Perfectly Delicous EASY Vegetable Pasta Salad

This family of mine LOVES pasta. I LOVE veggies (and they sort of do...sometimes..depending on the veggie). So what better way to give them the pasta they love and make mom happy than with a Perfectly Delicious Vegetable Pasta Salad. Not only is this salad packed of of nutritious veggies, but it has the heartiness of ultragrain quinoa pasta, tossed with your favorite dressing and kissed with some freshly grated Parmesan. This pasta salad is so versatile - it is great for lunchboxes, dinner on a warm evening, and a crowd-pleaser at picnics and barbecues (Labor Day is fast approaching!)

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Summer Green Smoothie with Pineapple and Cucumber

Green smoothies have reigned supreme in our house for years now. I am always experimenting with different flavors. Usually we return to our favorites, but it is fun to taste test! Recently, I came up with this refreshing recipe starring cucumber and pineapple. It is a HUGE hit and it now our favorite Summer green smoothie!

So, I have a confession, I am not the biggest fan of cucumbers on their own. I mean I like pickles, but not a plain ole cucumber. However, when paired correctly with the right ingredients, even I like them! Ad guess what so do my kiddos!

Well, since it is summer and we are all busy...lets just get to the recipe.  

Pineapple Cucumber Green Smoothie
NOTE: I try to use organic whenever possible

Ingredients

• A really good blender. I have a (affiliate link) Vitamix 5300 Improved 5200 More Powerful, Fits Under Cabinet Model, Black

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 medium green apple, sliced* (See NOTE below)
• 1 small lime, peeled (You can just use the juice if you are in a hurry or feeling lazy!. Too much pith can make a bitter taste. Try to remove as much of the pith as possible when you peel.
• 1/2 small cucumber (or 1/3 of a large cucumber), sliced
• 1 1/2 cups frozen pineapple (You don't have to use frozen, but I like it frozen because it acts as ice and fruit)
• 2+ cups greens. I prefer Power greens mixture, but also use kale. I sometimes mix in spring greens or even broccoli.
• Optional: add 1 Tablespoon flax seed or 1/2 of an avocado 

TIPS AND TRICKS
PLEASE LET ME STRESS THIS...play with your mixture if you do not like it at first.

• If you like less cucumber, add less and add more greens.
• If you don't like the greens, try a different variety, or reduce the greens and add more cucumber.
• If you are new to green smoothies, try some additional pineapple and then gradually reduce the amount as you grow accustomed to the taste.
• If you water a more fluid texture, use more water.

Blend it!
This is my blender (affiliate link)

• I start with the water in my blender.
• Add the apple (You can core it or if you have a good blender, snap of the stem and simply slice it, leaving the seeds* and core). See NOTE below
• Add the lime.
• Add the sliced cucumber.
• Blend for 30 seconds to one minute.
• Add the greens.
• Blend for 30 seconds (maybe more, if necessary).
• Once the components are all blended, it is time for the fruit (also the flax seed if you are adding it).
• Add the pineapple and blend on medium high for about 1 minute.

NOTE/EDIT: My friend Heather shared a link (in the comments) about eating apple seeds and possible poisons released when you grind or macerate them. I learned a different way, but want to make sure you all are informed. I am NOT an expert or doctor. Leave the seeds out if you have any concerns.


Now, all you have to do is ENJOY and let the green goodness make you feel GOOD!

Want to try some more green smoothie goodness...

Here is a recipe for Strawberry Basil Green Smoothies

and a little something about how and when I started drinking green smoothies.

Do you have a favorite green smoothie combination?

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

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