St. Patrick’s Day is upon us! While green beer has become a common celebratory beverage for adults on the holiday, there aren’t too many green beverage options for kids (or those who don’t like food color arbitrarily added to their beverages).
Enter the green smoothie! I’ve been on the green smoothie bandwagon for years. My kids are thankfully completely unfazed by green-hued smoothies. Smoothies are a great way to get lots of nutrient-rich foods into a portable and quick meal. I will warn you: the darker green smoothies below are a mess to get out of light-colored clothing. Learn from my many mistakes (I’m a slow learner) and use a cup with a straw and a lid. Please, drink responsibly.
These four recipes are naturally green thanks to Mother Nature and her potent natural colors. They are also a great breakfast for adults, especially if your St. Patrick’s Day plans involve some evening debauchery and, perhaps, some fluorescent green beer. Please, drink responsibly.
Key Lime Pie Smoothie
(aka: “The only way my son will consume avocado” smoothie)
Ingredients:
- 3–4 Tbsp. lime juice (regular or key lime)
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 1/2 small ripe avocado (about 1/3 cup worth)
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1 graham cracker
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla
Directions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add water or ice as needed to create desired consistency. Top with crushed graham cracker if you’re feeling ambitious.
Green Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie
(aka: Perfect Starter Green Smoothie, tastes like a milkshake—you know, if milkshakes had spinach…)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach leave
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 Tbsp. peanut butter
Directions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add water or ice as needed to create desired consistency.
Creamy Mojito Smoothie
(aka: a family-friendly, avocado-containing, rum-abstaining version of a Mojito)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 small, ripe avocado
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/4 cup frozen pineapple
- 3 Tbsp. lime juice
- 1 Tbsp. honey or agave nectar (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla
- 3/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 6–8 fresh mint leaves OR scant 1/4 tsp. mint extract
Directions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add water or ice as needed to create desired consistency.
Tart and Fruity Green Smoothie
(My son calls this the “Fart and Tooty” Green Smoothie. You’re welcome.)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
- 1/2 cup frozen mango
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
Directions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add water or ice as needed to create desired consistency.