The cool, minty scent that lifts from the blender takes me back to a lazy Saturday when my children were small and the kitchen felt like the safest place in the house. That day I mixed bright green spirulina with a frozen banana and a scoop of vanilla that smelled like warm baking, and we all leaned over the counter with spoons and laughter. Making this Mint Chip Spirulina Smoothie has become a quiet ritual where the little sparks of our day collect into something gentle and bright, a treat that feels like a hug and a promise to come back to simple pleasures. For a different peppermint twist I love when we pair sweets and smoothies, like the way these peppermint chocolate chips bring the same cool joy to cookies as this drink brings to mornings peppermint chocolate chip cookies.
The Story Behind Our Favorite Mint Chip Spirulina Smoothie
I first mixed up this version on a morning when my children were asking for something sweet, but I wanted something that would keep them moving through a busy day. I reached for what I had: a frozen banana, a handful of mint from the windowsill pot, and a small scoop of spirulina I had bought out of curious hope. It turned out to be a little miracle. The color surprised my husband, the first sip surprised the kids, and the kitchen filled with a calm, cooling scent that felt like the start of a good day.
This recipe means a lot because it sits between indulgence and care. It tastes like a treat, but it has real food at its center. I wanted something approachable for any parent or beginner cook, and something interesting enough that I still make it when friends come over. It has become a quiet way to show that healthy can be joyful, and that green can be inviting.
What makes this smoothie stick in our family memory is the ritual of assembling it together. My daughter loves measuring the cacao nibs and sprinkling them on top like tiny treasures. My son always asks for extra mint leaves and then breathes in the aroma like it is a secret. We have family jokes about the bright green color. Those small moments turn a quick blender recipe into a shared memory.
I write recipes that live in the real kitchen, where schedules flex and ingredients get swapped. This Mint Chip Spirulina Smoothie is forgiving. If you are new to spirulina you can start with less and build up, and if you find fresh mint too sharp you can use frozen. The goal is to make a recipe that welcomes you, not one that tests you. It is a slice of home in a glass, every time.
How to Make Mint Chip Spirulina Smoothie
“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”
The rhythm of making this smoothie is calm and satisfying. First, gather your frozen fruit and the little pile of mint leaves. The mint gives off a bright, cooling scent as you strip the leaves from the stems, and the spirulina brings a deep, foresty note that makes the green feel like something wholesome and good.
Once you drop the frozen banana into the blender, you can hear it thud against the jar like a small drum. The vanilla protein and Collagen Boost Creamer melt into a soft, fragrant cloud. As the blender spins, the pale yellow shifts into the most cheerful green. Stop and breathe in; the air will smell faintly sweet and herbaceous, the way a summer garden smells not long after rain.
When I make this for guests I like to put small bowls of toppings on the counter. Cacao nibs, extra mint, a dollop of plant yogurt, and a sprinkle of chia seeds make the experience a little more special. Everyone can pick and place, and it becomes a shared act. The sound of spoons and the sight of faces leaning in make the kitchen feel warm, even though the drink is cool.
Gathering the blender and tools
Start with a clean blender and a sturdy spoon. A tamper helps if your blender is strong enough, and a tall glass keeps the smoothie looking pretty. I keep my blender parts in a basket by the counter so I can pull them out without hunting. Little rituals like this save time and keep the mood easy.
I also recommend keeping small, labeled containers for ingredients like cacao nibs and spirulina. It sounds small, but it means you can make this smoothie quickly on a school morning without digging through the pantry. When life feels full, the simpler we can keep these moments, the more likely they are to happen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 frozen banana
1 cup frozen cauliflower
1 small handful fresh mint leaves
1 large scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder
1 scoop Copina Co. Vanilla Beauty Plant-Based Collagen Boost Creamer
1 tsp spirulina powder
1 tbsp cacao nibs
Small warm note: if you love a cozy aroma, add a little extra vanilla protein powder. It fills the kitchen with a scent that feels like soft baking. If you like a richer mouthfeel, choose a protein powder with a creamy texture.
A practical tip: frozen cauliflower keeps the smoothie thick without a strong veggie taste. It is a sneaky way to add fiber and body, especially when kids are picky. If you prefer a softer mint flavor, use half a small handful at first and taste as you go.
Another warm note: cacao nibs add a crunchy contrast that feels like chocolate without being too sweet. I keep a small jar of them on the counter because they make everything feel festive. If you want extra silk, a spoon of plant yogurt stirred in at the end adds a sour-sweet balance.
If you are following a plan or looking for more smoothie inspiration to pair with days at home, I have used helpful guides in the past that gave me structure without stress, like these 21 day smoothie ideas that helped me vary flavors while keeping things simple 21 day smoothie diet recipes.
Step-by-Step Directions
- BLEND
Place the frozen banana, frozen cauliflower, fresh mint leaves, vanilla protein powder, Copina Co. Collagen Boost Creamer, and spirulina powder into the blender. Add a splash of water or plant milk if needed to help everything move with the blades.
Turn the blender to a low setting and pulse until the ingredients start to combine, then raise the speed. Blend until the mixture is smooth and glossy, and the color becomes a cheerful green. Pause and scrape the sides if bits cling, then blend again for a uniform texture.
- TOP WITH EXTRA MINT AND CACAO NIBS, PLANT YOGURT, AND CHIA SEEDS
Pour the smoothie into a tall glass and sprinkle cacao nibs on top for a crunchy note that reminds you of chocolate chips. Add a few extra mint leaves so the aroma greets the first sip, and drop a dollop of plant yogurt for a creamy curl.
Finish with a light scatter of chia seeds for texture and a pretty speckle across the surface. Stand back and breathe in the fresh mint scent before serving, and notice how the bright green looks like a little celebration in a glass.
- TASTE AND ADJUST
Take a small taste and decide if the sweetness is right for you. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a touch of maple syrup or a small date and blend again. If the spirulina feels strong, add a bit more frozen banana or a splash of plant milk to soften the flavor.
Remember that flavors settle after a minute. A quick stir and a second taste will tell you if you want to add anything else. The goal is to make a balanced, pleasing sip that feels like a treat and a comfort at once.
- SERVE WITH CARE
Set the glass on a small saucer and serve with a spoon if you have thick bits like cacao nibs or chia seeds. Give your family the joy of choosing their own topping or passing the glass around like a shared secret. The experience matters as much as the flavor.

Serving Mint Chip Spirulina Smoothie With Family Warmth
We usually take these smoothies to the table and sit together while the kids tell me about small discoveries. Sometimes we drink them on the porch with a warm blanket, and sometimes we carry them to the car for a picnic. The ritual of passing the bowl of toppings creates a moment of connection that we all look forward to.
When I serve this smoothie I like to set out little plates with cacao nibs and fresh mint so everyone can customize. A small spoonful of plant yogurt on the side can be used as a dip. The presentation does not need to be perfect; it only needs to feel cared for. A glass with a bright green swirl feels celebratory even on a plain morning.
If friends come over and some are skeptical about green drinks, I offer a small tasting glass with extra cacao nibs on top. It helps them see that this is part dessert and part breakfast, and that green can be joyful. I once won over a neighbor who said she never liked spirulina by offering a small cup and a tiny spoon. She left with the recipe and a new curiosity.
For ideas on pairing and quick routines, I sometimes turn to guides that help keep variety simple. A short, targeted smoothie recipe like the seven minute anti inflammatory option inspired me to make this one feel quick and nourishing on the busiest mornings 7 minute anti inflammatory smoothie recipe.
Small serving rituals that make it feel like home
Use small matching spoons, or let the kids pick mismatched spoons from the drawer. Bright little straws make the smoothie feel like a treat, and a tiny napkin folded under the glass adds a touch of care. None of this is needed to taste good, but these small acts build memory and comfort.
If you want to make it feel extra special, pair the smoothie with toasted oat crackers or a simple almond butter toast. The toast gives a grounding bite while the smoothie is light and cooling. We keep a small plate of toasted seeds for everyone to nibble as they sip.
When sharing with family, I listen to the little language they use about the drink. My daughter says it tastes like mint ice cream and my son calls it green cookie. When they invent words, I write them down in the margin of my recipe notebook. Those notes are the real reward of cooking at home.
Storing Mint Chip Spirulina Smoothie for Tomorrow
If you have leftovers, pour them into an airtight jar and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The texture will thicken slightly as the chia seeds, if used, absorb liquid. A quick stir and a splash of plant milk will bring it back to sipping texture.
Flavors mellow a bit overnight; the mint becomes softer and the spirulina blends into a rounded green note. That change is often a welcome one because the drink feels more integrated and less sharp. If you like a brighter mint taste, add a few fresh leaves and stir before serving.
For freezing, pour small portions into popsicle molds for a fun treat. When the kids see green popsicles they feel like we made something magical. Thaw in the fridge for an hour if you want a soft-serve like scoop, or let it sit at room temperature for a quick sip.
I keep jars labeled with the date so we do not forget what is fresh. If you make a double batch, set aside one jar for tomorrow and one for today. This way, busy mornings can still feel like a moment of care. When I pass these tips to friends, they always tell me it saved their mornings and helped them feel less rushed.
When to say no and when to tweak
If the spirulina taste is too strong the next day, add a bit more frozen banana or a splash of vanilla plant milk. If it tastes flat, a squeeze of fresh lemon brightens everything without adding sugar. These small fixes keep the recipe flexible for your tastes.
If the smoothie separates slightly, that is okay. A good stir or a short re-blend solves it quickly. I find that each small adjustment helps you know the drink better and makes the recipe truly yours.
Extra Notes and Friendly Tips from My Kitchen
I keep a small jar of spirulina in the back of my pantry for days when we need a green boost. I recommend buying a small amount to test the flavor and keep it sealed from light. A little goes a long way, and the green is more about nutrition and color than intensity.
For mint, chop it gently and add it last so the leaves do not oxidize. Fresh mint tastes best, but frozen mint works well in a pinch and keeps the smoothie cool. The scent of mint is an emotional memory maker, and I like to think of it as a little bridge to calm in a busy day.
When you introduce this to children, let them add the cacao nibs. It gives them a role and a chance to feel proud. Praise their choices and ask them to name the smoothie. Our family calls it green magic, and that name always brings a smile.
If you are new to making green smoothies, start with this one because it balances sweet and herb. The cauliflower keeps it thick and mild, while the vanilla warms the flavor. The texture is creamy and the crunch from cacao nibs keeps it interesting.
Substitutions and variations
If you do not have Copina Co. Collagen Boost Creamer, any vanilla creamer or a spoon of creamy nut butter will work. For a nut-free option, use your preferred plant creamer. If you do not use protein powder, a scoop of rolled oats or a spoon of tahini will add body and keep the smoothie filling.
To make it more dessert like, add a small medjool date or a splash of maple syrup. To make it lighter, reduce the protein powder or use more frozen cauliflower. The recipe welcomes change and invites you to make it fit your kitchen.
If you prefer a mintier drink, steep a few mint leaves in warm plant milk for ten minutes, cool it, and use that milk as the liquid. The result is a deeper, rounded mint note that is gentle on the palate and feels like a little indulgence.
Inviting You into My Kitchen
Recipes are how I keep small moments with my family. They are also how I share the quiet ways we find joy. This Mint Chip Spirulina Smoothie is a small, bright ritual that comes together quickly and leaves a cozy memory behind. When I hand a glass to someone I love, I am also handing them a moment of calm.
I hope this recipe invites you to try something green and kind. Make it your own with small changes and a gentle heart. If you ever make it with someone you love, let the experience be the measure of success rather than perfection. Cooking at home is for the living and the laughing, not for being perfect.
If you decide to keep a stack of simple smoothie ideas in your week, you will find your rhythm. Start with this Mint Chip Spirulina Smoothie on a busy morning or a slow weekend, and let it remind you of the small comfort of a shared table.
Print
Mint Chip Spirulina Smoothie
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and nutritious smoothie featuring mint, spirulina, and cacao nibs, perfect for busy mornings or shared moments with family.
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup frozen cauliflower
- 1 small handful fresh mint leaves
- 1 large scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder
- 1 scoop Copina Co. Vanilla Beauty Plant-Based Collagen Boost Creamer
- 1 tsp spirulina powder
- 1 tbsp cacao nibs
Instructions
- Place the frozen banana, frozen cauliflower, fresh mint leaves, vanilla protein powder, Collagen Boost Creamer, and spirulina powder into the blender.
- Add a splash of water or plant milk if needed to help everything move with the blades.
- Turn the blender to a low setting and pulse until the ingredients start to combine, then raise the speed.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and glossy, and the color becomes a cheerful green.
- Pour the smoothie into a tall glass and sprinkle cacao nibs on top.
- Add a few extra mint leaves and a dollop of plant yogurt for a creamy curl, then finish with chia seeds.
- Taste and adjust sweetness, if necessary.
- Serve with care, allowing everyone to choose their own toppings.
Notes
If you have leftovers, store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze portions in popsicle molds for a fun treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: smoothie, healthy, mint, spirulina, breakfast, family













