Summer Smoothie

It’s officially summertime.  Fresh corn and peaches are showing up in supermarkets, the days are growing longer, and outdoor seating is popping up at every restaurant.  It’s enough to make me antsy about still being in school (I’ll be done by the end of the week!) and it makes me want to run outside and play instead of sitting at a desk at work.

But, sadly, work must go on, and I have to keep concentrating through my final exams and papers.  I like to keep a little summer in my life even when I’m stuck indoors, and the amazing fruit available during the summer is perfect for that.  Last week, I bought a whole watermelon and very quickly realized that it was much too big to eat on my own.  So I decided to add it to a smoothie to cram more of it into each serving.  I’m so happy I did. 

P.S. Can we just take a second to notice the amazing light I get in my apartment in the morning?  Love it!

Watermelon is a light a refreshing note in this summery drink.  Because it’s so watery, I like adding chia seeds and letting it sit in the fridge for at least half an hour before drinking it.  It helps thicken the smoothie into the consistency that I prefer.  Feel free to omit the chia seeds or the thickening time for a thinner, but still delicious, consistency.  A few mint leaves would also be a lovely addition to this smoothie, if you have some available.

Summer Smoothie

Serves 2

Ingredients:

2 cups watermelon chunks

1 cup nectarine or peach chunks*

1 cup strawberries, hulled*

1/4 almond milk

2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional)

*Frozen fruit is always an option if fresh is not available, just make sure to thaw it before trying to blend it

Directions:

1.  Add all the fruit and the almond milk to a blend and blend until smooth.

2.  Add in the chia seeds and either stir or pulse to gently mix them in.

3.  Refrigerate for about half an hour to allow the chia seeds to work their thickening magic (this step is optional, you can totally just go right for the thinner smoothie).

4.  Serve cold, preferably while outside enjoying the warm sunshine.

Enjoy!