Recipe: The Greens Power Smoothie

Nutrient-dense and full of tasty goodness, this greens power-packed smoothie would even impress Popeye.

A key ingredient in this recipe is spirulina, the green of greens! Spirulina is the common name for two species of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae. A staple food of the Aztecs until the 16th century, it is now cultivated throughout the world.

One tablespoon of spirulina powder (approximately 10 grams) contains6 gramsof protein. We’re using a certified organic, non-irradiated spirulina from India.

Greens Power Smoothie

• 10 oz. coconut milk
• 1 cup mango
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 tablespoon Spirulina
• 2 teaspoons date paste*

Place coconut milk in a high-speed blender and add all other ingredients. Blend until smooth.

*Chef’s tip: You can make fresh date paste by taking one cup of soaked, pitted dates and blending them until smooth. Place in a glass mason jar and store in the refrigerator.

About the author: Chef Nina Curtis is the director and executive chef at Adventist Health’s Vitaliz Café in Roseville, California. Follow her @botanicalchef on social media.