3 green smoothies for a healthy and yummy springtime

Green drinks and smoothies are just what you need when your energy is running low or when you need a jumpstart for better eating. Try these recipes at home.

Green drinks and smoothies are just what you need when your energy is running low or when you need a jumpstart for better eating.

We love the green drinks from Ediblend and Pure. But if you want to try making them at home, go for it. One thing to remember: If you’re making a pure juice with whole fruit and vegetables, you’ll need a juicer. For smoothies, made with fruits, vegetables and either water or yogurt, a blender will be just fine.

Smoothies aren’t necessarily less healthy than pure juices. You can pack a big nutritional punch with a green smoothie filled with spinach or kale, plus celery or sweet and tangy kiwi.

Margarita-Style Green Smoothie

Makes 2 large smoothies

2     cups baby spinach

1     orange, peeled and sectioned

1     cup unsweetened coconut water

2     cups frozen mango chunks

1     cup frozen pineapple chunks

Juice of 1 lime, plus lime slices for garnish

Kosher salt

In a blender, blend spinach, orange and coconut water until smooth. Add mango, pineapple and lime juice. Blend until smooth.

Rub slice of lime around margarita glasses. Dip rims into kosher salt. Garnish with lime.

Kiwi and Strawberry Smoothie

Makes 2 smoothies

2     cups kale

2     cups fresh squeezed orange juice

2     cups frozen chopped strawberries

2     kiwi, peeled and sliced

1     banana, peeled

1     tablespoon honey (optional)

Blend greens and orange juice until smooth. Add strawberries, kiwi, banana and honey until smooth.

If you have a juicer, here’s a simple green juice that can be easily adapted. If you want it less sweet, swap less apple for more celery. The lemon juice adds a nice freshness.

Simple Green Juice

Makes 2 servings

5 stalks celery

1 cucumber

2 oranges, peeled

1 apple, peeled

4 cups spinach

1 lemon, peeled

Throw everything in the juicer, and blend until smooth.