Almost everyone loves smoothies, right? Kids especially. And since you can pack them with nutrition, they make a great snack or lunch item to send to school. (They travel nicely in convenient double wall insulated water bottles.) Today I have three favorite smoothie recipes to share, each one quick and easy to make in the morning and send with your kids for a healthy brain snack. These recipes are wonderful as is, or you can always add any other boost that you want: vitamin C, flaxseed, hemp seeds, chia seeds, protein powder, probiotics, etc.
I do recommend a high speed blender like a Vitamix. And in our house we always have bananas in the freezer because so many smoothies call for frozen bananas. When I shop I buy about double the bananas we would normally eat, and then just freeze whatever is left after they get completely ripe. If you’re in need of a smoothie container, here’s one that my younger kids use – we’ve been very pleased with them:
I’ve added a few of my own comments in italics below. I hope your kids enjoy these smoothies as much as mine do. Don't forget to pack a straw! (We like the wide straws for smoothies.)
Raw Mint Chip Superfood Green Smoothie
Julie Morris, The Blender Girl
serves 2
This is hands-down my kids' favorite smoothie ever. And yes, it has spinach in it (don’t tell them!) We’ve passed this recipe along to many friends, and hope you will like it too:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups frozen spinach
- 2 cups frozen bananas
- 1/4 cup raw unsalted cashews
- 3 Tbsp cacao nibs (I also usually add 2 tbsp chocolate chips for extra chocolate)
- 2 Tbsp (packed) fresh mint leaves, minced (or 1/4 tsp peppermint extract)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups rice milk (original variety) – or any preferred milk
- 1/2 cup coconut water
- sweetener, to taste (optional) – I usually use about a tbsp of maple syrup if needed
- 1/4 tsp chlorella (optional for a superfood boost)
Directions:
- Blend all the ingredients together until smooth. My kids like it when I add the chocolate chips at the end and don’t blend them all the way, so they get a few little chunks of chocolate.
- Taste, and sweeten as desired.
Liquid Strawberries and Cream Smoothie
Julie Morris, The Blender Girl
serves 2
Strawberry season is just about here! Of course, we can get frozen strawberries year-round, but this smoothie makes me think of summer days and fresh local strawberries.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 1-1/2 cups of coconut water or filtered water
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/4 cup chopped pitted dates (about 3-4 dates – less if you don't want it as sweet)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of Celtic sea salt
Directions:
- Place the coconut water, cashews and dates in your Vitamix and puree on high until smooth and creamy.
- Now add the vanilla extract, salt and strawberries.
- Blend on high until it is rich and creamy.
Chocolate Banana Protein Smoothie
Kirstin Marr, Live Simply
Here’s a smoothie that’s also great for breakfast, or to send for a morning snack if your kids don’t eat a big breakfast. The oats make it filling! If you have a chocolate-peanut butter lover, try this one.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt (homemade or good-quality store-bought)
- 2 whole ripe bananas
- 2 TB unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 TB peanut butter
- 1/4 cup Scottish oats (or any rolled oats)
- 2 TB raw honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup ice (if possible, crushed ice is easier to blend) – Sometimes I will use frozen bananas and then I don’t feel like I need to add ice, or I add less ice.
Directions:
- The night before (or at least four hours before) soak the Scottish oats in ¼ cup warm water. Allow the oats to sit on the counter. Before making the smoothie, strain any extra water from the oats. (I have made this with rolled oats, without soaking, and it was fine – just use a high speed blender like a Vitamix.)
- In a high-speed blender combine the oats, yogurt, bananas, cocoa powder, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Blend together. Add the ice, blend until creamy and thick.
