Dine

Summer Sips: Pastel Layer Smoothies

by Jessi Burrone

July 25, 2016

Normally on hot days my go-to sweet treat usually involves my two favorite words: ice cream. While I know that it’s OK to indulge and have a “treat yo self” moment every once in a while, lately I’ve been trying to steer clear of refined sugar… as much as possible. But just because I’ve kicked my sugar habit to the curb doesn’t mean that I can’t satisfy my overly needy sweet tooth. I’ve come to appreciate the satisfying sweetness of fresh fruit (in moderation of course!) and how incorporating it into smoothies can be a treat in itself.

In true LaurenConrad.com fashion, I set out to make a smoothie that was equal parts pretty and nutritious that I could share with all of you. If you’re as indecisive as I am when it comes to choosing a flavor, this smoothie recipe should solve that problem in a pinch! I introduce to you: the pastel layer smoothie. Each layer is a different combination of flavors that coexists to make one delicious drink. Keep scrolling to find out which flavors I used to create the best smoothie I’ve ever had…

Pastel Layer Smoothies

Ingredients:

For the orange-mango layer:

5 cubes of ice
4-6 mango slices
a splash of orange juice

For the strawberry-banana layer:

5 cubes of ice
5 strawberries
1 banana
a splash of almond milk

For the kiwi-greens layer:

5 cubes of ice
2 kiwis
a handful of kale/spinach
a splash of almond milk

Instructions:

1. For the orange-mango layer, put ice into a blender along with a splash of orange juice and mango slices. Blend well. If you find that your orange-mango smoothie isn’t thick enough, try adding more ice and a couple more mango slices. Pour the mixture into a glass and place in the freezer while you’re blending your other two layers.

2. Clean the blender and reuse to make the strawberry-banana layer. Toss ice, strawberries, banana and a splash of almond milk into the blender and blend until smooth. Pour directly on top of the orange-mango layer, and then place back the glass back into the freezer.

3. Clean the blender once again for the final kiwi-greens layer. Blend your ice, kiwi, spinach, kale and almond milk until smooth. Pour the kiwi and greens on top of your strawberry-banana layer.

4. Garnish your pastel layer smoothie with a sprinkle of chia seeds and sliced fruit. Enjoy!