Looking for new ways to go green this St. Patty’s Day? Try a green smoothie! Smoothies can be an excellent way to sneak extra fruits and vegetables into your diet. Add nut butter for healthy fats and protein, and you’re on your way to a delicious treat packed with nutrition. Need even more protein? Throw in some of your favorite protein powder. (I used Garden of Life RAW Protein & Greens for this recipe.)

Other benefits to joining the smoothie craze? They’re super easy to make and modify based on your tastes. All you need is a blender, the right ingredients, a glass or to-go container, and 5-10 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Yields: 2 servings

Ingredients

1.5 cups almond milk (or other nut milk of your choice)
1.5 cups frozen fruit (I’m ready for spring so I used a tropical blend – mangos, banana, and strawberry! Feel free to mix it up or keep it simple.)
2 heaping cups packed spinach
2 tablespoons nut butter of choice (try almond or sunflower seed)
2 tsp honey
½ tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
½–1 scoop protein powder (try Garden of Life Raw Protein & Greens)

Instructions

If you’re using protein powder, start with that to ensure a smooth consistency. Blend protein powder and almond milk together for 45 seconds on high speed.

Toss in spinach. Continue to blend for an additional 45 seconds on high speed.

Add in nut butter, honey, coconut oil and frozen fruit. Blend on a high speed until the smoothie has reached a creamy, smooth consistency.

Pour smoothie into container and get ready for enjoyment!

Notes/Variations

• Depending on the type of fruits and nut butters you use, the smoothie may vary in color.
• Pick fruit based on what you like.
  • Are you looking for something simple? Try ripe, frozen banana.
  • Do berries make you want to dance around the kitchen? Get a berry blend (i.e. blueberries, raspberries, blackberries).
  • Feeling tropical? Try pineapple and mango.
• Top with granola or muesli to make the smoothie into a more substantial meal.

Natalie Sober loves integrative health in all of its aspects, especially its emphasis on a balanced lifestyle and good nutrition. A long-time lover of movement (check out our yoga blog series here!) and healthy eats, she loves to experiment in the kitchen, particularly when concocting “health nut treats.” She also happens to be a member of Pharmaca’s marketing department.