Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup kale leaves (stems removed)
- 1/2 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 green apple, cored and chopped
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 cup coconut water or plain water (for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative for creaminess
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup ice cubes (optional for a colder smoothie)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Greens:
- Wash the fresh spinach and kale leaves thoroughly. Remove any tough stems.
2. Blend Greens and Liquid:
- In a blender, combine the fresh spinach, kale, and coconut water (or plain water). Blend until you have a smooth, green liquid base.
3. Add Cucumber, Apple, and Banana:
- Add the peeled and chopped cucumber, cored and chopped green apple, and ripe banana to the blender.
4. Squeeze Lemon Juice:
- Squeeze the juice from the half lemon into the blender for a zesty kick.
5. Add Greek Yogurt:
- Spoon in the Greek yogurt for creaminess. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use almond yogurt, coconut yogurt, or another alternative.
6. Sweeten:
- Add honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Start with 1-2 tablespoons and adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.
7. Ice Cubes (Optional):
- If you want a colder smoothie, add 1/2 cup of ice cubes to the blender.
8. Blend Until Smooth:
- Blend all the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
9. Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the green smoothie and adjust the sweetness or texture as needed. You can add more honey, fruit, or lemon juice to achieve your desired balance of flavors.
10. Serve:
- Pour the green healthy smoothie into a glass.
11. Enjoy your homemade Green Healthy Smoothie! It’s a nutrient-rich and refreshing drink that’s perfect for a healthy and energizing start to your day or as a post-workout snack. The combination of greens, fruit, and yogurt provides a satisfying and nutritious blend.