Creamy, sweet, nutty, and full of caramelly date flavor, these Green Date Smoothies are a hidden gem. I love how they're easy to make, yet full of nutrition—my toddler freaks for them, too! With 21 grams of protein per serving, they're like a date shake, but with some greens and staying power.
This post was originally published on January 26, 2021. It was updated with new photos and recipe information on December 13, 2025.
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Table of Contents
After almost 7 years of running Mae’s Menu (and the last 3 or so being a blur, thanks to a tough pregnancy and new motherhood), I’ve been going through the archives a lot lately—finding many old smoothie recipes that need a facelift. This green date smoothie is one of them.
With content that could use a bit of a brush-up, photos that don’t reflect my current skillset, and a somewhat outdated recipe (I wanted more protein!), I decided it was time to spiff this sipper up.
The result: a drink that I love even more than before. It’s just as easy, creamy, nutty, and basically tastes like dessert—think “date shake” vibes, but with greens, protein, and healthy fats added. With a base of your favorite milk (I often use unsweetened almond milk, but soy or oat milk work great), 3 Medjool dates (pits removed!), a hearty scoop of creamy peanut butter (or almond butter), and collagen or protein powder, this date smoothie recipe is as delicious as it is wholesome and easy to blend in a high speed blender.
Though I’m always seeking to have every recipe be the very best it can be, I’m confident that this one will stand the test of time. I’m also so grateful to have had this job for the last 7 years and am so excited to see where the next 7 take us. Thanks so much for being here and enjoy!
For more healthy date recipes, check out my Coconut Date Energy Balls, Gluten-Free Date Brownies, and Kale Salad with Butternut Squash and Dates.
Why You'll Love this Date Smoothie Recipe
- Tastes Like Dessert — With a creamy texture, caramel-like sweetness, and nutty flavors, each glass of this wholesome smoothie tastes like dessert.
- Seriously Simple Prep — Just measure, blend, and pour! It’s easy enough for the busiest of days (and the most chaotic toddler mornings).
- High-Protein — Whether you’re trying to hit your protein goals, need a filling snack, or want a post-workout shake, this banana date smoothie recipe is a workhorse with 21 grams of protein per serving.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Dates — Medjool dates are the best for this smoothie, since they have a tender, jammy consistency and deep caramel flavor. You can use deglet noor if needed, but you’ll want to double the amount (about 6). Whichever kind you use, be sure to remove the pits before adding them to the blender. If your dates are a little dry, you can soften them first by soaking them in warm water (or even hot water) for a few minutes, then drain.
Baby Greens — Baby kale or spinach (or a combo) adds fiber, color, and extra nutrition without overwhelming the flavor.
Milk — For a creamy base! You can use any kind of unsweetened dairy milk or non-dairy milk, such as soy, almond, or oat milk.
Collagen or Protein Powder — For protein and staying power. Collagen powder adds protein with a neutral flavor, allowing the date flavor to shine. Vanilla protein powder adds a sweet, creamy finish (a little splash of vanilla works, too). For a vegan smoothie, use plant-based protein powder.
Hemp Seeds — Add plant-based protein and healthy fats. You only need 1 tablespoon. If needed, substitute chia or flax.
Peanut Butter — A must-add for its sweet nuttiness! Use natural creamy peanut butter for the best texture, though crunchy can be substituted. For a more mellow nutty flavor, use almond butter. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter.
Frozen Banana — Adds sweetness and frosty thickness. Keep frozen bananas on hand so you can blend this anytime. Ripe bananas freeze best and give the smoothest texture.
How to Make a Green Date Smoothie
Take a look and you'll see that I wasn't exaggerating when I said this recipe was next-level easy! Here's how to make it:
For the complete recipe and measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Add the milk to the blender first. This ensures smooth blending.
Step 2: Add the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Blend until smooth and creamy—anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the strength of your blender.
Step 4: Pour into 2 glasses and enjoy!
Chelsea's Recipe Pro-Tips
- Add the ingredients in the order listed — Ensure a smooth blending experience and the creamiest smoothie by adding the milk first, followed by the kale, protein powder, hemp seeds, and the rest of the ingredients.
- Thicken to your liking — For a thicker smoothie, use a whole frozen banana. For a smoothie bowl, use a whole banana and omit the ice.
- Make it a date shake — For a healthier, high-protein spin on a date shake, omit the baby greens.
- Add mix-ins — A handful of frozen blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries adds a bright fruitiness. For a warmer “spiced” version, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a tiny pinch of cloves. A pinch of salt can also help the flavors pop.
- Make it dairy-free and vegan — Use non-dairy milk (soy milk has the highest protein) and vegan protein powder to make it plant-based.
Serving Suggestions
I often blend one of these up after a hard workout (the perfect balance of protein and carbs!) to kickstart my recovery, but there are endless ways to enjoy them:
- On-the-Go Breakfast — Sip your banana date smoothie alongside cottage cheese egg bites or blackberry muffins for a complete, nourishing meal that will pull you through to lunch.
- Brunch — Make it a full spread by serving a pitcher with fluffy whole wheat pancakes, winter fruit salad, millionaire bacon, and cottage cheese scrambled eggs. Chef's kiss!
- Afternoon Pick-Me Up — My midafternoon energy slump often recovers with a healthy dose of protein (hello, 21 grams!). Extra greens and fiber aren't bad, either.
Storage Directions
- Refrigerating: The smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, though leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Refresh by blending with 1 cup ice cubes (or a handful) before enjoying.
- Freezing: Pour leftover smoothie into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight or until solid. Transfer the smoothie cubes to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge for a few hours or blitz the cubes with a splash of milk in the blender until creamy.
Save this Recipe for Later on Pinterest
More Easy Smoothie Recipes
- Cottage Cheese Smoothies
- Pear Smoothie
- Watermelon Smoothie
- Creamy Raspberry Smoothie
- Chocolate Banana Protein Shake
- Spinach & Blueberry Smoothie
- Pineapple Banana Smoothie
If you liked and made this Green Date Smoothie Recipe, don't forget to rate it and let me know how you liked it in the comments. I always love hearing from you
Green Date Smoothie
Creamy, sweet, nutty, and full of caramelly date flavor, these Green Date Smoothies are a hidden gem. I love how they're easy to make, yet full of nutrition—my toddler freaks for them, too! With 21 grams of protein per serving, they're like a date shake, but with some greens and staying power.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk dairy or unsweetened non-dairy
- 2 cups packed baby kale or spinach
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
- 2-4 tablespoons collagen powder or vanilla protein powder
- ½ frozen banana
- 3 large pitted Medjool dates
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 1 handful of ice
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to the blender in the order listed.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the strength of your blender. Enjoy!
Notes
- Refrigerating: The smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, though leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Refresh the smoothie by blending it with a handful of ice cubes before enjoying.
- Freezing: Pour leftover smoothie into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight or until solid before transferring the smoothie cubes to a freezer-safe container and freezing for up to 2 months. Defrost the smoothie in the fridge for a few hours or blitz the cubes with a splash of milk in the blender until creamy.
- Add the ingredients in the order listed — Ensure a smooth blending experience and the creamiest smoothie by adding the milk first, followed by the kale, protein powder, hemp seeds, and the rest of the ingredients.
- Thicken to your liking — For a thicker smoothie, use a whole frozen banana. For a smoothie bowl, use a whole banana and omit the ice.
- Make it a date shake — For a healthier, high-protein spin on a date shake, omit the baby greens.
- Add mix-ins — A handful of frozen blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries adds a bright fruitiness. For a warmer “spiced” version, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a tiny pinch of cloves. A pinch of salt can also help the flavors pop.
- Make it dairy-free and vegan — Use non-dairy milk (soy milk has the highest protein) and vegan protein powder to make it plant-based.
