Green Smoothie Recipe: Granny Smith Apple and Avocado
Ingredients
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 banana (optional for sweetness)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional for extra fiber and omega-3s)
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional for sweetness)
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional for extra freshness)
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Core and chop the Granny Smith apple into small pieces. Leave the skin on for extra fiber.
- Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh.
- Peel the banana if you’re using it for additional sweetness.
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Combine in Blender:
- In a high-powered blender, add the chopped apple, avocado, fresh spinach leaves, and banana (if using).
- Pour in the almond milk, ensuring there’s enough liquid to blend smoothly. You can adjust the amount based on your preferred smoothie consistency.
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Add Optional Ingredients:
- Sprinkle in the chia seeds if you’re using them for an extra nutritional boost.
- Add the ice cubes to make the smoothie cold and refreshing.
- Drizzle honey or agave syrup if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice for a zingy freshness.
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Blend Until Smooth:
- Start the blender on a low speed and gradually increase to high. Blend until all the ingredients are fully combined and the smoothie is creamy and smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes depending on your blender’s power.
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Adjust Consistency and Taste:
- Check the consistency of your smoothie. If it’s too thick, add a little more almond milk and blend again. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes or a bit more avocado.
- Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more honey/agave syrup or lemon juice if needed.
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Serve Immediately:
- Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
- Optionally, you can garnish with a few chia seeds on top or a slice of apple for an extra touch.
Nutritional Benefits
- Granny Smith Apple: High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, helps with digestion and boosts immunity.
- Avocado: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, promoting heart health and satiety.
- Spinach: It is loaded with vitamins A, C, K, and folate, along with iron and calcium, which support bone health and energy levels.
- Chia Seeds: A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, helps with digestion and provides sustained energy.
- Banana: Provides natural sweetness, potassium, and fiber and supports heart health and digestion.
Tips for the Perfect Green Smoothie
- Fresh and Ripe Ingredients: Always use fresh, ripe ingredients for the best flavor and nutritional value.
- Balance Sweetness and Tartness: Adjust the amount of banana, honey, or lemon juice to balance the sweetness and tartness according to your preference.
- Chill the Ingredients: Chilled ingredients or adding ice cubes can refresh your smoothie, especially on a hot day.
- Blend Thoroughly: Ensure you blend the smoothie long enough to achieve a smooth and creamy texture, especially if you’re adding ingredients like chia seeds or fibrous greens.
Enjoy this nutritious and delicious green smoothie as a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a refreshing midday pick-me-up. It’s an easy way to pack in a lot of nutrients and keep you feeling energized throughout the day