Monday, March 22, 2010

Healthy Green Smoothie

Don't judge the picture. I know it doesn't LOOK yummy, but it is :)

I found this recipe over at Winnie's blog, Healthy Green Kitchen.

I love my Vita-mix and am always looking for new ways to use it! This one intrigued me, as it uses two of my favorite green foods: avocados and kale. The combination doesn't sound that amazing, but it is actually pretty good. In the past, I've made fruit smoothies with a few handfuls of spinach, which I totally love (and you REALLY can't taste the spinach, for real!).
So I gave it a go.

I love this recipe! I've tried it with a few variations. I've added a bit of sugar/agave. I've added some pineapple juice. I've added almond milk. I like 'em all.

Just experiment, and see what works for you. This will make 2-3 servings, but it's better fresher, so half the recipe if you wish.

Green Smoothie
1/2 in. piece of ginger, peeled
1/4 slice of lemon
A splash of water
1-2 apples, cored (I've also used applesauce and it works just as good)
5 stalks of kale, stems removed
1 avocado, peeled and pitted
A pinch of sea salt
1/4-1/2 c almond milk or water
Optional: a bit of sweetener, fresh pineapple

Combine the ginger, lemon and water in the blender. Process for about a minute. Pour through a fine mesh sieve into a glass, pressing on the solids.
Rinse blender, and pour the ginger liquid back in. Add remaining ingredients (go slow with the milk), and blend for 1-2 minutes, until completely smooth. Add more liquid as needed. Taste to see if it needs more of anything.
Serve and enjoy!

Don't you feel so healthy?

This post is linked to Slightly Indulgent Tuesday!

6 comments:

Winnie said...

Lovely smoothie!
Glad you liked the recipe and your variations sound great...

Laurie said...

Sounds awesome! I add bananas to sweeten our smoothies but I like agave too. Thanks for sharing such a healthful recipe!
DomesticProductions15.com

Linda said...

Actually, I think it does look delicious!

Unknown said...

I have yet to try a green smoothie. Mostly it's because I have a regular blender and I'm not sure it will make the greens smooth. I never thought to use apple sauce (duh!) instead of whole apples. I think I will have to try it after all :)

gfe--gluten free easily said...

Oh, I think it looks delicious! I'm a huge fan of green smoothies. I have yet to try one with avocado, but need to immediately!

Thanks so much,
Shirley

Britt said...

Smoothies with greens are my favorite! I used to get one from this great little place with spinach, kale, banana, mango, and a little bit of apple--made me feel invincible! I love the addition of avocado and kale is pretty much one of my favorite things ever--might have to see if my blender can handle this!