Roasted Beet and Cali Yogurt Smoothie
Recipe Redux – Healthy Snacks for Men, Women and Kids recipe challenge
Disclosure: By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Real California Milk products and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
Sometimes the easiest snacks are the ones you can drink. This smoothie makes for a delicious and healthy snack option, especially on one of your heavy workout days. The yogurt supplies protein to help rebuild your worked muscles. The beets contain natural nitrates, which may help you with better oxygenation. The orange is loaded with vitamin C, which is a great antioxidant that helps neutralize cell damage. Walnut oil is a good source of healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. And this smoothie’s vibrant color and great flavor even makes it quite kid-friendly too.

It was especially fun making this recipe because I got to work with Real California yogurt. California leads the nation in producing milk, ice cream and butter, and is ranked second in yogurt and cheese production. Did you know that 99% of California Dairies are family-owned? It always feels good to support the little guys.

I recommend roasting way more beets than the 1 cup needed for this recipe. That way you have the extra beet pieces for salad toppings, or to make even more of these smoothies!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup Real California yogurt, plain, low-fat
1 cup Beets, peeled, diced
1 large Orange, peeled, seeded
1/2 teaspoon Orange zest
5-6 leaves Mint, fresh
1/2 teaspoon Walnut oil
PREPARATION
To roast the beets: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Peel and dice beets. Place beets on to a large sheet of aluminum foil. Lightly season beets with salt and pepper. Fold up sides of aluminum foil so that beets are enclosed inside. Roast beets for about an hour, or until they are easily pierced with a fork. Cool roasted beets in the refrigerator before using.
To make the smoothie: Place yogurt, chilled roasted beets, orange, orange zest, and mint into a blender. Blend until smooth. Drizzle in the walnut oil while still blending.
Garnish with orange slice and/or mint leaves, if desired.
Serve cold.
Makes 2 servings.
