Well, it’s July. I think that means it’s officially smoothie season. So here’s a quickie for ya, a green pina-colada style sipper with all the good stuff. Pineapple, coconut, OJ and kale. I call it the “green-a-colada.” It’s tangy, creamy, tropical, icy and delightful! Full of electrolytes, minerals, vitamins and (most importantly) FLAVOR. Definitely a smoothie home run, y’all. And if you’re like me AKA obsessed with pineapple and coconut this might become your summer staple green drank.

There are two seasons in the year that I can barely be bothered to do anything with food. The first is the post-Christmas, sugar-coma haze doldrums right before New Years. The second is humid summer days in July and August when I’d much rather be out dangling my feet in a pool with a popsicle in my hand than sweating over a pan of vegetables. “It’s too pretty outside to cook” is a phrase that frequently flies through my brain. Besides, the bountiful veg and fruit of Summer need no preparation to taste incredible. Heaven is fresh tomatoes doused in olive oil and flakey sea salt, fresh peaches still warm from the orchards, blueberries eaten right off the bush. So, yeah, the only action my kitchen has been seeing lately is blendifying frozen fruits into colorful concoctions. And that’s A-OK with me. If having more Summer adventures means going out for dinner a bit more frequently then so be it.

How are you guys feeling about cooking in the Summer doldrums? Are you still whipping up a storm or are you keeping it chilled out on the kitchen front? I'd love to hear about what you've been making lately in the comments section below! As always if you make this recipe (or a riff on it) tag me on instagram @willfrolicforfood and #willfrolicforfood

xoxo -- Renee 

Greenacolada AKA Pineapple Coconut Kale Smoothie

Author: Renee Byrd | Will Frolic for Food · Active prep time: 5 mins · Inactive prep time: 0 mins · Cook time: 0 mins · Makes: 1 large serving or two smaller servings · PRINT THIS RECIPE

Notes: 1. Add any neutral or vanilla protein powder for an extra boost. I do two tablespoons hemp hearts as my protein boost of choice. 2. This smoothie is on the sweeter side thanks to fresh orange juice. If you want to cut the sweetness back replace part or all of the orange juice with plant milk (the flavor, as you might guess, will be much less punchy). 3. Make this thicker and more ice cream-like with frozen banana instead of fresh.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen pineapple

• 1 fresh banana

• 1 cup packed, destemmed kale or other greens

• 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice

• 1/4 cup full fat coconut cream

• 1/2 lime, juiced

• 1 tsp maca

• 1/2 cup ice

• 1/2 cup - 1 cup water or plant milk

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients except water/plant milk in a high powered blender. Add 1/2 cup water or plant milk to get your blender going. Blend starting on low and gradually increase to high speed until creamy and kale is fully blended, 1-2 minutes. If too thick for your liking add another 1/2 cup water or plant milk. Serve cold and enjoy!