Looking for a quick and nutritious way to fuel your little ones? This Simple Green Smoothie for Toddlers is not just a delicious treat; it's a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals that your kids will love! With just a handful of ingredients and only five minutes of prep time, you can whip up a refreshing drink that's perfect for breakfast or a snack. Packed with greens, fruits, and the goodness of chia seeds, this smoothie will have your toddlers asking for more. Ready to blend your way to a healthier snack? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup kale or spinach
- 1 apple, cored
- 1 banana
- 1 cup water or coconut water
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of kale or spinach, 1 cored apple, 1 banana, 1 cup of water or coconut water, and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds.
- If using kale, wash it thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. If using spinach, also wash it well and remove any tough stems.
- Core the apple and cut it into smaller pieces to make it easier to blend. You can leave the skin on for added nutrients.
- Peel the banana and break it into chunks. This will help it blend more easily with the other ingredients.
- In a blender, combine the washed kale or spinach, cored apple pieces, banana chunks, and chia seeds.
- Pour in 1 cup of water or coconut water. Coconut water adds a slight sweetness and extra electrolytes, which is great for toddlers.
- Secure the lid on the blender and blend on high speed until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. This should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Check the consistency of the smoothie. If it is too thick, add a little more water or coconut water and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness if necessary. If your toddler prefers a sweeter flavor, you can add a small amount of honey or maple syrup, but this is optional and should be done with caution for children under one year of age.
- Once the smoothie is blended to your liking, pour it into cups or a toddler-friendly sippy cup.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest taste and maximum nutrient content.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but note that the smoothie may separate, so give it a good shake or stir before serving again.
Tips
- Choose the Right Greens: While kale is nutrient-dense, spinach has a milder flavor that many toddlers prefer. Experiment with both to see which your child enjoys more!
- Prep Ahead: To save time, wash and chop your greens and fruits in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for quick access on busy mornings.
- Blend in Stages: If your blender struggles with leafy greens, blend the greens and liquid first until smooth, then add the fruits and chia seeds for a creamier texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: If your toddler has a sweet tooth, consider adding a small splash of 100% fruit juice or a few pitted dates for natural sweetness.
- Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and nutrient retention, serve the smoothie right after blending. If you have leftovers, give it a good shake before serving again.
- Make It Fun: Let your toddler help with the blending process! Kids love being involved, and it can make them more excited to drink their greens.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding a scoop of yogurt for creaminess or a tablespoon of nut butter for a protein boost. Just be sure to check for allergies first!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
