G-R-E-E-N-M-A-C-H-I-N-E Green Machine, Green Machine, Gooo….Green Machine! This was the chant that my husband and all of his friends would yell when they were young boys playing little league baseball. Somehow it has stuck around, though it now only is hollered on those rare occasions that Radd gets together with old friends and has a few (too many) beers. Boys are odd. In any case, I’ve co-opted the name for this uber healthy drink that is perfect for reviving you from that post-Thanksgiving feast coma. “Green Machine” just rolls off the tongue more easily than “Pear, Kale, and Spinach Smoothie”.
This drink makes you feel good. It’s loaded with delicious and nutritious greens and sweet juicy pears. I’ve made a similar version of this smoothie with other fruits, but keep coming back to the pears. They add the perfect smooth texture. A few times a week I blend one of these smoothies up for lunch. It’s filling, and to be honest, very addicting. The flavor of the greens is present, but in a subtle way– not overpowering at all. The banana brings it all together by adding a little more natural sweet silkiness. I drink mine from a freezer-chilled glass mug, and it’s oh-so refreshing and good for you. Give this one a try– you body will thank you!
The Recipe: Green Machine / Pear, Kale, and Spinach Smoothie
Serves 1
1 cup unsweetened cold almond milk
1 cup spinach
1 cup chopped kale, stems removed (any type works fine, I prefer curly kale)
1 pear, cut into large slices
1/2 banana, cut into chunks
Blend the almond milk, spinach, and kale together until smooth. Add the pear and banana and blend again until almost uniform. Feel free to add more or less almond milk, depending upon how thick you like it. Serve in a chilled glass. Enjoy!
Source: Adapted from Joy the Baker
As always, thanks for stopping by Relishing It!
Laurie
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My mom borrowed her friend’s juicer a couple years ago and made up drink kale juice, straight up. It wasn’t pleasant, but your smoothie looks a lot of appealing, kind of like a green slushy!
This actually looks kind of good. Might give it a shot!
Laurie, this smoothie is wonderful! I so enjoyed it, I made it for my trainer the other night and she wanted your recipe 🙂
Keeping Kale on hand is a new one for me, thanks for reminding me how good pears are in smoothies.
So glad you both loved it! I always have kale in my house, too. I often roast it in the oven with a sprinkle of olive oil and sea salt — it’s a great snack!
Now another reason to have Kale in the fridge! That sounds yummy, does the roasting mellow the kale? Who would have thought Kale could be a crunchy snack??
I suppose it mellows it a bit, but definitely makes the texture more tolerable. They’re known as “kale chips” — wash the kale and be sure to get it as dry as possible. Toss a teaspoon, or so of olive oil on it and sprinkle with sea salt. Roast at 375 degrees for about 5 minutes, or until they’re crispy and a bit golden, but not burnt. Hope you enjoy them!
Hi Laurie. I found your blog two days ago and I’m loving it so far! I made this smoothie for my mom and brother this morning – it is delicious! I will definitely be making it again. Thanks for the good recipe!
Gosh do I love hearing things like that! Thanks — so glad you found me, too. I love talking food — so stop back and visit again. 🙂
Laurie, if I didn’t want the banana in the “Green Machine” smoothie, what other fruit would you recommend? Thanks!
Hi Kelly– sorry it took me a bit to get back to you. The banana adds a nice texture to the smoothie. However, I understand if you’re not totally into bananas. A half of an avocado will also give the smoothie a nice creamy feel. Strawberries taste great with this combination, too. Also– I’ve been adding about a tablespoon of chia seeds to my smoothies! Cheers!