Green Smoothie

I’m a huge fan of smoothies.  They are usually my breakfast of choice (it’s just so fast and easy, not to mention delicious), they’re certainly my favorite summer afternoon snack, and I love freezing the leftovers into popsicles.  I usually make a huge batch for breakfast, drink a good amount of it, then freeze the rest for a refreshing snack later.  I also love making smoothies in the middle of the winter when I’m craving (non-citrus) fruit.

I love the idea of green smoothies.  I normally load my smoothies up with fruity goodness, and there is something so appealing about getting some spinach or kale in there as well.  And yet, every time I try my hand at a green smoothie, it just tastes like whatever green I added, not like a smoothie, and that makes it so much less appetizing.

Then I spent last weekend in Chicago, visiting a friend.  While I was there, I found a fantastic smoothie place where I was convinced to try one of their green smoothies.  Oh my, it was delicious!  So I was inspired to try a similar mixture on my own when I got back.  Guess what – it was still delicious!

Enjoy this smoothie outside on a warm day.  Bring it with you to a picnic.  Surprise someone with breakfast in bed with this drink.  Freeze it and snack on it later.  Whatever you do with this smoothie, it will be refreshing and delicious.

A quick smoothie tip for you – don’t add ice to the blender to make it cold.  Ice just ends up watering down the drink.  Instead, use frozen (or slightly defrosted, or simply very cold) fruit for an ice cold smoothie.  That way you still get the refreshing drink you want without compromising on all the deliciousness you’ve packed in there.

Green Smoothie

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

1 banana

2-3 cups of diced, fresh pineapple

3 cups fresh spinach leaves

1/4 cup almond milk

Directions: 

1.  Add the fruit to the blender, then add the spinach on top of it.  Pour in the almond milk.

2.  Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until all the spinach is incorporated and the mixture is smooth and uniform in color.

3.  Pour into glasses and serve immediately.  You could also keep it in the refrigerator for up to a day, just mix it up before pouring.

Enjoy!