I don’t normally take my dietary cues from Starbucks but when the temperature climbed upwards of 100F earlier this week, I was reminded of a little discovery I made last year.
It was a glorious late spring day when I found myself out and about (that’s oot and aboot for my American friends — see how much I’ve learned in the short time that I’ve been living here? Who knew that the way I would pronounce these two small words would be akin to having a maple leaf stamped on my forehead. I do feel compelled to note for the record however that I’ve never actually heard a Canadian say oot or aboot – not even a Maritimer – but I get that there is a slight difference in emphasis and I’m happy to go along with the chuckle. Canadians can be kind that way, wink).
Right. Where was I?
So I found myself on the road longer than planned and popped into the closest establishment — a Starbucks — to purchase a bottle of water.
After some small chat, the barista proposed one of the store’s brand new smoothies. Starbucks is in the smoothie business now? I was polite but reluctant and skeptical. Starbucks makes a mighty fine cup of coffee but I anticipated getting strapped with a supersized cloying bevy — you know, dripping with excess sugar on a hot, tired day and I really wasn’t in the mood.
So I asked a lot of questions (I can be like that) and finally decided to try the Sweet Greens Smoothie. Well, not only was it not overly sweet (actually just the right note) — the bigger clincher was that it actually tasted good. Really good. Fresh and perky. How did they pull that off?
It turns out that last year, Starbucks teamed up with Evolution Fresh to test a line of smoothies in select stores (since Evolution Fresh is CA based, I guess we were one of the lucky ones).
Cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices sourced from farms and orchards here in California are used in combination with creamy Greek yogurt and banana to create the Starbucks featured smoothies.
What struck me most about the Sweet Greens Smoothie was the grassy, vibrant taste of the greens – so bright and refreshing. It felt like something I could build right from my garden. So I did.
I’m in no way associated with Starbucks (nor Evolution Fresh) – I just happen to like this drink and I hope you do too.
You just never know where you’re going to get your inspiration, eh?
- 2 generous cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- 4 large Romaine lettuce leaves, coarsely chopped
- 1 handful fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
- ¼ of whole English cucumber, skin-on and coarsely chopped
- ¾ cup apple juice
- 1 cup mango chunks, fresh or frozen
- 1 banana, fresh or frozen
- Generous ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, I used 2%
- 2 shakes ground nutmeg or grated whole nutmeg
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth (if you are using a smaller machine, work incrementally adding ingredients as you go along and scrapping the sides of the blender down with a spatula as necessary).
- Add more fluid as necessary to achieve desired consistency.
Nutmeg & Parsley: The nutmeg and parsley are not for garnish! Don't be tempted to skip them -- they are an integral part of the delicious grassy taste of this beverage (and if you have whole nutmeg, even better, grate some up).
Dairy Free: If you want to make this smoothie dairy free, almond milk might be the best sub for the yogurt in terms of mild flavor but you could also experiment with hemp and/or rice milk.
It’s always nice to be surprised by a store-prepared item isn’t it? I have seen the evolution smoothies at starbucks but was also a little hesistant. Now I have something that’s nutrient dense if I’m on the go! And I can make it at home thanks to your recipe. I would have never thought of adding romaine! What a lovely green awakener.
Dear Kelly, a creative person, like you, can take inspiration from any drinking/eating place in the world, so I’m not surprised it was Starbucks! Actually coffee in most cafés and restaurants in my city is so awful (they have excellent machines, but the coffee itself is bad), Starbucks is one of the rare places serving good coffee actually… so I do have even coffee there from time to time. I never look at other beverages, so I had no idea they served smoothies (but maybe not here)
Your smoothie looks and sounds fantastic! I bet it’s 1000 times better than the Starbucks one. And I cannot take my eyes off the way you have put this spoon. So cute! I warn you: I’ll steal it one day for one of my photographs :-)
Ah, that’s so funny, I was scrambling to find that spoon as I was shooting (it’s a taller ‘parfait’ style spoon) where are your props when you need them? :p Glad you noticed and liked it Sissi (steal away :O). Starbucks makes a heavenly cup of coffee, no dispute there. I usually prefer to drink other bevies in the afternoon though and on that particular day, the ‘sweet greens’ smoothie really hit all the spots :).
I did not know that Starbucks served smoothies. Bet they are pretty pricey. :) I’m sure your smoothie tastes better than the one you bought at Starbucks. It’s got such a beautiful color and look at all those vegetables. I can see that I need to get much more adventurous with my smoothies. Never have added cucumber or herbs to a smoothie, but it sounds and looks very appetizing and you know it’s healthy. Great smoothie Kelly!
right, and they never seem to have a sales rack out at Starbucks either, do they? :p good point MJ — another good reason to make them at home! Herbs have remarkable transformative properties in smoothies – a must try :)
Hey now, I’ve made the acquaintance of East Coasters who sound Canadian.. this is where I first experienced “oot and aboot” LOL! I just didn’t know what I was hearing, comin from Texas! But I can hear you, Kelly, with your stamp!
Your lemon tree is quite spectacular…. so pretty how some are ripe, others, on their way.
I would not expect a smoothie such as this from Starbucks either! What a find when in need! Love how it’s packed with romaine and spinach, with a touch of mango and apple juice. The nutmeg brings out the best in all those flavors! Can’t wait to whip this up… I just need to pick up some yogurt. Thank you for this Kelly! Have a beautiful weekend!
I was delighted to discover the full line of Evolution Fresh juices in the refrigerator section of my Safeway this week… all natural, organic cold-press veg/fruit juice — so nice to have as a back-up (you know when I eventually run out of garden parsley because I seem to be going at it like the dickens in this heat!) You may have this line near you too Traci.
I love the mango in this! I’ve been overloading (in a good way) on mangoes lately :) I saw this at Starbucks recently and wondered about them – glad to hear they’re good — and easy to recreate on your own! Nice!
it’s funny, I rarely use mango in smoothies but I have to say, it’s a delightful addition here — we’ve also been enjoying just nibbling on frozen mango chunks… the past week or so has been so hot; for you too I’m sure Patricia.
Gorgeous smoothie and I just love your photos capturing all that fresh goodness! I’m not sure I’ve ever had romaine lettuce in a smoothie but I suspect it would add some fresh deliciousness along with the parsley and spinach… can’t way to try this combination of ingredients, eh? (hilarious – loved the oots and aboots…). Good on Starbucks for partnering with a local juicer.
Hi Rose, this is the first time I’ve ever used Romaine in a smoothie and loved it! The greens, the lemon, the mango and the creamy yogurt… so yum! We’ve been making this smoothie every.day. for the past week — we are all pleasurably addicted :)
Oh my, it sounds so delicious!!! And your lemon tree, oh I’m so jealous. I probably would have been skeptical of a starbucks smoothie too, but I love that you came up with a version so I can try yours instead. XXX
I’ve got to say, the taste of this homespun version is pretty darn close Sandra! (and truly a fraction of the price :p ) Happy weekend :)
I love fine touch of nutmeg in this smoothie. It surely looks very delicious, Kelly.
the nutmeg plays beautifully here — thanks Angie.
“who knew…the way I would pronounce out and about would be akin to having a maple leaf stamped on my forehead” — such a great line!! Too funny… so are you teased about the oot and aboot after you disclose that you’re Canadian or are you stopped mid-sentence? :) Love the ingredients in this smoothie Kelly and I would have never guessed it was inspired by Starbucks; must investigate our local store but no matter I would prefer your version. Duly noted on the parsley and nutmeg, I won’t leave those out. This looks and sounds so good and I just love your photos! (including that bursting lemon tree…lucky girl).
Hah, both actually Elizabeth! Sometimes as soon as we say we are Canadian, other times in the midst of conversation :) all good — I can barely hear the difference myself — the one that does ring a different sound for me is “route” (which I pronounce oot but is distinctively different here – pronounced with the w sound — rowt. This may also be an east/west thing). Gosh I love fresh parsley… grassy, vibrant, bright — I’ve been using it in everything lately!
Whaaaaat!? Starbucks has GREEN smoothies!? I haven’t seen this at my Starbucks yet….maybe cool California is a bit ahead of the game- but how cool to see that in such a mainstream establishment. I’m so glad it wasn’t overly sweet and sugary!! There’s hope! ;-)
Your version sounds amazing. We have a green smoothie at the cafe I work at, and I always add frozen mango to it when I make one for myself. Such a perfect mix-in for those greens!
you bet sister! And seeing as you’re on the West coast, I wouldn’t be surprised if your local Starbucks does too! I think you would like Evolution Fresh KoKo — all natural, organic cold-pressed fruits/vegetables — lots of goodness by weight! Look out for this brand in the refrigerator section of your local safeway store :)
Wow, go Starbucks. Who would have thought? I wonder if they have that here? A great alternative the quick caffeine fixes I’ve been going for. Love your recipe here! I buy mango chunks from good old Trader Joes and plop them in everything. They add a great taste, don’t they? Never thought to add that bit of nutmeg. Thanks for the inspiration. Also loooove your photos! :) Emilie
Hi Emilie, I’m happy to hear you like the photos… thank you… although I’ve heard they should never be seen together (!), blue and green has always been one of my favorite colour combinations :) the tones appealed to me. I was cursing myself for not having some kiwi swirl straws on hand but you know those paper straws are pretty useless outside of photography — they’re lovely to look at but not durable or recyclable – at least with the plastic, I buy once and keep reusing within our home — a little soap and water does the trick :).
Since buying the frozen mango for this smoothie, I find myself loving it for snack too! It’s been really hot this past week and it’s the perfect refresher. Have a great Sunday.
sounds delicious kelly. i’ll make mine with almond milk (no cow’s products consumed in our house due to intolerances) but i bet it will still taste good. i like the addition of nutmeg, one of my favourite spices, especially when freshly ground. and i can’t get over all your lemons and limes. what a treat!
my mom bought me a jar of whole nutmeg at some point years ago… I’m so glad she did because I’m not sure I would have ever discovered it otherwise (tend to buy ground) what a huge taste difference — fresh grated nutmeg, it turns out, is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Who knew!? :)
Oh yes, oot and aboot gives a Canadian away instantly! Lol. I’m sure there are some things Americans say that are funny to Canadians too. Actually there’s probably a lot!
I haven’t heard of Starbucks new smoothies yet and Id be just as skeptical as you to try it. But your version of it sounds amazing so it must be good. I love how many healthy greens are packed inside!
Hi Sarah, you could probably source this smoothie from your beautiful garden at a fraction of the price that it will cost you at Starbucks… although, I did discover the “sweet greens” smoothie base from Evolution Fresh at Safeway last week and couldn’t resist buying it as back-up! :)
Not sure what gave me the biggest chuckle the “oot and aboot” (in fact that scared me into thinking I’ve been pronouncing it wrong for 20 years) , or the “I can be like that”… I can visualize you, in a super nice, charming way, grilling the poor barista without him even realizing he’s being grilled – “say… a lot of sugar goes into this drink?” “no blanching of the spinach? really? how interesting!” “but the Romaine must be a baby Romaine, right? right?”
:-)
How did you know? Have my kids be leaking information again? ;-) haha, I routinely mortify them with my ways I’m sure. I think the one that really killed them when they were younger is when I would request a “quarter pump” of syrup in their hot chocolate order from Starbucks. Starbucks puts 3 (or 4) long pumps of sugary goo into their hot chocolates and I guess I figured a 1/4 pump was good enough. Big EYEBALL ROLL to mom on that one :D)))