Tropical Green Smoothie

By Lauren_Jorgensen

I promise this smoothie doesn't taste healthy or green. It tastes like a virgin pina colada that just happens to be bright green and good for you. If you've never tried a green smoothie, you're in for a treat with this one. It's sweet, creamy, easy, and will leave you feeling energized, refreshed, and ready to tackle your day. Like all smoothies, the recipe is customizable based on whatever ingredients you have and enjoy with optional suggestions provided. Halve, double, or triple the recipe as desired. Extra portions freeze wonderfully. http://www.averiecooks.com/2013/03/tropical-green-smoothie.html

Ingredients

• 1 to 2 cups frozen spinach
• 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 1 cup frozen mango chunks
• 1 medium ripe banana, peeled (previously frozen in chunks is ideal)
• 1 cup strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a favorite berry, optional
• 1 cup milk (cow's, almond, soy, coconut, kefir, horchata)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• sweetener, to taste (sugar, agave, stevia, honey, maple syrup, Medjool dates)

Details

Preparation time 5mins
Cooking time 5mins

Preparation

Step 1

All ingredients and amounts are to taste. Use seasonal fruits or vary the quantities of fruits, to taste. I use frozen fruit and prefer it to fresh because it keeps the smoothie cold, without adding ice which waters it down. Frozen is cheaper and I can buy in bulk and keep in the freezer and use when needed.

Place all ingredients in the canister of a Vita-Mix or blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately. Pour extra portions into freezer-safe cups and freeze for up to 1 month, thawing before serving (or microwaving for about 30 seconds)
Optionally, consider adding a scoop of protein powder, a dollop of yogurt for extra protein; add fat for staying power such as coconut oil, coconut butter, peanut butter, almond/cashew/sunflower seed/Cookie Butter. Blend with juice to increase the amount of Vitamin C. Add coconut flakes, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or your favorite smoothie add-ins to either the blender canister before blending or garnish smoothie with them after blending.

The recipe is vegan (use vegan milk, avoid honey), gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free as written. Take care any ingredients used and added optionally are suitable for your dietary needs.