With summertime heat comes Eric’s switch to smoothies for breakfast. Refreshing, healthy, and portable are the main factors influencing his seasonal switch. This version has it all. Plus a twist or two!

Spinach provides the nutritional base for the smoothie with its abundance of essential nutrients. Typically, bananas are included in smoothies to provide a rich, creamy texture, while adding just enough moisture to make everything blend together well. Today’s smoothie recipe skips the banana and uses Greek yogurt for a creamy kick. The bit of avocado also helps create that smooth texture along with adding some healthy fat into the mix. The fat from the avocado helps control the release of sugar into the bloodstream. The juice needed for the blending of the ingredients comes from the pear and grapes. Both fruits also add some sweetness, a whole host of nutrients, and fiber to this recipe. A smoothie is a great start to a Summer day!

Spinach & Pear Smoothie

Spinach & Pear Smoothie (adapted from midwestliving.com) Makes: 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 cups spinach leaves, packed
• 1 ripe pear, peeled, cored and chopped
• 15 red or green grapes
• 1/4 of an avocado, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Assemble & prep the ingredients.

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients in a blender or in the smoothie cup attachment of a blender.

Load everything into the smoothie cup or blender.

Blend until smooth.

Blend away!

For a thinner version, add a few ice cubes to the blender and blend until smooth. Serve.

This is a powerful & filling start to the day!

Enjoy the great weather!  ~Linda

Spinach & Pear Smoothie (adapted from midwestliving.com) Makes: 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 cups spinach leaves, packed
• 1 ripe pear, peeled, cored and chopped
• 15 red or green grapes
• 1/4 of an avocado, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients in a blender or in the smoothie cup attachment of a blender. Blend until smooth. For a thinner version, add a few ice cubes to the blender and blend until smooth.