Cherry Kale & Pineapple Smoothie Popsicle

It’s cherry season! I love cherries and as soon as they hit the local stores, I keep them stocked in my house. They’re an awesome post-dinner, TV watching snack and a great addition to any BBQ.

I am so excited about this cherry new smoothie I’ve been making! It’s so incredibly refreshing on those crazy, hot summer days. I can’t get enough, I’ve made one nearly everyday for a few weeks. It has the tartness of a margarita with all the antioxidants you could order up. Just. So. Good.

My kids began asking for sips of my smoothie which gave me the idea to make them into popsicles. Kids will eat ANYTHING in popsicles, I’m finding. Something about flavored ice on a stick and they all come running.

Have you ever read the ingredients on a box of store bought Popsicles? It’s such a bummer. High fructose corn syrup is usually a top ingredient. You can do so much better without much effort. Popsicles are so easy to make.

I found great BPA free molds I love on Amazon, and I just poured my smoothie in and popped them into the freezer.

The verdict? My kids were covered from head to toe in popsicle juice. They loved them. And I was secretly giggling to myself thinking, they’re eating KALE in a popsicle! They had no idea.

I find that this is the perfect afternoon snack: a refreshing smoothie for me that gives me a boost of energy just when I need it and a healthy popsicle for the kids. Total win-win.

(Note: the green smoothie above was made with Rainier cherries, which are lighter in color so the green of the kale took over. I’ve since begun making them with frozen cherries I bought at Whole Foods. Makes for a quicker and colder smoothie).

Cherry, Kale & Pineapple Smoothie

Ingredients & Directions

• 1/2 cup frozen cherries

• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks

• 3-4 large kale leaves

• 3/4 cup water (less if you’d like a thicker smoothie consistency)

• 2 Tbsp lime juice

Blend together and enjoy as a smoothie or pour into molds for popsicles. Enjoy!