3/4cupfrozen mango chunks (or pineapple, or a mix)
1scoopvanilla protein powder**(optional)
1-2tbspchia, hemp or flax seeds***
1tspvanilla extract(optional)
1/2cupunsweetened plain or vanilla almond or coconut milk
Instructions
Soak the pitted date in about half a cup of hot water to soften it (this can be more or less necessary depending on how good your blender is).
Peel the 1-2 inch piece of ginger with a vegetable peeler or spoon, and chop. If you're new to ginger, start with about 1/2 tbsp.
Juice the orange, either with a juicer (I use this one) or by hand, removing any seeds. This should yield about 1/2 cup of juice. (See note below.)
Add everything to the blender: spinach, OJ, ginger, mango, protein powder, any optional add-ins, and 1/2 c milk (more or less depending on the amount of OJ - you want about 1 c liquid total). Note: If you don't have a NutriBullet or other high-powered blender, you may want to blend just the spinach and liquid first to make sure there aren't any chunks of greens.
Blend until smooth - you may need to add a bit more liquid to help it fully blend. Taste and adjust flavors/textures as you like! I drink smoothies with a wide stainless steel straw like these.
Notes
When oranges are out of season (they peak around January-March), I usually just use water or more milk instead. Coconut water would also be delicious!*Dates are a great source of fiber but its main purpose here is to sweeten the smoothie a bit, so you can sub about 1 tsp of maple syrup or honey instead, or skip it (the fruit usually makes it sweet enough for me).**I love Sunwarrior 'Warrior Blend' organic plant-based protein (see note above). A couple of tbsp of Greek yogurt would be a great sub, or you can skip it, but you might need to add more fruit to thicken the smoothie.***If you skip the protein powder, I'd definitely add at least 2 tablespoons of chia, hemp or flaxseed to make sure it's filling. Of the three, hemp seeds are the best source of protein (about 6 grams in 2 tbsp). See my post on Super Seeds.