Ultimate Green Smoothie...
Happy Spring! You wouldn't know it was spring looking outside my window. Here in the Northeast, I still have over a foot and a half of snow in my front yard! And as I write this, it is snowing outside. Regardless, it's spring, and I wanted to share the Ultimate Green Smoothie with you to help celebrate.
There are hundreds of green smoothie recipes out there to try. So many variations that the possibilities are endless. Here is my version.
I have a wonderful Vitamix 5200 Blender, Professional-Grade, Container, Self-Cleaning 64 oz, Black/Grey blender that turns this into the smoothest of concoctions. It's one of my favorite kitchen appliances and I use it every single day. I am not being compensated for endorsing this product nor would I ever endorse something I don't believe in. When I tell you this machine is great, I'm speaking the truth. I actually requested this machine above all else for my tenth anniversary and it was the best gift I could have received!
FYI, this isn't a really sweet smoothie. I do not add any sweetener to this but if you feel the need, add some honey or agave. I drink it as is and if my kids can drink it without any additional sweeteners, well, you can too.
Each ingredient contributes unbelievable benefits...
Listed is only a sample of the benefits for each ingredient...
Lemon - excellent source of vitamin C
Kale - great source of vitamin K, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and high in beta carotene
Ginger - a natural anti-inflammatory
Celery - rich source of antioxidants
Parsley - rich source of vitamin K
Green Apple - rich in dietary fiber
Cucumber - loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K (mostly found in its peel), and potassium
Mango - rich in vitamin C and A
If you look up and investigate the benefits of each of these, you will be amazed at how wonderful they are for your health.
When you blend these together, you will see a beautiful shade of green liquid develop that is so delicious. No need to go out and buy this stuff already made when you can reap the benefits of freshly made at home. There is no better way to get all these fantastic nutrients into your body.
This makes about 24 ounces. If it is too much for one sitting, you can freeze into ice cube trays and use as your 'ice' in your water.
I hope you enjoy this Ultimate Green Smoothie. You are doing the body good. Enjoy!
Be happy, eat well...
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups kale
- ¼ cup fresh parsley
- ½ green apple cored and chopped
- ½ stalk celery about 5", chopped
- ½ cucumber unpeeled, about 3", chopped
- ½ small Meyer lemon unpeeled, about 2", seeded
- ½ inch slice of fresh ginger peeled and chopped or use ½ teaspoon minced
- ½ cup mango frozen, chopped
Instructions
- Because I am using a Vitamix, I add all ingredients to the blender at once. If using a regular blender, start with the water, kale, and parsley and blend slowly. Then add in remaining ingredients.
- Start on low to get things going. This aids in not getting the blades clogged.
- Gradually bring it to a higher speed.
- Once ingredients are flowing, blend on high until smooth.
- Pour and Enjoy!
Notes
Sometimes, I buy the kale that is already prepared and washed in the bag for simplicity. But, please pick through.
You can use peeled fresh ginger or already minced ginger in a jar available at your supermarket.
I use a 2" slice of Meyer lemon that is seeded and unpeeled. The skin is thin. If you use a regular lemon with a thick peel, you can use the zest then peel off rind. This is optional.
Nutritional Information
I don't post the nutritional value because I don't trust the accuracy of the nutritional apps. I’m not a nutritionist and don't want to post misinformation.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!