February 22, 2019
If you live in in the prairie provinces of Manitoba, Canada right now it feels like summer is never going to come. Let’s have faith though, it’s coming sooner than we think, and I don’t know about you, but my body is craving fresh greens. So I’m going to share one of my favourite green smoothie recipes – the Green Spirulina Smoothie!
Before we get to the recipe, you may be wondering what the heck spirulina is and why you’d want to add it to a smoothie.
Spirulina is a nutritionally packed blue-green algae that are high in B vitamins (especially B12) and minerals like iron, calcium and magnesium as well as substantial amounts of plant chlorophyll and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This algae is also high in protein and contains all of the amino acids, essential fats, complex carbohydrates, fibre and antioxidants that our body needs to thrive.
Have I convinced you that spirulina is an amazing addition to any of your green smoothies yet? I hope so! In addition to all of the rich nutrients spirulina provides, it also adds a rich, green colour that you can’t beat; it’s so luscious. This smoothie makes a great snack or breakfast. The leafy greens and frozen peaches in this smoothie gives it freshness while the banana adds sweetness and the ginger gives it a bit of spice. If you want to up the protein content simply add hemp seeds, chia seeds or even your favourite protein powder.
Green Spirulina Smoothie
Makes 1 serving
Prep time: 5 minutes
Instructions
- 1 cup frozen peaches
- 1 banana peeled (fresh or frozen)
- 1 generous cup of spinach or kale, stems removed
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger
- 1 tsp spirulina powder
- 3/4 – 1 cup water (depending on how thick you enjoy your smoothie), also any plant-based milk can also be substituted
- 1 tbsp hemp seeds
Toppings (optional)
- Hemp seeds
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Granola
- Coconut
Instructions
- In a blender add all smoothie ingredients (peaches, banana, spinach or kale, ginger, water, hemp seeds).
- Blend well until smooth, scraping down the sides if needed.
- Add more water (or plant-based milk) at this time if you find the smoothie too thick and keep blending until combined.
- Taste and adjust flavours if needed.
- Add toppings if desired.
Serve immediately. This smoothie is best when served fresh, but will keep in the refrigerator for one day.
