So, the last two recipes I’ve posted have included kale. And now, we’re going for three in a row. Yes it’s another kale recipe. This one is for peach almond smoothies (with kale). It’s really taking me forever to get through that giant bag from the grocery store! Also, have I mentioned I’m also growing kale on my balcony?! I might have a problem. But for real, shoving kale into a smoothie is my favorite way to get my greens.
I’ve said it many times before and I’ll say it again, I believe in hiding my veggies and doing whatever it takes to get more into my meals. I’m just not someone who will push myself to eat a big salad and then also have a giant mount of vegetables next to my protein at dinner. Balance is not always my strong suit. But this recipe is killer because it includes four out of the five food groups! This week I’m into the food groups as I recently taught a lesson two 4th graders about food groups and healthy snacks. So we’ve got fruit (peaches), dairy (Greek yogurt), vegetables (kale), and protein (almond butter). The only thing we’re missing are some grains.
I especially love the almond butter with this recipe. I know it kind of sounds weird. Peaches, kale, and almonds? But people do that with salads, mix sweet and savory, so why not do it with a smoothie? And honestly, it’s freaking delicious. It nicely compliments the flavor of the peach, or as Ryan said, “it really adds something.” So, I admit it, I know it sounds weird but trust it.
The other reason I love the almond butter is that it keeps me full. Often when I make a green smoothie, I pack it full of fruits and greens and it’s super tasty and I feel all nutritious and proud of myself. And then it’s 10am and I’m at work and hungry and I get tempted to eat a granola bar or… a donut. The almond butter adds some fat and protein to help fill me up and keep me going until lunch. And that’s the whole point of breakfast right?
The only ingredient not pictured is peach nectar. I found peach nectar in the international section of the super market, but you might also be able to find it in the juice section. As a warning, peach nectar isn’t necessarily lower in sugar or any better for you than juice. However, I like peach nectar because it’s a bit thicker and has a much richer flavor because it uses the fruit’s pulp and not just the juice. If you’re feeling unsure about the nectar you can use water instead, but then you’ll have a subtle peach flavor.
I hope you’ll try this smoothie out. For real, it makes me excited to get ready for work in the morning. And is there a bigger endorsement than that?!
Adapted from My Happy Plates.
Messy level: As always, a smoothie is super easy to make. It’s cleaning the blender at the end that’s the absolute worst!
- 1 cup/ about 250 grams frozen peaches
- 1 cup / 67 grams kale leaves massages, torn, and hard stems removed
- ½ cup/ 142 grams Greek yogurt
- ½-1 cup/ 120-240 ml peach nectar
- 2 tablespoons/32 grams almond butter (add less then adjust if worried about taste or calories)
- Put all ingredients into a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth. (Or as smooth as your blender will allow) Add more nectar and blend again if you'd like the smoothie to be less thick.
- Pour into a glass and drink with a straw. Makes 1 large serving or two small servings.
