Happy St. Paddy’s Day, everyone! What are you guys doing to celebrate? Dan and I got a head start on celebrations last night and went to another couple’s house for Cocktail Night. The plan was for each couple to choose one type of liquor to be the basis of our cocktails, and then we’d all pick a different recipe to try. What did we make? I have no idea. My cocktail contribution was something called a Fuzzy Rita (Crown Royal, peach schnapps, lime juice, and orange juice), but I don’t remember the names of the other drinks. I can tell you, however, that they were all delicious. Delicious, and lethal.
After four or five drinks last night, I was definitely feeling a little less than awesome this morning. If you guys went out for St. Paddy’s Day last night, I bet you were feeling the same way. Dry mouth, fuzzy brain, achy head? Yup. I needed to detox, in a big way. So, I decided to throw together a pitcher of green smoothies. Yes. Green smoothies. Did I lose you? Wait – hear me out, guys. Green smoothies are not as strange or gross as they sound, I promise. Despite being packed to the gills with vegetables and other good-for-you-things, they’re actually really delicious. They taste light and refreshing, with hints of fruit and cucumber, and every gulp makes you feel clean and good all over. And, they’re green, so they’re perfect for the holiday. Who says you can’t be healthy on St. Paddy’s Day?
- 2 medium pears (I used Anjou pears)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ large cucumber
- 1-1/2 cups orange juice
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- Slice your pears and cucumber into small chunks and throw them into your blender. (You can peel your pears if you want, but I like the texture of these smoothies with the skin thrown in. Same goes for cucumber peels.)
- Add the rest of your ingredients to the blender.
- Blend on high until mixture is smooth and chunk-free. (At this point, you should taste the smoothie to see if you want to add anything else. I personally think the pears and orange juice add just the right amount of sweetness, but if you like your smoothies sweeter, you can add sugar or honey.)
- Pour, serve, and enjoy!
This looks soooo good! I love your photos. I have everything except orange juice. Can I use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice in its place? I will. Off to make it. Thanks!
Thanks, Tia! Yes, I think freshly squeezed grapefruit juice would definitely work as a substitute. You could even use water, but that wouldn’t be as tasty as fresh juice 🙂
I will certainly make this for St. Patrick’s!