Ultimate Green Smoothie

Ultimate Green Smoothie

This recipe makes approximately 1 large smoothie. Feel free to adjust the quantities to your liking and the size of your blender.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and cubed
• ½ ripe avocado, pitted and cubed
• ½ ripe banana, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup fresh spinach, tightly packed
• ½ cup liquid of your choice (water, unsweetened almond milk, coconut water, or juice work well)
• Optional additions (adjust to your taste and dietary preferences):
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds for added fiber and omega-3s
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated, for a zingy flavor
  • A squeeze of lime or lemon juice for brightness
  • A scoop of protein powder for an extra boost
  • A few ice cubes for a colder, thicker smoothie

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruits and Greens: Wash the spinach thoroughly. Peel and cube the mango and avocado. Peel and slice the banana.
2. Load the Blender: Add the liquid to the blender first. This helps the blades move more easily.
3. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Add the spinach, mango, avocado, and banana to the blender. If you’re using any of the optional additions like chia seeds, flax seeds, sweetener, ginger, or protein powder, add them now as well.
4. Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender and start blending on a low speed, gradually increasing to a higher speed until the smoothie is completely smooth and creamy. This might take 30-60 seconds, depending on your blender. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula if needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
5. Adjust Consistency (if needed): If the smoothie is too thick for your liking, add a little more liquid (a tablespoon at a time) and blend again until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add a few ice cubes or a little more frozen fruit and blend again.
6. Taste and Adjust Sweetness (if needed): Give your smoothie a taste. If it’s not sweet enough for you, add a little honey or maple syrup and blend again.
7. Serve Immediately: Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy it right away for the best flavor and nutritional benefits.

Tips and Variations:

• Make it colder: Use frozen mango, banana, or avocado for an extra frosty smoothie. You might need to add a little more liquid if using all frozen fruit.
• Boost the nutrition: Feel free to add other leafy greens like kale or collard greens. Start with a small amount as they have a stronger flavor.
• Add healthy fats: A tablespoon of nut butter (like almond or peanut butter) can add creaminess and healthy fats.
• Get creative with liquids: Experiment with different liquids like oat milk, soy milk, or even green tea for a unique flavor profile.
• Meal prep: You can prepare the fruit and spinach in advance and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to make the smoothie, just add the frozen mixture and your liquid to the blender.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious green smoothie! Let me know if you have any other questions.