Save the trip this year and make your own Shamrock Smoothie to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. All the gorgeous green colour comes from vegetables rather than artificial food colouring, which is not recommended to be consumed regularly. Instead get colour on your plate by eating a rainbow of colourful fruits and vegetables every day and every meal.

Serves 2

1 avocado

2 cups spinach or kale

1 cup cucumber

¼ cup fresh mint or parsley

2 tablespoons spirulina (optional)

1 pear or 1 cup mango (or other light-coloured fruit—berries are wonderful, but they turn it brown)

1.5 cups plain kefir or yogurt (or fortified soy beverage)

¼ cup hemp hearts

1 cup water or OJ (if just using water, one tablespoon of maple syrup is sometimes needed to taste)

1 cup ice 

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to one day.

Recipe by Nicole Fetterly, RD