With the approach of spring, temperatures are a little warmer, and sunlight lingers further into the evening. As memories of chilly days fade, our cravings for heavier, although hopefully nourishing, comfort foods are replaced by a need for lighter and more refreshing fares. Green smoothies and elixirs are an excellent way to satisfy this need and help us feel energized and revitalized along with more sunlight and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to kick-start your morning or give your body a boost of vitamins and minerals throughout the day, green smoothies are the perfect addition to your springtime wellness routine.
We asked our cohort on the Viome team to chime in with some personal recipes of their own to give us a fantastic collection of springtime green drinks to nourish your body, cells, and microbiome.
Mint Chocolate Chip “Ice Cream” Smoothie
Courtesy of Hilary Keiser, Viome Translational Science Nutritionist, Supplements
“I'm a big fan of mint chocolate chip ice cream and like to make this smoothie when I get a craving for it.”
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup spinach leaves
1/2 cup unsweetened milk of choice
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
5 fresh mint leaves (or more to taste) OR dash peppermint extract
1 teaspoon spirulina powder
1 tablespoon cacao nibs
Instructions:
Combine everything in a blender, or blender cup until smooth. You can omit the milk and add a few ice cubes to make the consistency thick like ice cream.
The "Flexible" Green Drink
Courtesy of Irene Rau, veteran Viome user and contributor to the Viome Community
"This one is flexible because I can substitute any of the ingredients depending on what's in my food recommendations currently."
Ingredients:
1/4 cup cucumber, avocado or celery
1 cup of your choice of leafy green (kale, spinach, endive)
1/2 cup honeydew melon, kiwi or green apple
1/2 cup any milk or cold herbal tea
1/2 tbsp of chia or flax seeds,
1 Tbsp of hemp seeds
fresh mint, spirulina, turmeric or ginger
juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
Makes a 2-cup serving. You could freeze the fruit or milk/tea before blending for a refreshing treat on a warm day. If you are feeding others in your household, you can increase the amount/variety of ingredients as you wish.
“Everything in the Blender” Green Smoothie
Courtesy of Anu Jain, VP, Viome Community Relations
“I throw in whatever greens I have in my refrigerator right into the blender–making sure none are on my Avoid list! Add some protein, and some seeds and you’re good to go!”
Ingredients:
1 packed cup of a variety of greens:
Chard
Spinach
Kale (or any other greens you choose)
½ cup frozen berries or frozen pineapple
½ apple, diced
1 rib celery, sliced
½ cup coconut water
1 scoop protein powder of your choice
1 tsp flax seeds
1 tsp chia seeds
Instructions:
Combine everything in a blender, or blender cup until smooth.
Rise and Shine Kale Kiwi Smoothie
Courtesy of Lisa Shomo, Senior Manager Content Marketing and Operations
“Kiwi is a current Superfood of mine, and I regularly just peel one and eat it like a strawberry in a few bites. But when I need a little more kick in the am, I look to my other Superfoods like kale and Greek yogurt to supply a little more protein and nutrients.”
Ingredients:
2 cups kale
½ cup orange juice
1 small cucumber
1 ½ cups spinach
6 cubes ice
½ cup 2% Greek yogurt
½ avocado, peeled and pitted
1 kiwi, peeled
Instructions:
Place all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. Makes 2 servings, so share it with someone else at home or at work!
Fiber Packed Green Smoothie
Courtesy of Laura Dykas, Viome Senior Visual Designer
"Cucumbers make this drink so cool and refreshing. I also love the addition of the parsley and mint. It's almost like I'm drinking a mocktail! The banana and OJ give it just a little sweetness. You can leave the protein out if you would like just a veggie and fruit drink."
Ingredients:
1 ¼ cup kale, chopped
1 ¼ cup frozen mango,
1 small cucumber, chopped,
1 cup orange juice
4 Tbsp. parsley
3 mint leaves
4 Tbsp. chia seeds
1 scoop protein powder, unflavored
¼ banana, sliced
½ cup ice
Instructions:
Place all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. Makes 2 servings, so share it with someone who needs a morning boost!
Matcha Coconut Smoothie
Courtesy of Elizabeth Povarova-Simpson, Sr. Marketing Manager, Affiliates & Influencers
“I have always loved the green, grassy, nutty qualities of matcha. Making it the star of this smoothie gives you those notes, along with the sweet creaminess of the coconut milk, vanilla, and agave. It’s a fantastic treat to start the day with–or get you through the afternoon slump!”
Ingredients:
1 cup low-fat coconut milk
1 cup dairy-free yogurt, plain & unsweetened
1 cup ice
2 Tbsp. matcha green tea powder
1 Tbsp. chia seeds
2 scoops protein powder, vanilla or unflavored
2 Tbsp. agave
2 tsp. vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a blender and mix on high speed until smooth. Makes 2 servings.
Energizing Magical Green Elixir
Courtesy of Lashaun Dale, Head of Content, Design & Media
“There is just something about this drink that refreshes every cell in my body, any time of day. Plus, with the right amount of spice and special glass, it is a great non-alcoholic replacement when entertaining at night."
Ingredients:
1 apple
½ jalapeno
1 peeled lemon
1 cucumber
4 stalks of celery
2-3 leaves of kale
Slice of lemon
Pinch of sea salt to taste
Cayenne pepper to taste
Instructions:
Slice the jalapeno and set aside 2-3 slices. Peel and slice the lemon and set aside 1 thin slice. Combine the remaining ingredients in a shaker cup. Shake the solution until frothy (you can also use a battery-operated hand frother) Find a beautiful glass or, if drinking it on the go, your favorite beverage container and pour over ice, season, and garnish to taste. Enjoy every sip!
Mango & Avocado Protein Smoothie
Courtesy of Lisa Shomo, Senior Manager Content Marketing and Operations
“I love being able to get my greens in the am with this drink. And with the sweetness and bulk of the apple and mango, trust me, you never taste the spinach! Adding protein makes it a complete meal that gets me ready for the day.”
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups spinach
¼ cup mango, fresh or frozen
1 apple, cored and deseeded
¾ cup coconut yogurt
2 scoops protein powder
½ cup ice
Instructions:
Measure out all of the ingredients into a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth. Enjoy immediately.
