If you’ve been reading my blog, you know that I’m enamored in trying new smoothie variations. Lately, it’s all about the color.

• While my first smoothie post with a banana, blueberry and kale concoction was totally delish, it certainly wasn’t very pretty. However, anyone who experiments with smoothies knows that color is the eye of the beholder. Even funky-colored smoothies can be quite palatable!
• My second smoothie post featured a glorious and tasty red sipper, thanks to adding in a small fresh beet.

Moving Onto the Green Scene

Now, with my third smoothie recipe, it’s probably my favorite especially for this time of the year as we head into summer. Superfood avocado provides a grassy, nutty background and velvety texture while mild spinach and zucchini won’t overpower the perfect amount of sweet notes from the mango and banana. This luscious chartreuse mixture includes a fresh mint leaf that brings home clean, fresh flavors of summer.

I’m very happy to use citrusy pineapple mint from my garden. Obsessed with this variegated-leaf mint, I typically buy a new plant and pot with my herbs every year. Last year, I finally gave in and let it grow wild in a patch on the side of the house.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Color seems to be my destiny with my smoothie recipes, so stayed tuned for the next one. Purple just may be in the future!

Print

Favorite Green Smoothie

Fresh as a summer day with ingredients including fresh mint, zucchini, avocado (can be swapped with nut butter), banana and mango, this smoothie is one you’ll gravitate to all season long. It's loaded with nutrients, has 16 grams of fiber and is just 311 calories. What a great way to start your day!

Course Breakfast, Snack

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Ingredients

• 1/3 to 1/2 (about 2/3 cup cut) zucchini or summer squash OR double the spinach
• 1 large handful spinach (about a packed cup)
• 1/4 ripe avocado (OR 2 teaspoons almond or cashew butter)
• 1 small or 1/2 large mint leaf
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup frozen mango
• 2 tbsp ground flax
• 1/2 cup cashew or almond milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 ice cubes

Instructions

Using a Ninja smoothie maker

• Using a Ninja smoothie maker: Put all ingredients in the container and select the smoothie setting (blends for 50 seconds).
  
• After the first time you process it, check how thick it is, and add water or ice as needed. Blend it on smoothie setting once more.

Other blenders (high-speed recommended):

• Put all ingredients into the container and blend until smooth. Check the consistency, scrape sides as needed.
• Add a little water or ice cubes, as necessary, and pulse until incorporated.  

Notes

Optional/add in more fiber

• Add in 2 tablespoons steel-cut or old-fashioned oats, which will make your smoothie thick, creamy and more filling.
• Another option, for good gut health, is adding in 2 teaspoons of Benefiber Daily Prebiotic Fiber Supplement Powder.

 

CHECK OUT MY SMOOTHIE 101 POST: Your guide to making healthy and delish smoothies!