered coconut milk that I just put right in the blender with water, it’s so good, and much cheaper.

  • Amy @ http://funfoodiefamily.com/
    August 17, 2013 at 11:48 am

    Yum! Can’t wait to hear about your trip!

  • Monica
    August 17, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    This smoothie combination sounds divine!
    I loved your Instagram feed throughout your trip.

  • Heather Williams
    August 17, 2013 at 7:19 pm

    Lovely green color! This will be a must-make for me!:)

  • jan
    August 18, 2013 at 7:19 am

    Welcome back!! That is one GREEN smoothie. Almost nuclear! LOL

  • Charlotte
    August 18, 2013 at 7:23 pm

    Saw this compilation of every meal Almanzo eats in Farmer Boy and it reminded me of you, naturally. Hope you enjoy- http://thehairpin.com/2013/07/farmers-bo.

  • Jen Papaya
    August 20, 2013 at 7:08 am

    Green monster! (circa 2010)

  • Candice @ Candy's Daily Dish
    August 21, 2013 at 4:02 am

    WOW that’s green-Love it 🙂 Love Spinach and Mango smoothies. I’ll have to try it with the mint and ginger. Sounds delicious.

  • Sami M.
    August 22, 2013 at 8:11 am

    If you want a really yummy Thai-inspired smoothie.. just swap out the mango for pineapple, and add basil instead of mint. And throw in some peanut butter or PB2!

  • Sarah
    August 23, 2013 at 8:36 am

    Made this for breakfast today! It was so yummy!

  • Sarah
    August 23, 2013 at 6:01 pm

    Yum. Totally adding this to my smoothie rotation. Thanks for the inspiration, friend!

  • Sarah
    August 23, 2013 at 6:01 pm

    Yum. Totally adding this to my smoothie rotation. Thanks for the inspiration, friend!

  • Gail H.
    August 24, 2013 at 4:13 am

    I just got a Vitamix for my b’day and this recipe will be how I christen it, I’m sure! Can’t wait to read more about your trip…I work with 3 of the most amazing, smart, wonderful young people from Ethiopia…gonna share your blog with them 🙂

  • Pallavi
    August 25, 2013 at 7:41 am

    The green smoothie looks so healthy. Can’t wait to try it out.

  • Julie
    September 7, 2013 at 11:40 am

    Holy mother! This is a great smoothie recipe. I had been looking for a green smoothie that did not have yogurt in it. Wow, made it twice so far. Once with the new POM wonderful coconut water (worth a try) and just made it without mint and with zico pineapple coconut water. Def. better with the mint, but still filling for a weekend lunch!

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  • Casey @ This Little Chickpea
    November 14, 2013 at 5:42 am

    I pinned this recipe to try for a day when I had mint on hand the day you posted it, and just got around to making it this morning! Holy Moly is it delicious! It’s not exactly “smoothie for breakfast” weather in the NorthEast anymore, but I will most definitely be making this one on repeat when the summer comes back around!

  • Till
    December 17, 2013 at 5:08 am

    I had a ripe mango and some spinach at home so I was looking for a smoothie recipe to combine these. Actually I didn’t think there would be one since it is an unsual combination. Then I found your recipe, tried it, love it! The taste is well balanced with just a hint of ginger and mint and I could drink this all day. Thanks for the recipe!

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    January 6, 2014 at 12:33 pm

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    February 20, 2014 at 3:13 pm

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  • Angela
    February 21, 2014 at 5:22 am

    Just made this delicious smoothie! I did not have coconut milk, but I did have a baby Thai coconut. Go figure. I used the baby Thai coconut meat and coconut water instead of the coconut milk and it was absolutely delicious! Thank you!

  • Julie
    June 27, 2016 at 7:21 am

    Hi Jenna, I don’t know if you still occasionally read comments, but if you do… I wanted to let you know that I come back to this smoothie over and over again. I love it for an afternoon green fix. I hope that your pregnancy is going smoothly and beautifully!

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    November 19, 2017 at 6:53 pm

    […] also really enjoy smoothies. Try Eat Live Run’s Popeye Went on Vacation to Thailand smoothie. It’s is so yummy. I don’t always have mint or mango on hand, so sometimes I […]

  • Jes
    June 4, 2019 at 9:41 am

    Could I use almond milk?

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    October 31, 2019 at 9:06 am

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    1 ripe Banana
    3 ounces Baby spinach
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    1 cup Water
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