Kale + Pineapple Smoothie

As I posted about a couple weeks ago, I have ventured into the world of green smoothies at last.

I recently tried a kale and pineapple smoothie at the recommendation of Heather.

 I didn't feel like doing the chopping, so I paid for convenience.

I realized I would need to add some coconut water so there was moisture for the immersion blender to be immersed in.

Just kidding, there's no beer in there, that's just a bottle waiting to be recycled.

Lots of green bits.

I added a plop (really specific amount, I know) of plain Greek yogurt to thicken it up after adding all that coconut water and after the pineapple got juicier, and to add some protein.

It wasn't bad! But I had a hard time getting the kale into tiny tiny pieces.  I had to consult a mirror afterwards so I didn't walk into a work meeting with green bits in my teeth.

a week and a half later...

Kale + Pineapple, Take II

This time, I removed the thicker, harder "vein" in the middle of the kale pieces, hoping that would help with the issue of the kale not getting blended well enough. I  think it helped.

I realized this arrangement wasn't going to work well.  After photographing, I took the kale out and blended the pineapple on its own with some coconut water.

 After I had a nice liquid to start with, I added the kale a little bit at a time.

Mostly the same as the first.  

Changes:
-I did toss in maybe half a banana's worth of frozen banana chunks to change it up a bit and make the smoothie a little colder. 
-No greek yogurt this time. 
-Taking the "veins" of the kale out did help it blend easier.

I liked my second attempt much better, and would make it again!  Still weird to get over the drinking something bright yellow-y green, but not as weird as I expected it to be.

First (and Second) Green Smoothie

 A couple weekends ago I asked for suggestions on how to make my first green smoothie.

Spinach was my planned green, as we already had some in the fridge.  Thanks to those who responded!

Here's what I had on hand:

Sooo I started off with a handful of spinach.

I added most of a 6 oz container of Dannon plain Greek yogurt.

I topped it off with a handful of sliced strawberries.

To give my immersion blender something to work with, I threw in a splash of skim milk.

Verdict: a little too bitter.

I added 2 more strawberries, and a handful of blueberries.

Still a little bitter for my liking, I added 2 more strawberries and a splash of almond milk.

Not bad!  Not green either, but I promise it contains greens. Looks kinda like chocolate milk.

Final contents:

1 large handful of spinach
6 oz Dannon greek yogurt
1-2 oz skim milk
2 oz almond milk
1 handful of blueberries
8 strawberries


On Tuesday (July 5th) I made my second green smoothie which included:

-one overflowing handful of spinach
-two handfuls of blueberries
-about one small banana (frozen, cut into pieces)
-6-8 oz almond milk

No adjustments needed!  This one came out way more green than the last, but did not taste much like spinach at all.  It did taste very much like almond milk, blueberries, and a little bit banana (in that order).

 

While there are tiny flecks of blueberry skin and spinach bits, they didn't get stuck in my teeth (hooray!)

I feel like I eat enough leafy greens anyway, but this is a great way to squeeze some more into your diet.  Word on the street is that kale is good in smoothies too, maybe I'll try that next...

Have you ever made a green smoothie?  

If not, would you try one?

What's your favorite combination(s)?