Taste the Smoothie Rainbow

Are you tired of the same old strawberry-and-banana smoothie? If you’re into trying something new, then look no further.

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These recipes range across the color and flavor spectrum. They’re beautiful, and absolutely bursting with flavor. I’m positive one of them will become your new addiction.

Red: Watermelon Mojito Smoothie

·      2 1/4 cups watermelon chunks

·      1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries

·      1/4 cup frozen banana chunks

·      15 fresh mint leaves

·      Juice of 1½ limes

·      1 1/2 tsp lemon zest

·      3/4 tbsp chia seeds

·      4 lime wedges, for garnish

The watermelon adds liquid to the smoothie, so add ice depending upon the consistency you desire. This flavor is available for a limited time this summer at Tropical Smoothie Café, but you can have it anytime with this recipe!

Orange: Sweet Potato Smoothie

·      1 cup ice

·      1 cup sweet potatoes

·      ½ banana

·      1/3 cup mango

·      ½ cup pineapple

·      4 raspberries

·      ½ cup Greek yogurt

Make sure to peel and steam the sweet potatoes before putting them into the smoothie. This is a tasty way to get your veggies in for the day, or (in my case) the only way to get me to eat sweet potatoes!

Yellow: Banana Granola Smoothie

·      2 bananas

·      1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

·      1 cup nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt

·      1 cup oats/granola

·      ¼ cup natural peanut butter

·      1 teaspoon cinnamon

·      2-3 large scoops ice or more

I discovered this smoothie flavor when I worked at Lifetime Fitness and another employee was telling me their smoothie order from the Lifetime Café. I decided why to give it a try and I’m so glad I did! I had never tried granola in a smoothie before but when combined with the sweet taste of banana and cinnamon, it is the perfect breakfast flavor. Although, I would down this smoothie any time of day!

Green: Green Machine Smoothie

·      2 cup apples

·      1 cup pineapple juice

·      3/4 cup broccoli florets

·      3/4 cup spinach, lightly packed

·      3/4 cup kale, lightly packed

·      1/2 cup mango, can be frozen

·      1 kiwi

·      1/2 banana

·      Ginger root

This is the Green Machine. If you’ve ever had Naked smoothie juice, then I’m sure you’ve heard of it before. This recipe is a DIY version of that smoothie, and it helps you put some green back into your diet. If you’re anything like me and salads aren’t your first choice for a meal, sneaking some spinach, broccoli and kale into your smoothies could be the answer! The color may look a little intimidating or unappealing but don’t let that fool you, it tastes great!

Blue/Violet: Blueberry Peanut Butter Smoothie

·       1/4 cup whole fat Greek yogurt

·       1/4 to 1/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (1/4 cup for thicker smoothies)

·       1 scoop vanilla protein powder

·       3 tablespoons peanut butter powder (such as PB2)

·       1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

·       1 cup frozen blueberries

·       1 frozen banana, peeled and cut into chunks

Finally, this is my go-to smoothie. Not only does it taste great, but it’s my favorite color. As much as I want to try new ones, I always come back to it! If you love PB&J’s, then this is the flavor for you!

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This array of smoothies is the kind of rainbow you can taste and not feel guilty about! So drop the Skittles and try out these refreshing recipes!

As always,

Be well, Auburn.

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Photography: Julia B.