Secret Ingredients Zingy Tropical Smoothie
Ever since I perfected my all-time favorite green smoothie, I can’t stop adding veggies to my smoothies. I just can’t, ha! It’s such an easy, quick. no cook way to get extra veg into my day (and into my kids!). I also used to make as much baby puree as I could manage, and I found it time-saving to make a tasty smoothie that everyone in the family could enjoy, from mom and dad, to toddlers, to baby. The trick to combining vegetables with fruit is this, and I can’t stress this enough: IT HAS TO BE TASTY. You have to first and foremost enjoy what you’re drinking, otherwise your kids will turn their nose up to it, and you will either never touch a smoothie again or will resentfully be chugging it down with your nose plugged, and that’s definitely no way to enjoy a truly vibrant lifestyle!
My secret ingredients here are both mild in flavor. I use frozen, riced cauliflower and fresh zucchini, and you truly can’t tell they’re there, hence “secret” ingredients. Pineapple, banana, and orange give this a delightful tropical taste, while the lemon juice adds a bright zing that I love in my smoothies and amplifies all of the other fruity flavors.
My 4-year old daughter helped me develop this recipe. Truthfully, she didn’t choose the cauliflower or zucchini, but she also didn’t object when I put them in. If I catch her on a good day she’s very open-minded and will give most anything a try, and it just happened that she was having an exceptionally good day ;) She helped me pick the fruits, watched me blend, and then grabbed her favorite cup and straw and gave it a sip. “Hmmm, maybe it needs a little more lemon…” she said. I thought it was perfect, but given her astute, 4-year old food critic opinion I gave her an extra lemon wedge to squeeze onto her own smoothie. She gulped hers down….and then drank mine. I think that’s a serious win!
Whether you’re wanting to try new smoothie ideas with your kids or looking for unique ways to get more veggies and nutrients into your day, give this a try. It won’t disappoint! Be sure to try my deep red, Heart Power Cherry Beet smoothie and Carrot Apple Ginger smoothie.
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup frozen, riced cauliflower
1/2 cup fresh zucchini, diced
1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or frozen
1 whole orange, peeled
1/2 banana
Juice of 1/2 a lemon, or 2 tbsp lemon juice
water to preferred consistency
Instructions
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Add more water if needed. Serve with an orange slice or lemon wedge.