Perhaps the simplest way to boost your overall health is increasing your intake of leafy greens and other nutrient-packed veggies and fruits. One of the easiest ways to do just that? A green smoothie.

The truth is, you're not always in the mood for a salad—especially not first thing in the morning—and a green smoothie makes a delicious, easy-to-swallow alternative that ensures you're consuming loads of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Plus, unlike green juices, green smoothies still contain all that filling, gut-friendly fiber.

Here, we cover the basics of how to make a green smoothie, plus five simple green smoothie recipes for beginners.

There's no exact science for how to make a green smoothie, but in general, a great green smoothie recipe will feature an ample portion of leafy greens, along with some fruit, healthy fats, and protein. This is a basic green formula, which you should feel free to tweak and adapt!

A quick and effective way to build your green smoothie is with a greens powder. Ideally, look for one that includes extra nutritious ingredients like prebiotic fibers, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and antioxidant-rich botanicals like ginger and turmeric—such as mindbodygreen's organic veggies+ powder.

This particular blend also features dark green leafy vegetables, like kale and broccoli, along with hard-to-find sea veggies that are rich in magnesium, calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

Of course, you can also include fresh or frozen leafy greens along with other green chlorophyll-rich produce in your greens smoothie. Mix and match for a more varied nutrient profile, using greens like spinach, kale, arugula, Swiss chard, dandelion greens, parsley, cilantro, broccoli sprouts, and watercress. Just keep in mind you won't get all the same added nutrients as you will in a strategic blend by using veggies alone.

Try this: mindbodygreen's organic veggies +

Fruit adds a nice dose of natural sweetness, plus antioxidants. Feel free to mix and match a couple of different fruits (e.g., ½ banana + ½ cup blueberries). Pro tip: Fresh fruit works just fine, but frozen fruit will lend a nice thick texture to your green smoothie.

Try these: blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, cherries, pear, mango, apple, lemon, pineapple, peach

Protein will give your green smoothie even more staying power. 

Try these: collagen powder (which is great because it adds no flavor), protein powder, frozen peas (trust!), kefir, Greek yogurt, nut butter, hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds

Keep in mind: If your protein source (e.g., nut butter) or liquid (e.g., coconut milk) already deliver a hefty portion of fat, you don't need to add in an additional fat—unless you'd like.

Try these: coconut manna, coconut oil, MCT oil, avocado, nut butter, hemp hearts, chia seeds, ground flaxseeds

Feel free to add in as many flavor boosters as you'd like, keeping in mind combinations that work well together (think: cacao + cinnamon + cayenne).

Try these: cacao powder, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, mint, basil, lemon or lime zest, bee pollen

Try these: water, coconut water, herbal tea, non-dairy milk (almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, coconut milk, etc.)

Want a little extra inspiration? Here are some mbg favorite green smoothie recipes to try:

Whether you decide to stick to one of these tried and true combos or whip up your own green smoothie recipe, these nutrient-packed meals make for a delicious breakfast, lunch, or even snack.