St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to be all beer and shepherd’s pie. In fact, it can be a great time to renew your New Year’s resolutions and refocus your energies on getting or staying in great shape, eating well, and taking care of yourself. However, on a side note, if you are young and a student then beers and partying may be the first thing on your mind, and it can be frustrating to not quite be the right age to get some. It is a lucky thing that you can get your ID here to have a fun St Paddy’s day but keep in mind the aftermath.
With that in mind, smoothies can be the perfect antidote to partying and drinking on St. Paddy’s Day. Smoothies offer a great way to pack in the fruits, vegetables, protein, and fiber for a nutritious snack! It even works well as meal replacement shakes!
And in honor of this green-hued holiday, let’s focus on green smoothie recipes-drinks featuring kale, spinach, and other greens. So put down the beer stein and hoist your blender instead.
5 Delectable Green Smoothie Recipes
Collard Greens and Mango
The addition of mango and grapes here help tamp down the bitterness of the greens in this green smoothie, adding a natural sweetness that also complements the inclusion of lime.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 cups stemmed and chopped collard greens or spinach
- 1 1/2cups frozen mango
- 1 cup green grapes
Courtesy of RealSimple
Avocado, Kale, Pineapple, and Coconut
The use of avocado lends a rich, velvety quality to this green smoothie. This one also adds coconut meat and water, both of which pack in the nutrients. The addition of green tea will give you a slight caffeine boost on a drowsy day.
- ripe avocado, pitted, peeled
- cup coarsely chopped Tuscan kale
- cup frozen pineapple chunks
- cup coarsely chopped coconut meat
- 1 cup coconut water or iced green tea
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon matcha (green tea powder)
- 1 tablespoon light agave nectar
- Pinch of kosher salt
Courtesy of Bon Appetit
Kale Banana
Bananas offer great carbohydrate fuel (perfect if you’re training for the Shamrock Run!) and kale is packed with fiber and vitamins. By adding flax seed, you gain heart-healthy omega-3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
- 1 banana
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1 tablespoon flax seed or meal
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- cup milk
- 1/3 cup orange juice
Courtesy of All Recipes
Peanut Butter Kale
It’s hard to resist peanut butter in a smoothie. For the best results, opt for a peanut butter with no sugar added. You’ll gain the benefits of protein, fiber, antioxidants, and potassium, which lowers your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. And of course, it adds richness and creaminess.
- 1 banana
- 1 cup nut milk
- 1 cup torn kale
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- teaspoon ground cinnamon
Courtesy of Bon Appetit
Kiwi, Spinach, and Avocado
Kiwi and granny smith apples add tartness that helps cut the bitterness of the spinach, and the avocado brings it all together, adding creaminess to this green smoothie. Don’t forget to peel the kiwis first, and core the apples.
- 2 granny smith apples
- avocado
- 3 kiwis
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup water
Courtesy of Raw Family
Have any tips for making a yummy green smoothie? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!
