Green Smoothie with Pomegranate

This smoothie is packed with nutrients, refreshing, and delicious! The pomegranate and chia seeds add a delightful texture and extra health benefits.

Yields: 1-2 servings Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• Liquid Base:
  • 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened almond milk (or water, coconut water, or other plant-based milk)
• Greens:
  • 1 cup (packed) fresh spinach (or kale, or a mix of both)
  • Optional for moringa: 1-2 teaspoons moringa powder (start with 1 tsp and adjust to taste)
• Fruit for Sweetness & Creaminess:
  • 1 medium ripe banana (fresh or frozen for a thicker, colder smoothie)
  • 1/2 cup (about 75g) frozen mango chunks or pineapple chunks (adds tropical flavor and creaminess)
• Healthy Fats & Protein (Optional but recommended):
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (for blending, in addition to topping)
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter or cashew butter (for extra creaminess and healthy fats)
  • 1/2 scoop protein powder (vanilla or unflavored, optional)
• Flavor Boosters (Optional):
  • 1/2 inch fresh ginger, peeled (for a zesty kick)
  • Juice of 1/2 a lime or lemon (brightens the flavor)
  • A few fresh mint leaves
• Toppings (as seen in image):
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate arils (seeds)
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds

Equipment:

• High-speed blender

Instructions:

1. Add Liquid First: Pour the almond milk (or your chosen liquid base) into your blender. Adding liquid first helps the blades spin more easily and prevents ingredients from getting stuck at the bottom.
2. Add Greens: Add the spinach (and moringa powder if using) to the blender.
3. Add Fruits: Add the banana and frozen mango/pineapple chunks.
4. Add Optional Boosters: If using, add the chia seeds (for blending), nut butter, protein powder, ginger, lime/lemon juice, or mint leaves.
5. Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender and blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides with a spatula a few times, especially if using a lot of frozen fruit. If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more liquid until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness or flavor as needed. You can add:
   • More liquid for a thinner consistency.
   • A few drops of honey, maple syrup, or a pitted Medjool date for more sweetness.
   • More fruit for sweetness and thickness.
   • More ginger or lime for a stronger kick.
7. Pour and Top: Pour the smoothie into a glass (or two, if sharing).
8. Garnish: Sprinkle generously with fresh pomegranate arils and chia seeds, as shown in the image.
9. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your refreshing and nutritious green smoothie!

Tips and Variations:

• For a Colder Smoothie: Use frozen banana and/or frozen spinach (if you have it). You can also add a few ice cubes while blending, but this might dilute the flavor slightly.
• Make it Thicker: Use less liquid, more frozen fruit, or add more chia seeds (they absorb liquid and thicken the smoothie).
• Make it Thinner: Add more liquid (water or plant-based milk).
• Different Greens: Feel free to experiment with other greens like kale, romaine lettuce, or even parsley for different nutrient profiles and flavors.
• Other Fruits: Apples, pears, peaches, berries, or avocado (for extra creaminess and healthy fats) can also be great additions.
• Boost Protein: Add Greek yogurt, silken tofu, or your favorite protein powder.
• Boost Fiber: Add ground flax seeds, psyllium husk, or oats.
• Meal Prep Tip: You can pre-portion all the non-liquid ingredients (greens, fruits, optional add-ins) into freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready for a smoothie, just dump the contents of a bag into your blender, add the liquid, and blend!

Enjoy your homemade green smoothie!